cloud PC Archives

Winsage

February 27, 2026

Microsoft’s new mini PCs skip Windows and get you right where your work is

Microsoft introduced Windows 365 Link in 2024, allowing PCs to boot directly into Office applications without the traditional Windows operating system. This service requires minimal hardware, enabling users to utilize lightweight devices for cloud operations. Microsoft has partnered with manufacturers to create mini PCs for Windows 365 Link, including the Asus NUC 16 and Dell Pro Desktop, both launching in the third quarter of 2026. The Asus NUC 16 has a 0.7L form factor, supports three displays, and integrates with Microsoft Intune. The Dell Pro Desktop can be used vertically or horizontally, also supports three displays, and features a fanless design for silent operation. Both devices aim to enhance productivity and simplify IT management.

Winsage

February 26, 2026

Announcing new Cloud PC devices designed for Windows 365

In 2024, Microsoft launched Windows 365 Link, a new category of devices designed for quick access to Windows 365 Cloud PCs, enhancing IT management and security. Microsoft is collaborating with ASUS and Dell to expand the Cloud PC device portfolio. The ASUS NUC 16 for Windows 365 is a mini-PC with a 0.7L design, supporting up to three displays, expected to be available in Europe and the U.S. by Q3 2026. The Dell Pro Desktop for Windows 365 is a compact, fanless desktop that also supports three displays and will be available in 58 countries by Q3 2026. Both devices boot directly into Windows 365 and are managed through Microsoft Intune. Key updates for the Windows CPC operating system are planned for Q2 2026, including Bluetooth pairing support and tenant branding features. Windows 365 Link is currently available in 20 countries, with plans for market expansion.

Winsage

January 22, 2026

The Windows PC is dying, thanks to cloud-based services and AI

Microsoft has introduced several innovations in Windows, including Windows 365 Boot, which allows users to access a personalized cloud desktop without a local operating system. Windows 365 Switch enables seamless transitions between local and hosted sessions, making a cloud PC function like a regular desktop. The Windows App supports various services such as Azure Virtual Desktop and Remote Desktop Services, and is compatible with multiple devices, including Macs, iPhones, iPads, other Windows machines, web browsers, Linux PCs, Chromebooks, Android devices, and even Meta Quest VR headsets.

Winsage

January 20, 2026

Microsoft issues emergency patch for latest Windows bugs

Microsoft released the January Patch Tuesday update on January 13, 2026, addressing over 110 security vulnerabilities. The update introduced bugs affecting Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows Server. The first issue involves authentication failures when connecting to a Cloud PC via Remote Desktop, primarily affecting Windows 11 25H2, Windows 10 22H2 ESU, and Windows Server 2025. The second issue affects systems with Secure Launch enabled, causing unexpected restarts instead of shutting down or entering hibernation mode, specifically impacting Windows 11 23H2. Microsoft has released emergency patches for the affected versions, which include: - Windows 11, versions 25H2 and 24H2 (KB5077744) - Windows 11, version 23H2 (KB5077797) - Windows 10, version 22H2 ESU and Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 (KB5077796) - Windows Server 2025 (KB5077793) - Windows Server 2022 (KB5077800) - Windows Server 2019 and Enterprise LTSC 2019 (KB5077795)

Winsage

October 30, 2025

Immersive productivity with Windows and Meta Quest: Now generally available

The Mixed Reality Link and the Windows App for Meta Quest are now generally available, enabling full capabilities of Windows 11 and Windows 365 for mixed reality headsets. Users can connect to their local Windows PC or Windows 365 Cloud PC, access multiple high-resolution virtual monitors, and create private workspaces. The v81 release of Meta’s Horizon OS allows all users to access this experience without experimental settings. Connecting a Meta Quest 3 or 3S headset to Windows involves installing Mixed Reality Link and pairing the device. Feedback from the community since the Public Preview in December 2024 has led to improvements in connection reliability and higher resolution virtual monitors.

Winsage

October 20, 2025

I used Linux exclusively for five months instead of Windows, and I was surprised by what I didn’t miss

Five months ago, the author started using open-source operating systems, beginning with Linux Mint and eventually transitioning to Fedora KDE Plasma. Initially concerned about losing essential applications, they found that most of their favorite tools, such as Discord and Google Chrome, were available on Linux, with only Paint.net and ShareX lacking Linux versions. They adapted to using alternatives like Pinta and Spectacle. The author also overcame initial concerns about Linux's user-friendliness, gaining a better understanding of Terminal commands. Although they maintained a dual-boot setup with Windows 10, their usage of Windows has significantly decreased, and they no longer miss the Windows experience. The author has grown comfortable with Fedora and is considering fully transitioning away from Windows in the future.

Winsage

September 10, 2025

5 ways to run Windows apps on MacOS – and 2 are free

VirtualBox is a free virtual machine manager that allows users to run Windows as a guest OS on MacOS. Kegworks is a free implementation of Wine for MacOS, optimized for versions 10.15.4 and later, supporting Windows applications and games. CrossOver is a paid solution that simplifies running Windows applications on MacOS, offering a free trial and user-friendly documentation. Parallels is a hypervisor that enables seamless virtualization of Windows and Linux on MacOS, available for a subscription with a free trial. Windows 365 Cloud PC is a cloud-based service that provides virtual Windows PCs, requiring a stable internet connection, with plans starting at a monthly fee.

Winsage

August 15, 2025

Microsoft’s Windows future is built on AI, voice, cloud, and context

Pavan Davuluri, head of Windows + Devices at Microsoft, discussed the integration of artificial intelligence, voice interaction, and cloud computing in Windows. He introduced Windows 365 Link, a device for seamless access to Windows 365, emphasizing a streamlined user experience. The hybrid computing model, first mentioned by CEO Satya Nadella, is central to Microsoft's strategy, with features like Copilot enhancing productivity. Davuluri noted a revival of voice interaction in Windows, with advancements in multimodal computing and features like Copilot Vision for conversational user interaction. He acknowledged uncertainty about the future of Microsoft's Surface devices but emphasized a commitment to hardware innovation.

Winsage

August 13, 2025

MS sells cloud VMs for when Windows 11 inevitably breaks

Microsoft has launched Windows 365 Reserve, a service that allows organizations to transition users to temporary virtual machines (VMs) in the cloud during device failures. This service provides employees with access to a secure Cloud PC for up to 10 days, minimizing downtime. The cloud-hosted VMs can be managed through Microsoft Intune, but accessing them requires a secondary device with a web browser or the Windows App. Scaling may be a challenge, as multiple simultaneous users could face resource limitations due to Azure capacity constraints. Applications for the gated beta are open to Microsoft customers, MVPs, or partners with specific licensing requirements, and successful applicants will receive complimentary access for up to 12 weeks.

Winsage

July 22, 2025

Forrester study reveals Windows 365 Link enhances productivity and security, projects ROI up to 195%

Shared PCs have challenges in security, compliance, and IT support due to the lack of individual logins. Windows 365 Link, launched in April 2025, aims to address these issues by providing a secure, cloud-powered Windows experience for shared environments. A Forrester study commissioned by Microsoft indicates that implementing Windows 365 Link can yield a return on investment of up to 195% over six years for organizations with 2,000 employees and 500 contractors. The projected financial benefits include: - End-user productivity gains: 22%-30% of unproductive time saved, translating to .4 million – .3 million. - Strengthened security: Savings of .5 million – .7 million from devices without local data and passwordless authentication. - Reduced hardware costs: Savings of .8 million – .2 million over six years by transitioning from traditional desktops. - IT time savings: Up to 90% savings on provisioning and decommissioning tasks, amounting to .9 million – .5 million. - Accelerated onboarding: Savings of ,000 – ,000 from faster onboarding of new desk-based workers. Users reported significant improvements in productivity, security, and cost-effectiveness with Windows 365 Link, citing reduced setup times and enhanced operational efficiency. The device is managed via Microsoft Intune, enhancing security by eliminating local administrators. Windows 365 Link is expected to be more cost-effective than traditional laptops or desktops, with an extended lifecycle. Availability is expanding to new markets, including Denmark, France, India, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Switzerland later this year.