Microsoft Build 2025: AI, Copilot, and the Future of Windows 11
Even as Microsoft reportedly scales back parts of its AI infrastructure, the company remains firmly committed — at least in public — to pushing forward with AI and Copilot as central pillars of its strategy. With Microsoft Build 2025 set for May 19–22 , developers and tech enthusiasts are expecting deep dives into how AI will shape the next generation of Microsoft products.
While historically known as a developer-focused event with a heavy focus on Azure and enterprise tools , recent editions have leaned heavily into artificial intelligence , especially following the launch of Microsoft Copilot across Windows, Office, and the web. This year looks no different, with AI expected to take center stage once again.
The conference kicks off with the main keynote led by CEO Satya Nadella and CTO Kevin Scott , which you can stream live on the official Build website or follow via real-time coverage from outlets like Engadget .
So what should we expect?
More AI Integration in Windows 11
Last year’s Build introduced the concept of AI agents — smart assistants that act on your behalf within the OS. This year could bring more concrete updates on how these agents will work in practice.
One feature already teased is an AI-powered assistant inside the Settings app , capable of automatically adjusting system preferences based on user behavior. Microsoft may also reveal how third-party developers can integrate their own agents into apps — expanding the ecosystem beyond what’s built in.
Beyond agents, Microsoft has been quietly updating core Windows components:
- File Explorer is getting smarter search and editing features that let users preview and modify files without opening separate apps.
- The Start menu is being upgraded to let users search for and download apps directly — skipping the Microsoft Store altogether.
These enhancements suggest a broader push to make Windows 11 feel more intuitive and responsive, all under the umbrella of AI-driven personalization.
Giving Copilot a View of Your Desktop
One of the most eye-catching features Microsoft has shown for Copilot is its ability to visually understand what’s on your screen and offer intelligent insights based on your activity. Known as Copilot Vision , this feature allows the AI assistant to “see” your desktop or specific app windows and interact with you accordingly.
Currently available on mobile and accessible to Windows Insiders on desktop, Copilot Vision represents a major step toward making AI assistants more context-aware and useful in real time. However, Microsoft has yet to announce a public release date for the full desktop version. With Build 2025 approaching, it could be the perfect opportunity for Microsoft to showcase how the feature works in depth and expand where it’s available.
Smart Research at Your Fingertips
Earlier this year, Microsoft introduced a powerful new tool called “Researcher” to Copilot, powered by OpenAI’s o3 reasoning model . This feature enables Copilot to gather and synthesize information from multiple sources — like web results and personal files stored in OneDrive — to help users answer complex questions or prepare reports.
However, access to Researcher has been limited to Microsoft 365 subscribers so far. While there’s no official word on when (or if) it will come to the free version of Copilot on Windows, Build 2025 could be the moment Microsoft decides to broaden its reach.
And Then There’s the Rest
Beyond consumer-facing AI features, Microsoft also plays a critical role in powering enterprise infrastructure through platforms like Azure, .NET, and GitHub . While these topics may not grab headlines like AI does, they’re still core to the company’s strategy — and expected to be covered at Build.
Whether it’s updates to cloud services, developer tools, or backend systems, Microsoft Build remains a key event for both developers and businesses that rely on its ecosystem.
