Key Points
• Microsoft has partnered with ASUS and Dell to expand its Cloud PC device portfolio with the ASUS NUC 16 and Dell Pro Desktop for Windows 365, both launching in 2026.
• These new cloud-connected PC devices boot directly into Windows 365 Cloud PCs, offering secure, low-maintenance endpoints with no local storage and simplified IT management.
• Windows CPC, the locked-down OS powering these devices, will receive its first major updates in 2026, including Bluetooth pairing support and custom tenant branding.
Microsoft is expanding its Cloud PC device ecosystem by partnering with major PC makers ASUS and Dell to give organizations more choices in how they deploy secure, cloud-managed endpoints. The company first introduced Windows 365 Link in 2024 as the first purpose-built device in a new category designed to boot users directly into their Windows 365 Cloud PCs. This design removes much of the complexity associated with traditional PC management by shipping with Windows CPC, a minimal locked-down operating system that receives automatic updates and cannot be tampered with by local users.
The ASUS NUC 16 for Windows 365 is a compact mini-PC with an ultra-compact 0.7L design, three-display support, HDMI and USB-C connectivity, and optimized for hot-desk environments. Targeted for availability in the third quarter of 2026, the device will initially launch in Europe and the United States. ASUS emphasizes its suitability for diverse deployments, from desk setups to mounting behind displays, and touts deep Microsoft Intune integration for seamless management.
Dell’s contribution is the Pro Desktop for Windows 365, a quiet, fanless compact desktop made for durability and long-term reliability. It will support up to three displays, flexible mounting options, and a variety of connectivity outputs. Dell’s device targets general availability in 58 countries during the same Q3 2026 window, positioning it for international organizations seeking scalable, low-noise workstations that simplify IT overhead.
All Cloud PC devices share a common set of security and deployment benefits: they require minimal configuration, prevent local software installs or administrative access, and ensure there’s no local data storage, reducing attack surfaces. They connect users quickly to a full Windows environment in Microsoft’s cloud with high-fidelity performance, managed entirely through Microsoft Intune.
Microsoft has outlined the first major feature updates for Windows CPC, slated for the second quarter of 2026. These updates will enable users to pair Bluetooth devices during initial setup and allow organizations to add custom branding—including wallpapers, logos, and custom text on the sign-in screen—to further tailor the out-of-box experience.
Windows 365 Link is already available in 20 countries through Microsoft and authorized resellers, with plans to expand into new regions. Early adoption spans multiple industries, including manufacturing, retail, healthcare, professional services, and telecommunications. With more devices arriving later in 2026, Microsoft says it expects broader organizational benefits in security, IT efficiency, and flexibility as workloads increasingly shift to the cloud.
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