Microsoft's dedicated cloud PCs called Windows 365 Link are coming to Germany

Microsoft is also bringing its dedicated cloud PC to Germany. The mini PC called "Windows 365 Link" is reminiscent of a thin client, as the entire operating system and applications are provided by Microsoft's servers. Moderate hardware equipment is sufficient for this, as only a connection to the cloud needs to be established for operation. The devices are primarily intended as low-cost, stationary company PCs which, according to Microsoft, can be maintained remotely and are more secure than standard PCs.

The company presented the dedicated cloud PC for Microsoft Windows 365 last fall at the Ignite in-house trade fair and promised its launch in "selected markets" in April 2025. In addition to Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the UK and the USA, this also includes Germany, as Microsoft now explains. Bechtle AG is named as the source of supply. It is unclear whether other dealers will be added.

Many connections in a compact housing

The Windows 365 Link is fanless and has enough computing power to run video conferencing applications locally. Microsoft calls this its own MS Teams and Cisco Webex. Peripherals can be connected via four USB ports, three type A and one type C; Bluetooth 5.3 is available for wireless input devices. Headsets etc. can be connected via a 3.5 mm audio port. An Ethernet port (1 Gbit/s) and Wi-Fi 6E are also on board for connecting to the network. Two 4K screens can also be connected via DisplayPort and HDMI. There is also a Kensington lock.

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Windows 365 Link (4 Bilder)

All of this fits into a Windows 365 Link case measuring just 120 x 120 x 30 millimetres, which also weighs just 418 grams. The mini PC uses Intel's N250 mobile processor (codenamed Twin Lake) with four cores and a clock speed of up to 3.8 GHz, which is supported by 8 GB of LPDDR5 main memory and 64 GB of flash memory.

Microsoft emphasizes the higher security of the cloud

Microsoft had already explained the advantages of a cloud PC over conventional PCs when it was announced in November. First and foremost, the company cites security, as the cloud is generally more secure. Furthermore, the cloud systems are easy to manage, as they can be administered in Microsoft's Intune in parallel to the existing clients. The mini PC also starts up in just a few seconds, as there are no local applications and no hard disk for your own files – everything is in the cloud.

The Windows 365 Link is initially only available from one retailer in Germany for 419 euros. In the long term, OEMs will also manufacture such cloud PCs, as Microsoft announced last fall. Corresponding offers could appear in the course of 2025.

(fds)