Microsoft has unveiled a new cloud-based desktop PC called Windows 365 Link, drawing comparisons to Apple’s recently launched M4 Mac mini. Windows 365 Link runs a cloud-based version of Windows, while the M4 Mac mini runs macOS locally.
(We have compared Windows 365 Link with the base variant of Mac mini m4)
Windows 365 Link streams computing power from the cloud, whereas the M4 Mac mini processes locally with its M4 chip. Windows 365 Link is aimed at corporate customers, while the M4 Mac mini targets a broader consumer and professional market.
Type:
- Windows 365 Link: Cloud PC
- M4 Mac mini: Desktop PC
Processor:
- Windows 365 Link: Undisclosed Intel Processor
- M4 Mac mini: M4 Chip (10-core CPU, 10-core GPU)
RAM:
- Windows 365 Link: 8 GB
- M4 Mac mini: 16 GB (configurable)
Storage:
- Windows 365 Link: 64 GB
- M4 Mac mini: Up to 2 TB
Dimensions:
- Windows 365 Link: 120 x 120 x 30 mm
- M4 Mac mini: 127 x 127 x 36 mm
Display support:
- Windows 365 Link: Dual 4K Displays
- M4 Mac mini: Two 6K displays and up to one 5K display
Connectivity:
- Windows 365 Link: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 4 USB ports (3 USB-A 3.2, 1 USB-C 3.2), HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet
- M4 Mac mini: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, HDMI, Ethernet, 2 USB-C ports, Audio jack, 3 Thunderbolt 4 ports
Price:
- Windows 365 Link: $349 (requires additional Windows 365 subscription starting at $28/month)
- M4 Mac mini: $599
Release Date:
- Windows 365 Link: April 2025
- M4 Mac mini: Available now
| Specification | Windows 365 Link | M4 Mac mini |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Cloud PC | Desktop PC |
| Processor | Undisclosed Intel Processor | M4 Chip (10-core CPU, 10-core GPU) |
| RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB (configurable) |
| Storage | 64 GB | Up to 2 TB |
| Dimensions (mm) | 120 x 120 x 30 | 127 x 127 x 36 |
| Display Support | Dual 4K Displays | Two 6K displays and up to one 5K display |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 4 USB ports, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, HDMI, Ethernet, 2 USB-C ports, Audio jack, 3 Thunderbolt 4 ports |
| Operating System | Cloud-based Windows 365 | macOS |
| Price | $349 (requires subscription) | $599 |
| Release Date | April 2025 | Available now |
The Windows 365 Link focuses on cloud-based security and simplified management for businesses. The M4 Mac mini offers more flexibility and offline capabilities.
Windows 365 Link requires an internet connection to function, while the M4 Mac mini can operate offline. And the most important bit is the pricing for Windows 365 Link includes an ongoing subscription cost, which should be factored into long-term cost comparisons.
More here.
What about Mac mini Pro with AWESOME Thunderbolt 4 and up to 8 TB storage? Is this article made with artificial intelligence (AI). Not good! You will lose more and more visitors…
Hi, thank you for bringing this up. I wanted to clear that we have only compared Mac mini M4 base variant with the Windows 365 Link.