A few months ago, Microsoft introduced the Copilot+ PC, marking the beginning of a new era in computing. These devices stand out for being ARM-based and equipped with specialized processors designed to leverage AI capabilities through TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second).
However, Microsoft is not stopping there. According to a report from Windows Central, the company has unveiled an intriguing new concept: a desktop PC with cloud boot functionality. This innovative approach raises questions about whether this could represent the future of personal computing.
Windows 365 Link: the desktop PC concept that runs Windows 11 in the cloud
This innovative device, named Windows 365 Link, is designed to run Windows 11 entirely in the cloud via Windows 365, streaming the operating system online rather than running it locally.
Features of Windows 365 Link
- Fast Cloud Boot: The mini PC can boot into Windows 11 quickly and resume sleep mode in seconds, ensuring a seamless user experience.
- High-Resolution Support: It supports dual-screen streaming with up to 4K resolution, making it ideal for multitasking or professional workflows.
- Comprehensive Connectivity: The device includes multiple ports:
- USB Type-A
- USB Type-C
- Audio jack
- Ethernet port
- HDMI and DisplayPort
- Advanced Wireless Support: It is equipped with Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E for reliable, high-speed wireless connectivity.
This compact device truly lives up to its name as a mini PC, measuring just 120 x 120 x 30 mm—smaller than even the Mac mini. Despite its small size, it packs 8 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage, and an Intel chip at its core to handle all processing tasks. However, details about the specific chip are yet to be revealed.
Microsoft also announced that the new Windows 365 Link is designed to deliver a seamless user experience. It boasts incredibly fast startup times, booting up in just a few seconds. On top of that, it’s built to stay connected—both to the internet and to a cloud-based Windows 11 PC.
There’s a catch, though an internet connection is essential to use this device. Without it, functionality is lost. Another point worth noting is that it doesn’t include an NPU (Neural Processing Unit). However, Microsoft plans to update Copilot+ features to ensure many functions can run even without an NPU, which minimizes this limitation.
Targeted primarily at business users, the Windows 365 Link is set to launch in April 2025 at an estimated price of $340. Keep in mind that this price doesn’t cover the cost of the Windows 365 subscription, which is required to operate the device.
How does Windows 365 Link work?
This is an intriguing question, and fortunately, Microsoft has shared some insights. The mini PC runs an operating system based on Windows, although the exact version hasn’t been specified. According to sources at *Windows Central*, this OS is likely a streamlined version of Windows CorePC, referred to as NXT.
This operating system handles everything from local configurations and logins to screen management. The device is designed to connect to a Windows 11 PC in the cloud, providing users with a comprehensive experience.
With this setup, users can access all the features and functions of Windows 11, including the ability to join Microsoft Teams meetings, for instance. Whether this marks the future of computing is uncertain, but Microsoft is clearly making strides in presenting a new direction for the operating system. Their goal is to create a fully functional, accessible version of Windows that users can rely on whenever they need it. This time, they’re exploring a subscription-based model for the OS.
Such devices could be particularly useful in environments like schools or shared office spaces, where multiple users need to access their personal computing environments on a daily basis. In these settings, it won’t matter which PC you’re using, as it will always connect to your personalized Windows 11 cloud instance. While this all sounds promising, it remains to be seen how users will embrace this new approach.
