At Microsoft’s Ignite conference, CEO Satya Nadella emphasized the company’s unwavering dedication to enhancing security across its products. He discussed essential principles: secure by design, secure by default, and what he calls “secure by operations.” He laid out the reality of cybersecurity, stating, “This is not just a destination. It will never be done. We’re only as good as our ability to defend against the next novel attack.”
Nadella introduced a $4 million initiative called the Zero-Day Quest, which targets security in cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI). He also unveiled the Windows 365 Link, a new $349 device tailored for Windows 365 users. This device continues the journey Microsoft started three years ago with the Cloud PC, which streams the Windows desktop to any device. Nadella highlighted its features: “It’s adminless and passwordless, and security configurations are enabled by default and cannot be turned off.”
Users connecting through the Windows 365 Link benefit from direct access to their cloud-based productivity tools, leaving no data on the local device. The device supports dual 4K monitors and comes with four USB ports, an Ethernet port, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3.
In Anthony Smith’s blog post about the Link, he described it as compact and lightweight, perfect for shared workspaces. It boots in seconds and wakes instantly, allowing users to dive right back into their Cloud PC tasks. He noted that the Windows 365 Link uses a locked-down operating system, providing no local data, apps, or admin rights. This setup greatly reduces the risk of attacks.
For authentication, the device employs Microsoft Entra ID, allowing multifactor authentication through the Microsoft Authenticator app, a QR code, or a FIDO USB security key.
Nadella also pointed out that with AI’s rise, devices are interacting with the cloud in entirely new ways. “Think of all of this as one continuous distributed computing fabric,” he said. The Windows 365 Link is just one element in a diverse mix of devices, which also includes Copilot+ devices optimized for AI, standard PCs, and Cloud PC systems.
Regarding AI security, he mentioned updates to mitigate risks like oversharing and misuse of AI, proclaiming that Microsoft remains vigilant in protecting against malicious behaviors. The Windows 365 Link will roll out with Windows 365 Enterprise, Frontline, and Business versions, although there’s currently no support for Windows 365 Government. Microsoft plans to collaborate with manufacturers to expand the range of devices that can operate as Windows 365 Link Cloud PCs.