Microsoft has introduced partnerships with ASUS and Dell to increase its Home windows 365 Cloud PC {hardware} lineup, with each firms set to launch devoted thin-client units later this yr.
The tech large has been the one vendor making devoted Home windows 365 {hardware} because it launched the Home windows 365 Hyperlink in 2024, a tool that skips native processing fully and routes all the things by way of the cloud. Now, two main PC makers are becoming a member of that effort.
The ASUS NUC 16 for Home windows 365 is a mini-PC with a footprint of roughly 0.7 liters, sufficiently small to mount behind a monitor. It runs on Intel’s newest processor, options DDR5 reminiscence, Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5 GbE LAN, Bluetooth 5.3, and might drive as much as three shows by way of HDMI and USB-Sort-C.
ASUS is positioning it as a hot-desking answer for contemporary workplaces.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Microsoft to launch the NUC 16 for Home windows 365, a strong and compact Cloud PC machine designed for the trendy office,” stated KuoWei Chao, basic supervisor of NUC Enterprise Unit at ASUS, within the Microsoft weblog submit. “We offer a safe, responsive surroundings that eliminates the necessity for native knowledge storage.”
The Dell Professional Desktop for Home windows 365, in the meantime, is a compact, fanless desktop with Intel N-series processors aimed toward regulated industries, equivalent to healthcare, finance, and authorities. It additionally helps as much as three shows and comes with versatile mounting choices. Dell is touting its passwordless authentication assist by way of Microsoft Entra as a key safety function.
“We’re excited to see the Cloud PC class proceed to evolve and provides organizations new, streamlined methods to create productive and safe digital workspaces,” stated Elavarasu Krishnan, vice chairman of Dell Software program Engineering.
Each units are concentrating on basic availability in Q3 2026. The ASUS mannequin will launch within the US and Europe, whereas Dell’s model is ready to roll out throughout 58 international locations, a big bounce from the 20 international locations the place Microsoft’s personal Home windows 365 Hyperlink is at the moment obtainable.
Why this issues past the {hardware}
The attraction of Cloud PC units is much less about uncooked specs and extra about what they get rid of. As a result of all the things runs in Microsoft’s cloud, there’s no native knowledge for a thief to steal. If a tool will get misplaced or stolen, the info stays in Azure. Safety features are locked on by default, there’s no native admin entry, and nobody can flip protections off.
For IT departments, that simplicity is the promoting level. Gadgets are managed by way of Microsoft Intune, the identical device many organizations already use.
The market context additionally helps clarify Microsoft’s timing. Analyst agency Gartner estimates that round ten % of enterprise PCs are at the moment digital, and that quantity may double by 2027, in accordance with The Register. Moreover, Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware has disrupted the digital desktop market, prompting some organizations to hunt alternate options, probably placing them in Microsoft’s fingers.
Alongside the {hardware} bulletins, Microsoft stated the underlying Home windows CPC working system is getting two notable updates in Q2 2026: assist for pairing Bluetooth units throughout preliminary setup, and the power for firms so as to add customized branding (brand, identify, and wallpaper) to the sign-in display.
Small updates, however they sign Microsoft is actively iterating on this platform, not simply utilizing it as a advertising and marketing speaking level.
For extra on Microsoft’s newest Home windows evolution, take a look at our protection of Home windows 11 26H2 and its new AI-powered File Explorer options.