Microsoft’s commitment to artificial intelligence and its Copilot initiative remains steadfast, even as the company recalibrates some of its infrastructure investments. The upcoming Microsoft Build developer conference, scheduled from May 19 to 22, promises to shine a spotlight on AI, a theme that has increasingly dominated the event in recent years. While the conference traditionally covers a range of Microsoft platforms, AI is poised to take center stage once again.
Historically, Microsoft Build has been characterized by its technical depth, with Azure frequently taking the limelight. However, in recent iterations, the company has leveraged this platform to unveil innovative AI features that eventually find their way into consumer products. With the recent launch of new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop models, this year’s event is expected to focus heavily on software advancements.
For those eager to catch the action, the opening keynote will be hosted by CEO Satya Nadella and CTO Kevin Scott, available for viewing on the Build website. For real-time updates, Engadget will provide a live blog of the proceedings. In the meantime, speculation abounds regarding the topics Microsoft may address.
Adding more AI to Windows 11
At last year’s Microsoft Build, the company emphasized the role of AI agents—intelligent systems capable of performing tasks on users’ behalf. This year, we can expect discussions around the integration of such agents into the Windows 11 Settings app, enabling users to make adjustments effortlessly. A detailed exploration of this feature, along with insights into how third-party developers can incorporate agents into their applications, appears to be a likely highlight of the keynote.
Additionally, Microsoft has announced enhancements to File Explorer, allowing users to locate and modify files without needing to switch applications. Upgrades to the start menu will also facilitate app discovery and downloads without the necessity of accessing the Microsoft Store. Both of these features are anticipated to be showcased at Build.
Letting Copilot see your desktop
Among the standout features demonstrated for Copilot is the innovative Copilot Vision, which enables the AI assistant to selectively observe user activities and engage in relevant dialogue. Currently available on mobile, an expanded version of this feature that can interact with desktop environments and specific application windows has been teased. While Windows Insiders have had early access, Microsoft has yet to announce a timeline for broader availability. An in-depth discussion of this feature, along with potential expansions, seems likely to be a key topic at Build.
In March 2025, Microsoft introduced a new “Researcher” tool within Copilot, leveraging OpenAI’s o3 reasoning model, though it is currently limited to Microsoft 365 subscribers. This tool can conduct research by aggregating information from various sources, including OneDrive and web searches. While there has been no announcement regarding the availability of Researcher for free Copilot users in Windows, Build 2025 could potentially reveal such plans.
Everything else
While AI garners significant attention, Microsoft continues to support a diverse array of platforms that serve as the foundation for numerous global enterprises. In addition to AI, attendees can expect updates on Azure, .NET, and GitHub, ensuring a comprehensive overview of Microsoft’s ecosystem at Build 2025.
