Microsoft has spent years working toward a future where Windows and its many components exist entirely in the cloud. That reality looks a lot closer this week, with Microsoft revealing the Windows 365 Link mini PC, which streams a version of Windows 11 from the Windows 365 cloud service. It boots up in seconds, and there’s no ability to store data or run apps locally. It’s all about the cloud.

When Microsoft announced the Link onstage at Ignite, there were loud cheers from the IT professionals gathered in the audience, so this could become a popular option for some businesses looking to simplify and secure their Windows user base as we approach Windows 10 end of life next year.

While this might not sound immediately appealing over a traditional laptop or PC, the Link is designed specifically for businesses. Many have already migrated some or all of their user bases to virtual machines that live in the cloud to ensure no data is stored on any laptop or PC in the event of an employee leaving or a device getting lost or stolen.