Microsoft has introduced its first cloud PC device – Windows 365 Link. The key feature of the device is that it has the same dimensions as Apple’s M4 Mac Mini that was launched last week. While the size is comparable, Windows 365 Link’s features are relatively lighter. It’s a compact black box with several ports on the back, but the internal components of the two computers are quite different. The main function of Windows 365 Link is that it works exclusively only on the cloud, but the Mac Mini is a fully functional computer.

Microsoft considers Windows 365 Link to be perfect for corporate users. Instead of investing in bulky and expensive hardware, this ultra-compact and budget-friendly device relies on an Internet connection to stream Windows from a more powerful computer in the cloud. Essentially, it is designed as a terminal for running cloud-based virtual machines.

Details about its technical specifications are scarce. There is speculation that the Windows 365 Link will have 8GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and an Intel processor. However, specific details have not been disclosed yet. However, the capabilities of the hardware are secondary, as its primary function is to provide a cloud-powered computing experience.

On the back, the Windows 365 Link has two USB-A ports, DisplayPort, HDMI, and a USB-C port with Ethernet. It is also equipped with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless connectivity.

Microsoft’s Windows 365 Link will be available next year and will cost $349. It also requires a Windows 365 subscription, which starts at $28 per month. Comparing it to Apple’s M4 Mac Mini, it costs only $250 more but has much better hardware. The Mac mini M4 and M4 Pro models are now available in India, starting at Rs 59,900.

windows 365 link features

Windows 365 Link is built with security at its core, leveraging Microsoft’s extensive experience in securing Windows and Xbox systems against hackers. This device runs only a minimal operating system designed to help users connect to Windows 365 cloud PCs quickly and securely. It does not support running local applications.

The Link device is designed for efficiency, booting in seconds, resuming instantly from sleep, and using dedicated chips to handle video processing for platforms like Microsoft Teams and Cisco Webex. Additionally, it will join Microsoft’s CoPilot Plus lineup, which was previously brand exclusive to some laptops.

Pavan Davuluri, head of Windows and Surface at Microsoft, told *The Verge* that as the cloud PC category continues to grow, Microsoft plans to expand its offerings by 2025 and collaborate with OEM partners. This suggests that other manufacturers will also produce Windows 365 Link devices. In future.