Since we first announced Windows 365 Link — the simple, secure, purpose-built device for Windows 365 — at Microsoft Ignite last year, we have been energized to see organizations deploying it in shared spaces ranging from retail stores to factory floors and even clean rooms. We have highlighted how, according to a Microsoft commissioned Forrester TEI study, it is projected to deliver a substantial return on investment up to 195% over six years for a composite organization replacing desktops for frontline and knowledge workers.* This year at Microsoft Ignite, we’re highlighting what’s new for Windows 365 Link and diving deeper into how it can boost productivity and strengthen security while helping you optimize IT investments — particularly for your frontline. Tune into our upcoming Microsoft Ignite 2025 breakout session and read on to learn more.
“Windows 365 Link provides secure access to cloud desktops, transforming hardware-dependent services into agile, cloud-based solutions. In shared environments, it offers a low-cost alternative without sacrificing user experience. In Retail, it will boost security, supporting a zero-trust model that safeguards critical customer systems while removing friction.”
- Matt Harkness, Product Manager Modern Workplace, One NZ
“Regeneron uses the power of science to bring new medicines to patients in need. By standardizing on Windows 365 Link devices across our clean room environments, we’ve minimized endpoint maintenance and enabled seamless hotdesking. This shift not only lowers operational costs but also enhances compliance and manufacturing agility as we can implement data integrity controls centrally and immediately.”
- Matt Humphreys, Senior Director of Global Enterprise Operations IT, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Windows 365 Link devices are configured out of the box to receive regular updates to enhance the end-user experience and streamline IT management. Recent updates include:
- Support for use with Windows 365 Reserve Cloud PCs, making Windows 365 Link a great backup option when someone’s primary desktop is unavailable due to hardware failure.
- Support for voice access to enhance accessibility, enabling users to control their PC and insert text using voice commands, without needing a keyboard or mouse.
- Support for smart card redirection, enabling authentication to apps and websites in a Cloud PC through a smart card reader.
- Support for users with multiple Cloud PCs to choose which Cloud PC to connect to after initial sign-in.
Connection Center showing multiple Cloud PCs after sign-in
Looking ahead, here are some key updates targeted for release in the first quarter of 2026:
- Support for pairing Bluetooth® devices during the out-of-box experience, so you can use a wireless keyboard and mouse to set up the device.
- Support for tenant branding including setting a custom wallpaper, logo, and name on the sign-in screen, so you can provide a tailored experience for your employees.
- The ability for IT to restore a device to its original factory default state using a bare metal recovery image, providing one more way to recover the device in case you need to join it to another tenant.
- Improvements to the sign-in experience to support a broader set of interactive authentication experiences when connecting to Cloud PCs.
We have heard that organizations appreciate how Windows 365 Link devices support high-fidelity Microsoft Teams meetings, and they also want support for media redirection with partner solutions. We are happy to share that Webex by Cisco and Zoom are actively working to enable high-fidelity meetings on Cloud PC devices. The Webex VDI Plugin for optimizing meeting experiences on Cloud PC devices is targeted for preview release in the first half of 2026. Additional third-party communication app providers who are interested in enabling a plugin for Windows 365 Link can reach out via this form.
Windows 365 Link is now available in 13 countries and will expand early next year to seven more. If you want to purchase Windows 365 Link for desk-based and frontline users in your organization, contact your Microsoft account team or authorized resellers in Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Availability will further expand to Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Singapore, and Spain starting in February 2026.
*ROI estimate is based on a commissioned study conducted by Forrester Consulting on behalf of Microsoft, New Technology: The Projected Total Economic Impact™ of Windows 365 Link, July 2025. The Forrester study findings are for a composite organization with 2,000 employees, 500 contractors and $4 billion in annual revenue informed by interviews with six IT decision-makers who had experience using Windows 365 Link and survey responses from 212 IT decision-makers and end-user managers who had experience with or interest in using Windows 365 Link. ROI projections reflect perceived benefits reported by participants and are not guaranteed.
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