Microsoft has revived the "dumb terminal" concept through partnerships with ASUS and Dell for Windows 365 Cloud PCs. After launching Windows 365 Link cloud PC in 2024 primarily for corporate use, Microsoft now extends its ecosystem with specialized hardware partners targeting businesses seeking streamlined computing solutions.

The ASUS NUC 16 offers DDR5 memory, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 2.5 Gbps Ethernet, and USB 3.2 connectivity. These devices run a stripped-down Windows 365 OS that launches users directly into Office 365, functioning as modern dumb terminals rather than traditional computers with full local processing capabilities.

Dell's Pro Desktop for Windows 365 remains unspecified in detail, though both products arrive in Q3. Microsoft's strategy targets businesses needing basic productivity software, though specialized industries requiring local applications will likely maintain traditional PC setups despite the cloud computing push.