At the Ignite 2024 event, Microsoft emphasized that the Windows operating system, which has been developed for nearly 40 years, is used as an open platform to support computing experiences around the world and play an important role in education, government, military, hospitals and enterprises. Therefore, it believes that continuously strengthening the development of the Windows operating system and connecting artificial intelligence and cloud services will remain the focus in the future.
This year, the "Copilot+ PC" design was proposed, allowing Windows devices to use updated processors to provide sufficient computing power to perform various artificial intelligence computing functions on the device side. It can also be used in conjunction with the Microsoft 365 service platform to achieve higher work efficiency and ensure that all data can be used safely.
Preventing a recurrence of the CrowdStrike disaster
In view of the fact that many enterprises and organizations use Windows operating systems, in order to avoidDue to CrowdStrike update errorIn response to the recurrence of global Windows device crashes, Microsoft proposed a solution called the Windows Resiliency Initiative, which allows more application services and accounts to be used without administrator privileges, strengthens the control of application services and driver operations, and improves identity protection to prevent phishing attacks.
On the other hand, Microsoft also plans to provide a preview of the Quick Machine Recovery feature through the Windows Insider project in early 2025, allowing IT administrators to repair unbootable Windows devices through remote connections. In addition, it will work closely with security partners on security update projects and prevent antivirus programs from running outside of kernel mode to avoid affecting the operation of the Windows system. This feature is expected to be previewed in July 2025.
Elsewhere, Microsoft will continue to enhance Windows 11 security upgrades and ensure the safety of the operating system through designs such as TPM 2.0, secure boot, Windows Hello protection mechanism, and Smart App Control.
Promoting the development of more Copilot AI services
In addition to launching "Copilot+ PC" with many OEMs, Microsoft also announced that it will continue to provide more design tools to developers. For example, through the Windows Copilot Runtime (WCR) platform launched during Build 2024 this year, developers can quickly use the device's GPU, NPU and other hardware to accelerate AI operations through tools such as artificial intelligence frameworks, and access more than 40 AI models through APIs, including the Phi 3.5 Silica model specifically built for Qualcomm Snapdragon X series processors.
In addition, Microsoft has added four new image processing API resources to the Windows Copilot Runtime platform, including image description, image super resolution enhancement, image foreground and background separation, and object removal functions. This allows third-party software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, LiquidText, Dot Vista, Promeo by Cyberlink, and McAfee's Deepfake Detector to use these resources to create artificial intelligence application functions.
Copilot will also continue to promote the artificial intelligence application functions of the Microsoft 365 platform, and help complete tedious tasks more efficiently in the form of agent services, while also enhancing employee creativity. Many functions can also be combined with device-side computing power to execute artificial intelligence services, allowing users to complete more work tasks without relying on the Internet.
At the same time, Microsoft also revealed that the feature that has been announced for a long time and has been repeatedly delayed due to many factors can help users quickly review the content they have previously searched for on Windows devices.Recall functionIt is expected to be released for testing in December, and the default setting is "off". Users must turn it on manually or by IT administrators before it can be used. It also claims to ensure data privacy and security through additional data encryption and Windows Hello mechanism.
As for the previously announcedClick to DoThe preview test function can use artificial intelligence to analyze the text or image clicked by the user, and can quickly display relevant information searched with Bing Search, rewrite the selected text, summarize the content, translate it, and even open a text editor, send an email, etc., or make adjustments to the image such as blurring the background and removing specific objects.
Microsoft also plans to enhance the search function within Windows, using the NPU on the "Copilot+ PC" device for acceleration, allowing users to more conveniently find files, file contents or specific functions within the device through a search method that can understand spoken descriptions. This feature is expected to be available for preview in the Windows Insider project in early 2025, and will then be expanded to all Windows users.
Continue to strengthen Microsoft Teams and Windows 365 services
In addition to enhancing the Windows user experience, Microsoft also plans to upgrade the Microsoft Teams function on "Copilot+ PC" devices, including adding super-resolution functions achieved by artificial intelligence technology to make online video images clearer. At the same time, the real-time translation function supports more than 40 languages and can be presented with English subtitles. In addition, it can also make the sound during the meeting clearer and make the faces of the participants look better on camera.
As for the Windows 365 service update, a hardware device called Windows 365 Link will be launched, which will allow enterprises to use Windows 365 more securely. It is expected to be sold in specific markets in April 2025 with a suggested retail price of US$4. It is mainly targeted at enterprise front-line workers or those who use personal devices and use a cloud-based virtualized operating system environment with Windows 349 services.
Windows 365 Link adopts a hub-like design and supports connecting two sets of 4K resolution external monitors, has multiple built-in USB ports, and Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 wireless connection functions. All data storage and application service operations are completed through the virtualized operating system built by Windows 365 services. At the same time, data security is ensured by the Microsoft Entra ID password system that protects user identity and simplifies the login process.
Other parts include the Windows 365 Frontline sharing mode designed for temporary logins to the Windows operating system environment, as well as device management functions through iOS and Android devices. Microsoft will also cooperate with Meta to make it easier for users of Quest 3 and Quest 3S virtual vision headsets to connect to Windows PCs or Windows 365 to build virtual machines, and use the complete Windows 11 operating system environment through virtual vision.
Most preview content will be available in December of this year
Microsoft announced that many preview features will be released in December, and also emphasized that it will continue to provide enterprises with more secure and resilient Windows 12 operating system updates, and through the hot patching function, users can complete the installation without restarting, ensuring system security without affecting work.
In addition, Microsoft also stated that it will simplify the system and service update process to reduce the impact on IT managers' work and ensure the security of all users using the Windows operating system.
