Windows Intros 365 Link, A Black Box That Does Nothing But Connect To Microsoft's Cloud

Microsoft's Windows 365 Link has reached general availability, although some may question its value.

The Windows 365 Link is a small black box that connects over the internet to a Windows 365 Cloud PC running in the Azure cloud. Microsoft has priced it at $349 (£349), and its real utility is to those fully invested in Microsoft's cloudy vision.

The diminutive widget, which measures 120 mm (4.72 inches) x 120 mm x 30 mm (1.18 inches), weighs 418 grams (14.75 ounces) and is designed to discreetly sit behind or below a monitor. It has an HDMI port, a USB-C port, and three USB-A ports, so connecting peripherals like a keyboard and mouse shouldn't be a problem.

Windows 365 Link

There's also an Ethernet socket, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi support – but that's about it. The device has no local storage to speak of. Microsoft notes: "The device's local processing capabilities enable high-performance video playback and conferencing, including high-fidelity Microsoft Teams meetings."

To use the device, it must be within an organization – for indeed, it is aimed at employees – using Windows 365 with Microsoft Intune and Microsoft Entra ID. Supported editions include Windows 365 Enterprise, Windows 365 Frontline, and Windows 365 Business. Windows 365 Government is currently not supported. The reduced attack surface area will serve to boost security, fingers crossed, and Microsoft also reckons the hardware will simplify management.

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Microsoft is not the first to introduce a thin client – not by a long shot – which connects to resources running on a server (in this case, one in Azure). However, the price could be seen as relatively high when customers consider what else can be picked up. Dell's OptiPlex 3000 Thin Client, for example, can be purchased for £287.75 ($469). At the other end of the scale, Apple's latest Mac Mini can be had for £599 ($599).

The Windows giant has a niche it is aiming for: Desk-based or frontline workers in shared workspaces. Yet the price of "the first Cloud PC device purpose-built by Microsoft to connect securely to Windows 365 in seconds" may deter some customers considering its limitations.

Users can access Windows 365 Cloud PCs through web browsers or the Windows App. And now, the Windows 365 Link.

The device is available from "select resellers" including Ricoh UK and Insight Enterprises in the US. ®