For musicians and enthusiasts of MIDI-compatible devices, the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview from the Canary Channel brings an exciting development: native support for MIDI 2.0. This enhancement marks a significant shift from the reliance on OEM drivers, which have often been plagued by issues and limited compatibility across different programs and instruments.
While the new build does come with its share of bugs—an expected occurrence in preview versions—the benefits of MIDI 2.0 are hard to overlook. This update promises improved connection speeds, facilitating a more seamless experience for users. Additionally, it introduces two-way communication and property exchange capabilities, enhancing the overall functionality of MIDI devices.
Although some purists may still favor the classic sounds produced by vintage systems like the Atari ST or Commodore Amiga, those looking to explore MIDI on contemporary hardware will find much to appreciate in this update. The MIDI 2.0 support is set to be available for both Windows 11 and Windows 10, provided it is finalized before the eventual phase-out of the latter.