The desktop computer is becoming ever smaller, as evidenced by the recent announcement of the new Mac mini M4. Apple is not alone in this segment and many models exist under Windows, whether with Intel (NUC) or Chinese manufacturers. Microsoft will join them by launching its first mini-PC in 2025, but it will have a funny twist.
Microsoft's small desktop computer does not join the Surface range, but rather the Windows 365 cloud offering. Called Windows 365 Link, the machine was specially designed to promote the merits of cloud computing. It will allow you to use Windows 11 and Microsoft's main online services, including the Office 365 suite.
A PC with remote Windows, what if it was the future of desktop computers?
Microsoft does not dwell on the technical characteristics of the Link, simply evoking a device “compact, lightweight and designed to maximize productivity with its extremely responsive performance”. Windows 365 Link measures 120 x 120 x 30 mm and is cloud-optimized to get you started “a few seconds” and go out “instantly” from sleep mode. It supports two 4K displays and has four USB ports (two rear USB-A 3.2 ports and one USB-A 3.2 port, one rear USB-C 3.2 port, one Ethernet port, as well as Bluetooth 5.3 and wifi 6E Finally, we learn that it will not need a fan and that it uses a chip to process the video. The choice of internal components does not really matter. as this PC is designed to work with the cloud.
According to Windows Central, there's a low-power Intel processor with 8GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. There's no onboard NPU, but that won't stop the machine from supporting Copilot+ features. Indeed, Microsoft plans to update Windows 365 next year to support these advanced AI functions.
Microsoft's PC cloud is primarily aimed at the business world and serves as a showcase for Windows 365. Launched in 2021, the subscription provides remote access to a Windows PC, essentially targeting professionals and businesses. Microsoft says its mini-PC is particularly secure since its locked operating system does not store data or applications. There are also no local administrators, which avoids problems related to data storage and administrator rights.
A first mini-PC that calls for others
Microsoft announces that its Windows 365 Link computer will be available in April 2025, priced at $349. A price that does not include the amount of the Windows 365 subscription.
The American giant also promises not to stop there and declares: “We will create more devices and form factors, adapting with our partners in the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) ecosystem, to unlock more value and options. We will have more information to share in the future on this topic”. We can expect the firm to make its skills available to its partners and builders. Several computer manufacturers (HP, Dell, Lenovo, etc.) already offer very light machines at comparable prices. However, Microsoft is convinced that it can offer better and this project could help it develop other Cloud PCs with Windows, a subject that is close to the Redmond firm's heart.
Subscribe to Journal du Geek
Last year, the lawsuit between Microsoft and the FTC shed light on the Windows creator's plans. The company aims to migrate its famous operating system to the cloud, for professionals and individuals alike. This type of machine would help make the dematerialized computer essential in the world of tomorrow.
???? To not miss any news on the Journal du Geek, subscribe on Google News. And if you love us, we have a newsletter every morning.
