MIDI 2.0 Enhancements in Windows 11
The MIDI 2.0 standard, unveiled in 2020, marks a significant evolution in music technology, arriving nearly four decades after its predecessor. As a cornerstone for musicians and producers alike, MIDI continues to play a vital role in the creative process, and recent developments from Microsoft promise to broaden its utility on personal computers.
In a noteworthy move, Microsoft has rolled out Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27788 to users within the Canary Channel. This update is poised to be a game-changer for musicians utilizing Windows, as it incorporates substantial enhancements to the Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) standard.
Rooted in a legacy that began in 1983, MIDI serves as a communication protocol, digital interface, and electrical connector, facilitating collaboration among various musical instruments. Microsoft is embarking on a comprehensive overhaul of MIDI support for Windows, a project made possible through the open-source Windows MIDI Services initiative.
For those who have engaged with electronic instruments or composed music using MIDI, the advancements in Windows MIDI Services are particularly noteworthy. Microsoft has announced that this new technology will support both the original MIDI 1.0 and the advanced MIDI 2.0 standards. Exclusively designed for 64-bit operating systems, this update extends full MIDI compatibility across all modern Windows architectures, including Arm64-based Copilot+ PCs.
The MIDI 2.0 standard introduces several cutting-edge features, including:
- High-speed data transmission
- High-fidelity messages
- Endpoint discovery and negotiation
Furthermore, the new MIDI stack in Windows 11 enhances performance with improved timing and reduced jitter during data exchanges. A faster MIDI driver supports both MIDI 1.0 and 2.0 devices, while automatic API translation between the two versions ensures seamless interoperability.
Microsoft’s commitment to delivering premier MIDI support in Windows 11 is evident. The MIDI standard remains prevalent not only in music production but also in various industrial applications. The newly introduced USB MIDI 2.0 class driver, part of Preview Build 27788, was developed in collaboration with the Association of Musical Electronics Industry of Japan and AmeNote, guaranteeing compatibility with both MIDI 2.0 and legacy MIDI 1.0 devices.
Beyond MIDI enhancements, the latest Windows 11 preview brings additional features aimed at improving user experience. A “seamless” 1-click resume function for OneDrive allows users to effortlessly continue their work when switching between devices. Additionally, the Microsoft Store now offers selective installation options for specific games, enabling users to conserve SSD space by omitting unwanted components, such as single-player campaigns or high-resolution textures in multiplayer-focused titles like Call of Duty and Halo.
