Microsoft has announced two new dedicated Cloud PC devices designed to expand access to Windows 365, reinforcing its push toward cloud-based computing for businesses and enterprises. The upcoming hardware includes the ASUS NUC 16 for Windows 365 and the Dell Pro Desktop for Windows 365.
The move significantly broadens the reach of Cloud PCs, both in terms of hardware choice and geographic availability.
New Hardware Options, Wider Global Reach
The Dell Pro Desktop for Windows 365 is scheduled to launch in the third quarter of 2026 and will be available in 58 countries, making it the most widely distributed Cloud PC to date. The compact, fanless desktop supports up to three displays and is designed for quiet, space-efficient work environments.
Meanwhile, the ASUS NUC 16 for Windows 365 offers a small 0.7-liter form factor, targeting users who need a minimal desktop footprint. Like the Dell model, it supports up to three external monitors and is built specifically to connect to Windows 365 rather than relying on local processing or storage.
These devices join Microsoft’s own Windows 365 Link, which launched in 2024 but is currently limited to around 20 countries.
What Cloud PCs Are Designed to Do
Unlike traditional PCs, Cloud PCs do not rely on powerful local hardware. Instead, they act as secure endpoints that connect directly to a virtual Windows environment hosted in the cloud.
This model offers several advantages for organizations:
- Reduced IT overhead when deploying or scaling devices
- Stronger security due to the absence of local data storage
- Centralized control over system settings and policies
- Flexibility for hot-desking and shared workspaces
Because data and applications remain in the cloud, lost or stolen devices pose significantly less risk.
Windows 365: The Platform Behind the Devices
Windows 365 allows users to stream a full Windows desktop through a web browser or dedicated hardware. The service works across multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iPadOS, and is aimed primarily at business and enterprise customers.
Pricing for Windows 365 currently starts at $31 per user per month and scales up to $66 per user per month, depending on performance and configuration.
Pricing Still to Be Announced
Microsoft has not disclosed pricing for the new Dell and ASUS Cloud PCs. However, both manufacturers have opened registration pages for customers interested in receiving availability and pricing details once they are finalized.
A Step Toward Cloud-First Computing
The introduction of additional Cloud PC hardware suggests Microsoft remains committed to a cloud-first vision for workplace computing.
By partnering with major OEMs such as Dell and ASUS, the company is positioning Windows 365 as a scalable alternative to traditional desktops—particularly for organisations prioritising security, flexibility, and centralised management.
Whether Cloud PCs ultimately replace conventional PCs remains an open question, but Microsoft’s latest expansion indicates the company believes the model still has a growing role to play in the future of enterprise computing.