Microsoft has taken a major step forward in supporting musicians and music production on its Windows 11 operating system. The latest Windows 11 Canary build, version 27788, now includes a public preview of Windows MIDI Services, which brings MIDI 2.0 support to the platform. This update marks a significant milestone in the development of MIDI, a protocol that has been integral to modern music production since its release in 1983.

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a protocol that enables the transmission and storage of music data between electronic musical instruments and computers. The updated MIDI 2.0 protocol, announced in 2019, offers several improvements over its predecessor, including increased speed, fidelity, and instrument control. With this update, musicians will be able to take advantage of these enhancements on Windows 11, providing a more seamless and precise music production experience.

The Windows MIDI Services stack, which includes MIDI 2.0 support, is designed to provide a "great experience for musicians," according to Microsoft. The company aims to create a solid foundation for future expansion and enhancement of MIDI capabilities on its operating system. While the Canary build is not yet ready for public release, the Windows MIDI Services stack will be included in future versions of Windows 11 once it has undergone thorough testing.

In addition to the MIDI 2.0 update, the latest Windows 11 Canary build also includes several other notable features. One of these is a new one-click OneDrive feature that allows users to continue working on files seamlessly across Windows 11 PCs, iOS, and Android devices. Another feature is a Microsoft Store update that enables users to selectively install individual components for games such as Call of Duty and Halo. The build also includes a range of Windows 11 bug fixes.

The introduction of MIDI 2.0 support in Windows 11 is a significant development for musicians and music producers who rely on the protocol for their creative work. With this update, Microsoft is demonstrating its commitment to supporting the creative industries and providing a more comprehensive music production experience on its operating system.

As the music production landscape continues to evolve, the integration of MIDI 2.0 in Windows 11 is likely to have a profound impact on the industry. With its increased capabilities and improved performance, MIDI 2.0 is poised to enable new levels of creativity and innovation in music production. As Microsoft continues to refine and expand its MIDI capabilities, it will be interesting to see how musicians and music producers respond to these advancements.

For more information on the technical details of the MIDI 2.0 update, readers can refer to Microsoft's blog post on the subject. As the Windows 11 Canary build continues to undergo testing, musicians and music producers can look forward to a more enhanced and seamless music production experience on the Windows 11 platform.