Microsoft has initiated the rollout of a public preview for native support of the Model Context Protocol (MCP) within its latest Windows 11 Insider builds, bringing its vision of an “agentic OS” closer to fruition. This update, part of build 26220.7344, is now available to Windows Insiders on both the Dev and Beta channels, offering a glimpse into the future of the technology.
Exploring the Model Context Protocol
The MCP serves as an open standard that enables AI agents to seamlessly connect with various applications, tools, and services, akin to how USB-C functions for devices. While Microsoft is not the pioneer in adopting MCP, the company is resolutely focused on transforming Windows into an agentic operating system, which necessitates native support for this protocol to reach its full potential.
In this public preview, Microsoft has implemented a cautious approach. The default settings ensure that all agent connectors within the Windows on-device registry operate in a secure environment, complete with their own identity and audit trail. This release includes two built-in connectors: one for File Explorer, allowing agents to navigate local files with user consent, and another for Windows Settings, enabling agents to modify device settings.
Despite the intriguing features, Microsoft faces the challenge of addressing user skepticism regarding its AI initiatives. Many users express a preference for the company to focus on resolving existing weaknesses within Windows rather than introducing additional AI functionalities. Mustafa Suleyman, Microsoft’s AI lead, described the widespread cynicism surrounding the technology as “mind-blowing.” However, the backlash against the company’s previous marketing efforts, such as the “Copilot finishing your code before you finish your coffee” campaign, indicates that customers feel the company’s priorities may be misaligned.
The Windows Insider release underscores Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to its vision of an agentic OS. Alongside the MCP preview, the update introduces several promising features, including the activation of Quick Machine Recovery for non-domain-joined Windows Professional devices and the eagerly awaited production release of Windows MIDI Services for MIDI 2.0. Yet, it is the introduction of native MCP support that truly signals a forward-looking trajectory for Windows.
While there is currently no timeline for when Microsoft plans to make native MCP support generally available, its presence in the Windows Insider Beta channel suggests that a broader rollout may be on the horizon.
