Microsoft is expanding its dedicated hardware lineup for Windows 365 cloud PC services and launching two new mini hosts built by partners to further strengthen the application scenario of "renting a Windows computer in the cloud for office work".
Windows 365 is a cloud virtual PC service provided by Microsoft. Users can remotely use Windows computers hosted in cloud data centers without the need for local high-performance hardware. It is mainly targeted at enterprises and office scenarios. It is an extension of the same cloud streaming idea as the game-oriented Xbox Cloud Gaming. As early as 2024, Microsoft released Windows 365 Link, the first light client device for this service, and now it has added two new partner devices on this basis.
One of the new products comes from ASUS, with the model number “ASUS NUC 16 for Windows 365”. This is a very small mini host with a volume of about 0.7 liters. It can be installed directly on the back of the monitor. Its overall shape is similar to the previous Windows 365 Link, and it is also positioned as a dedicated terminal for accessing Windows 365. The device supports connection to up to three monitors, and is equipped with two USB Type-A interfaces and one USB Type-C interface on the front of the fuselage for easy connection of USB peripherals such as keyboard and mouse. It also provides a headphone interface to meet audio needs.
Another device is launched by Dell and is called “Dell Pro Desktop for Windows 365”. It adopts a small desktop form and supports vertical placement. Microsoft says it has "flexible installation methods" and can be used to create a tidier office desktop environment. Similar to the ASUS model, this device also reserves peripheral interfaces on the front of the fuselage and supports output for up to three monitors, adapting to multi-screen office needs.
Microsoft said the two new devices will be available to enterprise customers in the third quarter of this year. ASUS's ASUS NUC 16 for Windows 365 will first hit the US and European markets, while Dell's Dell Pro Desktop for Windows 365 will be available in 58 countries or regions around the world, with wider coverage.
However, Windows 365 is currently not open to ordinary consumers and is still available to business and enterprise customers. For individual users who want to "rent a Windows PC in the cloud," other third-party cloud PC options still need to be considered. In addition, there are restrictions on the national and regional availability of Windows 365, and Microsoft must deploy corresponding infrastructure locally to ensure low enough latency and a smooth experience. However, Microsoft is continuing to update the list of supported regions and gradually opening services to more markets.
At the same time as this hardware update, Microsoft also previewed two upcoming feature upgrades for Windows 365 in 2026. One is that users can connect Bluetooth peripherals during the initial configuration (onboarding) process, simplifying the first-time use experience. Second, the login interface will support enterprise-customized brand elements, including company logo, name, and customized wallpapers, thereby continuing a unified corporate visual image on cloud PCs. Currently, the Windows 365 cloud PC login interface still uses a customized version based on the Windows 11 "Bloom" wallpaper. Microsoft also provides a 4K download link for this wallpaper for users to use on their local PC.
Microsoft says more technical details about the new hardware and related updates can be found in the latest announcement on the official Windows blog:
https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2026/02/26/announcing-new-cloud-pc-devices-designed-for-windows-365/