As organizations increasingly transition their workloads to the cloud, they find themselves with an opportunity to refine their endpoint strategies, enhancing both management and scalability for IT departments. In 2024, Microsoft unveiled Windows 365 Link, marking the inception of a new category of devices specifically designed to connect users to their Windows 365 Cloud PCs in mere seconds. This innovative class of Cloud PC devices not only simplifies IT management but also diminishes the attack surface for organizations. With minimal configuration requirements, built-in security features that cannot be disabled, and the absence of local data, applications, and admin users, these devices present a fortified approach to endpoint management.
New Collaborations for Enhanced Cloud PC Devices
To provide organizations with a broader selection of secure and easily manageable endpoints as they embrace Windows in the cloud, Microsoft is collaborating with leading commercial PC OEMs to broaden the Cloud PC device portfolio. Today, two upcoming Cloud PC devices from ASUS and Dell have been announced:
- ASUS NUC 16 for Windows 365 is a robust mini-PC featuring an ultra-compact 0.7L design, making it suitable for various environments or discreetly mounted behind displays. It supports up to three displays through HDMI and USB Type-C connectivity, with general availability expected in Europe and the United States by the third quarter of 2026.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Microsoft to launch the NUC 16 for Windows 365, a powerful and compact Cloud PC device designed for the modern workplace. We provide a secure, responsive environment that eliminates the need for local data storage. With its ~0.7L form factor and Microsoft Intune integration, it is the ultimate solution for efficient hot-desking and simplified IT management.” – KuoWei Chao, General Manager of NUC Business Unit, ASUS
- Dell Pro Desktop for Windows 365 is a compact, fanless desktop engineered for durability and quiet operation, supporting up to three displays with versatile connectivity and flexible mounting options to create a streamlined workspace. This device is also set for general availability in 58 countries by the third quarter of 2026.
“We’re excited to see the Cloud PC category continue to evolve and give organizations new, streamlined ways to create productive and secure digital workspaces. Working closely with Microsoft, we look forward to sharing more about the Dell Pro Desktop for Windows 365 and how it can help organizations simplify endpoint management while delivering a reliable, high-quality Windows experience.” – Elavarasu Krishnan, Vice President, Dell Software Engineering.
All Cloud PC devices boot directly into Windows 365, allowing users to engage with a secure and familiar Windows desktop experience in the Microsoft Cloud, complete with responsive, high-fidelity interactions. Management is straightforward through Microsoft Intune, as these devices come preinstalled with a locked-down operating system, Windows CPC, which receives automatic updates. Key updates for the Windows CPC operating system are slated for release in the second quarter of 2026 and will include:
- Support for pairing Bluetooth® devices during the out-of-box experience
- Support for tenant branding, enabling customization of wallpaper, logos, and names on the sign-in screen
The initial Cloud PC device, Windows 365 Link, is currently available in 20 countries through Microsoft or authorized resellers, with plans for further expansion into new markets. The enthusiasm surrounding the adoption of Windows 365 and Windows 365 Link across various industries—including manufacturing, retail, healthcare, professional services, and telecommunications—has been palpable. As additional Cloud PC devices are introduced later this year, the anticipation grows for how organizations will leverage the power, simplicity, and security offered by Windows 365.
For more information about Windows 365 Link, visit the Windows 365 website. To learn more about the ASUS NUC 16 for Windows 365, visit the ASUS website. For details on the Dell Pro Desktop for Windows 365, check out the Dell blog.
