Microsoft is embarking on a transformative journey, positioning Windows as an agentic AI platform, a move that signifies one of the most significant evolutions in the operating system’s history. During the recent Microsoft Build 2025 event, CEO Satya Nadella emphasized the necessity of reconfiguring legacy internet systems to accommodate the impending wave of AI agents. “We’re just about getting into these middle innings of another platform shift, and these middle innings are where all things happen,” he remarked, drawing parallels to past technological revolutions such as cloud computing and mobile technology.
Nadella highlighted that the current phase of generative AI mirrors those pivotal moments in tech history, where the groundwork laid by early adopters paves the way for practical applications. “In 2025, we’re building out this open agentic web at scale,” he stated, underscoring Microsoft’s commitment to innovation in this space.
Retooling the Tech
At Build, Microsoft unveiled a series of foundational updates designed to empower autonomous AI agents to reason, act, and collaborate directly within Windows. This initiative aims to transform the world’s most widely used desktop operating system into a sophisticated platform for a new generation of software solutions. Central to this strategy is the development of the ‘agentic web,’ where intelligent agents can seamlessly interact with data, applications, and users.
To facilitate this evolution, Microsoft is embedding the Model Context Protocol (MCP) into Windows. Developed by Anthropic, MCP enables agents to engage with the computer environment. Nadella stated, “We’re going to be doing a whole bunch of work over the next handful of months with our partners and collaborators at Anthropic to ensure that the complex enterprise challenges that arise from a protocol like MCP are effectively addressed.”
Utilizing MCP, AI agents such as GitHub Copilot will extend their capabilities beyond mere code generation; they will be able to install software, access files, modify system settings, and interact with applications—all with user consent. According to a PYMNTS Intelligence report, MCP is poised to revolutionize the landscape, acting as a common language for AI models and yielding superior outcomes compared to traditional manual processes.
Turning Any Website Agentic
Supporting this ambitious shift is Foundry Local, a new tool from Microsoft that enables PCs to run AI features offline. This innovation allows applications and assistants to think, act, and assist directly on the device, ensuring quicker responses and enhanced privacy. Foundry Local is integrated into Windows and is compatible with new AI-powered PCs, simplifying the development of intelligent software that anticipates user needs and facilitates tasks.
Sarbjeet Johal, founder of tech search firm Stackpane, praised the combination of native MCP support on Windows with Foundry Local as a “killer combination for developers.” Additionally, Microsoft introduced Copilot Tuning, a feature that enables enterprises to customize AI agents using their own data, tone, and workflows. This capability allows developers to train models that reflect a company’s specific legal style, financial acumen, or industry jargon, transforming agents into specialized assistants adept in organizational processes.
Moreover, Microsoft announced NLWeb, an open standard designed to convert any website into an agentic platform. This framework empowers AI agents to comprehend and act upon web content. “The idea behind NLWeb is it is a way for anyone who has a website—or an API—to very easily make their website or their API an agentic application,” explained Microsoft CTO Kevin Scott. He likened it to “HTML for the agentic web,” emphasizing its potential to revolutionize online interactions.
Microsoft is actively collaborating with companies like Tripadvisor to implement NLWeb, enabling their websites to allow AI agents to search and book travel arrangements autonomously.
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