Kiss goodbye to your keyboard and mouse, in Microsoft’s vision for the Windows OS in 2030 they’ll both ‘feel as alien as it does for Gen Z to use DOS’

David Weston, Corporate Vice President of Enterprise and OS Security at Microsoft, recently shared intriguing insights about the future of Windows in a video titled “Microsoft Windows 2030 Vision.” His perspective suggests a significant transformation in how we interact with our devices, hinting that traditional methods of input, such as the mouse and keyboard, may soon feel as outdated as using DOS does to the current generation.

AI and Quantum Computing: The New Frontier

Weston attributes this shift primarily to advancements in artificial intelligence and the anticipated arrival of unlimited computing power through quantum technology within the next five years. While he refrains from providing a specific timeline for the obsolescence of the mouse and keyboard, his comments provoke thought about the rapid evolution of user interfaces.

However, this vision of a keyboard-less future stands in contrast to the views of other industry leaders, such as Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who may not share the same optimism regarding the immediate replacement of traditional input devices.

Security Fundamentals Remain Constant

Despite the potential upheaval in user interaction, Weston maintains that the core principles of security will remain unchanged. He emphasizes the importance of fundamental practices, such as regularly updating security patches and rotating passwords, which he claims still thwart 98% of cyberattacks. “The basics still stop 98% of attacks. Twenty years ago that was true, and twenty years before that was true,” he asserts, suggesting that while technology evolves, the foundational elements of security endure.

The fundamentals of controlling a PC have been essentially static for decades. But that’s apparently about to change…
(Image credit: Microsoft)

As we look toward 2030, the accuracy of Weston’s predictions remains to be seen. Historically, claims regarding the demise of the keyboard and mouse have often proven premature. Various technologies, including touch screens, virtual reality, and even brain-computer interfaces, have been proposed as the next evolution in user interaction. Yet, as we approach 2025, the keyboard and mouse still dominate the landscape, with trackpads gaining traction in mobile environments.

While the prospect of voice interaction and other innovative methods of control is enticing, practical concerns linger. The friction of speaking to a computer may not necessarily outweigh the efficiency of typing, particularly in environments where privacy and social etiquette are considerations. As the industry progresses, it will be fascinating to observe the developments Microsoft introduces in the coming years, even as many may find themselves continuing to engage with their devices through traditional means.

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Kiss goodbye to your keyboard and mouse, in Microsoft's vision for the Windows OS in 2030 they'll both 'feel as alien as it does for Gen Z to use DOS'