Microsoft is partnering with ASUS and Dell to introduce two new Cloud PC devices designed specifically for Windows 365 Link. Both devices boot straight into a Windows 365 Cloud PC, store no local data, and ship with a locked-down operating system called Windows CPC. The pitch is simple: secure, low-maintenance endpoints that get users into their cloud desktops in seconds.
Microsoft’s Windows Experience Blog explains this partnership as part of a broader shift. As organizations move more workloads to the cloud, Microsoft argues that endpoint strategy can be simplified, security strengthened, and IT overhead reduced. Stefan Kinnestrand, VP of Modern Work, puts it plainly: these devices “significantly streamline IT management and reduce the attack surface” by removing local apps, local data, and local admin access.
- ASUS NUC 16 for Windows 365
A compact 0.7L mini PC that can sit on a desk or mount behind a display. It supports up to three monitors through HDMI and USB Type C, making it a flexible option for offices, hot‑desking setups, or anywhere space is tight. ASUS positions it as “a powerful and compact Cloud PC device designed for the modern workplace,” emphasizing its lack of local storage and its tight integration with Microsoft Intune. windows.com Availability is planned for the US and Europe in Q3 2026. - Dell Pro Desktop for Windows 365
A fanless, compact desktop built for durability and quiet operation. Like the ASUS model, it supports up to three displays and offers flexible mounting options. Dell’s engineering lead, Elavarasu Krishnan, highlights how the device helps organizations “simplify endpoint management while delivering a reliable, high-quality Windows experience.” windows.com It’s slated for availability in 58 countries in Q3 2026.
Both devices run Windows CPC, a minimal OS that updates automatically and is managed through Intune. Microsoft also previewed upcoming Windows CPC improvements arriving in Q2 2026, including Bluetooth pairing during setup and tenant branding on the sign‑in screen.
This announcement isn’t just about two new boxes. It’s about Microsoft continuing to define what a Cloud PC endpoint should look like. The company launched Windows 365 Link in 2024 as the first device built specifically for instant Cloud PC access. Now it’s expanding that category with OEM partners, signaling that Cloud PCs are becoming a real hardware segment rather than a niche experiment.
A few trends stand out:
- Security by design
With no local data, no local apps, and no local admin accounts, these devices reduce the attack surface dramatically. That’s a compelling story for industries like healthcare, retail, and manufacturing, which Microsoft says are already adopting Windows 365 Link. windows.com - Predictable IT management
Everything is managed through Intune, updates are automatic, and the OS is locked down. For organizations juggling hybrid work, shared workstations, or high turnover, this is a clean, low‑friction model. - Cloud‑first workflows
Booting directly into a Cloud PC shifts the mental model. The device becomes a portal, not a workstation. That’s a big cultural shift, but one that aligns with Microsoft’s long‑term cloud ambitions.
Microsoft is clearly betting that Cloud PCs will become a mainstream option for businesses that want predictable performance, centralized management, and strong security without the overhead of traditional desktops. By partnering with ASUS and Dell, the company is giving IT departments more form factors and more global availability, which should help accelerate adoption.
And with Windows CPC getting new features like Bluetooth pairing and tenant branding, Microsoft is smoothing out the onboarding experience so these devices feel less like locked‑down terminals and more like modern, branded corporate hardware.
