Microsoft Unveils Its Own Mac Mini Alternative: The Windows 365 Link

Microsoft has announced the Windows 365 Link, a cloud-powered mini-PC, according to The Verge.

Unlike traditional mini-PCs such as Apple’s Mac mini, the Windows 365 Link is designed exclusively for the cloud. It runs Windows 11 not locally, but entirely in the cloud. This means users cannot install any local applications or software on the device. Aimed primarily at corporate users, the Windows 365 Link facilitates seamless transitions to virtual machines, offering businesses an efficient way to transition employees to cloud-based workflows.

"We want the focus of Link to be the Windows 365 part of it. We want to make it as simple and efficient as possible for you to be able to access your cloud PC. Our goal really is for the device itself to be as transparent as possible, so we minimize the steps for you from setup, to login, to handoffs and transitions," xplained Pavan Davuluri, Microsoft’s head of Windows and Surface, in an interview with The Verge.

Specifications

The Windows 365 Link is powered by an unspecified Intel processor, featuring 8GB of RAM and 64GB of onboard storage. Microsoft emphasizes that the device is exceptionally secure since it doesn’t run any local applications.

Connectivity options include:

• Rear Ports: Two USB-A 3.2, one USB-C 3.2, DisplayPort, HDMI, and Ethernet.
• Front Port: One USB-A 3.2.

Additionally, the device supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for modern wireless connectivity.

Pricing and Availability

The Windows 365 Link is set to launch in April 2025 with a price tag of $349. However, to fully utilize the device, users will need a Windows 365 subscription, which starts at $28 per month.