Jump to:
- Windows Copilot
- Windows 11
- Microsoft Store
- Microsoft Edge
- Microsoft 365
- Microsoft Bing
Microsoft's annual Build developer conference has started! Day one has just wrapped up, and while we do expect there to be more keynotes and sessions tomorrow, we wanted to round up all of the biggest news coming out of Build 2023 so far.
The company has published an online "Book of News" that rounds up all the announcements, but it's a super long list. We've riddled it down to just the biggest announcements coming out of Redmond, focused on Windows, Microsoft 365, and you guessed it, AI.
Microsoft is an AI company now, so you'll be unsurprised to hear that a majority of the announcements being made at Build this year are tied to AI in some form. Even Windows is getting in on the action with its own AI Copilot, which you can learn more about below.
Windows Copilot
Windows is the first PC platform to announce centralized AI assistance for customers. Together with Bing Chat and first- and third-party plugins, users can focus on bringing their ideas to life, completing complex projects and collaborating instead of spending energy finding, launching and working across multiple applications.
Windows Copilot provides personalized answers and helps users take action within Windows 11, like changing a setting, playing a specific playlist or opening a relevant app.
Microsoft says the new Copilot acts like your "personal assistant" for everything Windows, essentially replacing Cortana that came before it. You can ask it to configure Windows settings, open apps, analyze text and images within apps, initiate snap assist, check for updates, and more. It's a tool for controlling many aspects of your computer, turning everyone into a power user.
Unsurprisingly, the Windows Copilot is based on the same AI technology that Microsoft has been using as part ofBing Chat, meaning you can ask Windows Copilot to search the web in addition to helping out with tasks ongoing locally on your PC. It even supportsBing Chat and ChatGPT plugins, making Windows Copilot an extensible platform.
Windows Copilot will start to become available in preview for Windows 11 in June. Learn more in our announcement post.
Windows 11
Microsoft unveiled several new features that it's working on for the next version of Windows 11, much of which is expected to ship later this year.
Microsoft has been testing the next version of Windows 11 in preview for a handful of weeks. So far, we know the company is working on amajor update to File Explorerwith modern interfaces, and a newGallery feature for viewing photos. Here's a rundown of all the features that Microsoft has announced are in the works for Windows 11 today:
- Windows AI Copilot
- Dynamic Lighting: In-box support for controlling RGB peripherals
- One-click Taskbar app ungrouping and show labels
- Ability to hide the date and time on the Taskbar
- In-box support for archive formats such as 7-zip, RAR, gz, and others
- Updated Microsoft Store with AI capabilities
- App backup and restore
Learn more about the new Windows 11 features coming soon.
Microsoft Store
Microsoft unveiled a number of new features and enhancements coming to the Microsoft Store app on Windows 11 later this year, many of which are focused on AI:
- AIHub: Microsoft Store on Windows is introducing a dedicated section that will curate the best AI experiences, built by the developer community and Microsoft. AI Hub, generally available soon, provides users a simple way to discover, learn and experience the everyday benefits of AI. Developers can now submit their AI experiences to the Microsoft Store on Windows.
- Microsoft Store Ads expansion:Microsoft Store Ads will expand in two significant ways starting in June. It will serve more than 150 regions, supported by Microsoft Advertising, and will be available in Bing search results. There’s also the addition of a spotlight section on Microsoft Store on Windows, a new premium location for developers to promote content and the ability to leverage videos.
- AI-generated review summary:Microsoft Store on Windows makes it faster and easier for customers to scan app reviews. Using the power of AI, reviews are analyzed and compiled into a simple summary, making it easier for customers to discover new content. This feature will be generally available soon.
- AI-generated keywords:Developers will soon be able to reach more customers with AI-generated smart keyword suggestions, resulting in more precise SEO for their product description pages.
- Restore Apps:When transferring to a new Windows 11 device, app icons will automatically be pinned to their same location, whether in the start menu or taskbar, making a new device feel familiar from the first sign in while also helping developers retain customers. This update is in preview and available to Windows Insiders today.
Learn more about the new features coming to the Microsoft Store.
Microsoft Edge
Microsoft 365 Copilot, currently in private preview, will be natively integrated into Microsoft Edge, the AI-powered browser for the web. Microsoft 365 Copilot will bring powerful work-based capabilities to answer questions, complete tasks and more to the Edge sidebar.
Microsoft Edge is evolving into a dedicated work experience with its own visual elements, including an updated icon, the organization’s name and other cues. This new experience, called Microsoft Edge for Business, will have a rich set of enterprise controls, security and productivity features.
Microsoft Edge Workspaces, which lets users share, organize and browse the same set of browser tabs together, will be generally available in the next few months for enterprises and will add consumer access.
Lastly, Microsoft announced that a new Edge UI will begin rolling out with the next Edge update, expected in the first week of June.
Learn more about the new Edge.
Microsoft 365
Developers can now integrate their apps and services into Microsoft 365 Copilot with plugins, now in private preview.
Plugins for Microsoft 365 Copilot will include ChatGPT and Bing plugins, as well as Microsoft Teams message extensions and Power Platform connectors. And developers will be able to easily build new Microsoft 365 plugins with the Microsoft Teams Toolkit for Visual Studio Code and Visual Studio.
Developers will be able to extend Microsoft 365 Copilot by bringing their data into the Microsoft Graph, contextualizing relevant and actionable information with the Semantic Index for Copilot in preview.
Avatars for Microsoft Teams will be generally available for all Microsoft 365 Business and Enterprise licenses starting this week in the Teams desktop app on Windows and Mac. Avatars for Microsoft Teams offers an alternative to the current binary option of video or no video and features customizable avatars and reactions.
Learn more about Microsoft 365 and Teams news.
Microsoft Bing
Microsoft is announcing that it will adopt the same open plugin standard that OpenAI introduced for ChatGPT, enabling interoperability across ChatGPT and the breadth of Microsoft’s copilot offerings.
Developers can now use one platform to build plugins that work across both consumer and business surfaces, including ChatGPT, Bing, Dynamics 365 Copilot (in preview) and Microsoft 365 Copilot (in preview). If users want to develop and use their own plugins with their AI app built on Azure OpenAI Service it will, by default, be interoperable with this same plugin standard. This means developers can build experiences that enable people to interact with their apps using the most natural user interface: the human language.
As part of this shared plugin platform, Bing is adding to its support for plugins. In addition to previously announced plugins for OpenTable and Wolfram Alpha, Microsoft also will have Expedia, Instacart, Kayak, Klarna, Redfin and Zillow, among many others, in the Bing ecosystem.
In addition to the common plugin platform, Microsoft is announcing that Bing is coming to ChatGPT as the default search experience. ChatGPT will now have a world-class search engine built in to provide more up-to-date answers with access from the web. Now, answers are grounded by search and web data and include citations so users can learn more, all directly from within chat. The new experience is rolling out to ChatGPT Plus subscribers starting today and will be available to free users soon by simply enabling a plugin.
Learn more about Bing and ChatGPT plugins.
Get the Windows Central Newsletter
All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.
Zac Bowden
Senior Editor
Zac Bowden is a Senior Editor at Windows Central. Bringing you exclusive coverage into the world of Windows onPCs, tablets, phones, and more.Also an avidcollector of rare Microsoft prototype devices! Keep in touch on Twitter: @zacbowden.
No comments yetComment from the forums
FAQs
What is Microsoft Build 2023? ›
At Microsoft Build 2023—an event for developers by developers—we're going to announce exciting new features and technologies, share ideas, and help everyone boost their skills so we can all build a more secure future together.
Where is MS build 2023? ›Agenda. It's all happening live at The Summit, 900 Pine Street in Seattle, May 23–25, 2023 PDT. Agenda is subject to change.
Is MS build free? ›What's the cost to attend? Digital attendance at Microsoft Build is free and at no cost.
How much does Microsoft Build cost? ›The Microsoft Build digital experience is free and is great for those who want to access sessions on their own schedule, no matter where they are.
Will Microsoft release Office 2023? ›Changes will begin rolling out for Office.com in November 2022. And then changes will begin rolling out for the Office app on Windows and the Office mobile app in January 2023.
What is the next version of Office 2023? ›There's no specific release date but Microsoft is promising it for January 2023. Summary The Office version will be retired on April 11, 2023 by Microsoft. While it won't stop working after that date, it won't receive any more security updates going forward.
Where is the Microsoft Build? ›Microsoft Build is back, and this time, it's taking place both digitally and in person from Seattle, Washington.
Where was the first Microsoft Build event held? ›| Microsoft Build | |
|---|---|
| Venue | Seattle Convention Center and Digital |
| Location(s) | Anaheim, California, Redmond, Washington, San Francisco, California, Seattle, Washington |
| Founded | September 2011 |
| Most recent | May 24–26, 2022 (Online only) |
Microsoft Ignite and Microsoft Build are both conferences hosted by Microsoft that bring together developers, IT professionals, and entrepreneurs from around the world. Ignite focuses on enterprise technology and cloud computing, while Build is more focused on the development of applications and services.
How many people attend Microsoft Build? ›Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting your journey, Microsoft Build 2023 is sure to provide valuable information and inspiration to fuel your innovation. Over 5,000 people are expected to attend in-person and an additional 200,000 are expected to attend online.
Who attends Microsoft Build? ›
Microsoft will hold Build virtually and in person at the Seattle conference center, where developers, students, engineers, and technology professionals will attend to hear the latest announcements on Windows, Microsoft's productivity apps, Azure cloud services, and more.
Is it worth it to get a Microsoft certification? ›But the benefits are worth it – you'll have the edge over others in your field of work who don't have these certifications. Microsoft-certified IT professionals can look forward to better job opportunities, higher pay, an expanded professional networking circle, and being treated as trusted advisors in their companies.
Is Microsoft Build virtual? ›Microsoft's Build developers conference is happening this week, starting on May 23. This year's event is “hybrid,” again, with attendees participating in person in Seattle or watching virtually.
Is Microsoft Build in person? ›Microsoft Build is back, and this time, it's taking place both digitally and in person from Seattle, Washington.
What is the difference between VS build and MSBuild? ›Visual Studio determines the build order and calls into MSBuild separately (as needed), all completely under Visual Studio's control. Another difference arises when MSBuild is invoked with a solution file, MSBuild parses the solution file, creates a standard XML input file, evaluates it, and executes it as a project.
What are the changes in Microsoft 2023? ›Changes to cloud storage
Starting February 1, 2023, cloud storage used across Microsoft 365 apps and services will include Outlook.com attachments data and OneDrive data. All data will continue to be protected with Microsoft's comprehensive set of security features.
Yes, Office 365 does expire if you don't renew your subscription. If you don't renew your subscription, you will lose access to all the Office apps and services that are included in your subscription. This includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more.
What version of Microsoft Office is completely free? ›Microsoft 365 for the web is a free version of Microsoft 365 that you can use in a web browser. All you need is to sign up for a Microsoft account with a new or existing email address. Use Word, Excel, PowerPoint and more for free on the web.
Did Outlook change 2023? ›Starting 01/02/2023, cloud storage used across Microsoft 365 apps and services will include Outlook.com attachments data and OneDrive data. All data will continue to be protected with Microsoft's comprehensive set of security features. This update will not impact your Outlook.com mailbox storage amount.
What will replace Microsoft Office? ›- Google Workspace.
- OpenOffice.
- WPS Office.
- LibreOffice.
- ONLYOFFICE.
- OfficeSuite.
- Polaris Office.
- WordPerfect.
Is Microsoft Office being phased out? ›
On October 13, 2022, Microsoft announced that it would be phasing out the Microsoft Office brand, in favor of branding all products under the Microsoft 365 name.
Where is the biggest Microsoft located? ›Redmond, Washington, U.S.
Is Microsoft still in China? ›Microsoft currently has offices in 13 Chinese cities.
Is Microsoft manufactured in China? ›In 2020 Microsoft announced that they were moving some manufacturing out of China to diversify in Vietnam and possibly India.
What is Microsoft Build tools? ›MSBuild is a build tool that helps automate the process of creating a software product, including compiling the source code, packaging, testing, deployment and creating documentations.
What was announced at Microsoft event? ›There's a new Surface Pro 9, Surface Laptop 5 and a surprise Apple integration, with iCloud photos on Windows and Apple Music on Xbox.
Where did Bill Gates build Microsoft? ›Microsoft is a multinational computer technology corporation. Microsoft was founded on April 4, 1975, by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
What are the three types of Microsoft? ›By contrast, someone may use Word, Excel and PowerPoint frequently, and rarely or never use Access, Publisher or OneNote. The three major Microsoft Office pieces include the word processor (Word), the spreadsheet (Excel) and the visual presentation tool (PowerPoint.)
What is Microsoft the best at? ›12 The multinational corporation was one of the biggest tech companies in the world and remains a leader in software development. Best known for its Windows operating systems software and Office applications suite, Microsoft also develops other electronics like tablets and gaming consoles.
Will Microsoft Ignite return? ›Join us for the Microsoft Ignite digital experience on October 12-14 2022, where you will gain access to experts, new technology, and networking opportunities within your community.
Where is Microsoft making the most money? ›
Server and office-related products accounted for the bulk of Microsoft's revenue at $31.4 billion, which represented 60% of its top-line. And both those areas of its business showed positive year-over-year growth, with server products and cloud services up nearly 20%.
What percentage does Microsoft take from developers? ›Microsoft has recently announced that the company has updated its Microsoft Store revenue sharing agreement. Microsoft will now give app developers 95% of app revenues, while Microsoft will only take 5%, but only on a certain condition.
Why attend Microsoft Build? ›You'll also get to join fun and interactive sessions, workshops, and hackathons where you can collaborate, learn, and create with your peers. Experience the latest innovations. Microsoft Build is where you'll get to see and try the latest and greatest products and features from Microsoft and its partners.
Does Microsoft track employees? ›Microsoft lets you compare your productivity score to other companies in your industry. The tool also monitors how an individual employee uses Microsoft tools. As a result, employers have access to reports on: Number of messages employees send and receive.
Does Microsoft monitor its employees? ›Microsoft Teams enables managers to track the workforce's video and voice calls, chats, and meetings, along with the durations of each. The platform has an admin center from which managers are able to pull up information regarding the individual activities of all team members.
Who set up Microsoft with Bill Gates? ›Inspired by the January cover of Popular Electronics magazine, friends Bill Gates and Paul Allen started Microsoft – sometimes Micro-Soft, for microprocessors and software – to develop software for the Altair 8800, an early personal computer.
Which Microsoft Certification has highest salary? ›1. AZ-305 Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert. According to the Global Knowledge 2021 IT Skills and Salary Survey, this is one of the highest-paying certifications. Azure Solutions Architect Expert, AZ-305, is an expert-level certification.
Why are most Microsoft certifications retired? ›Why certifications get retired. Technology and associated job roles change faster every year. To keep our certification program relevant, we continually review our exams and certifications to ensure they reflect the latest skills and Microsoft technologies and retire those that are no longer relevant.
Should I put Microsoft Certification on resume? ›Yep! As long as the certifications are relevant to the job, you should include them on your resume. Online certifications can especially help you if you're a recent graduate with not a lot of work experience. 2.
Is Microsoft building a metaverse? ›Microsoft intends Metaverse apps to be used in business, education, training and entertainment. These real-world requirements can be upgraded and reinvented using avatars, AR and VR.
Will Microsoft create a metaverse? ›
Regulation is one of many uncertainties about the metaverse, which is generally conceived as an immersive version of the internet with some level of augmented or virtual reality. Nonetheless, a Microsoft spokesperson tells Forbes, “Microsoft remains committed to the industrial metaverse.
Is Microsoft developing a metaverse? ›Microsoft is also active in this space by supporting both the consumer and industrial metaverse. A recent announcement mentioned how Microsoft and Meta are partnering to deliver immersive experiences for the future of work and play.
Does anyone still use Microsoft? ›A proven product for 25+ years it is still the most widely used desktop, team, and small/medium sized business database product.
Does Bill Gates work in Microsoft? ›...
| Bill Gates | |
|---|---|
| Known for | Co-founder of Microsoft and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation |
- Zoom.
- Cisco.
- Google.
- TeamViewer.
- Adobe.
- 247meeting.
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- GoTo.
NET Core applications are typically built using MSBuild or dotnet.exe .
Is build the same as run? ›When you select build, it just compiles everything together. However, when you select run, it does the build process, but it also executes your project.
Is MSBuild only for Windows? ›MSBuild is available with the . NET SDK on macOS, Windows, or Linux.
What is the meaning of Microsoft build? ›The Microsoft Build Engine is a platform for building applications. This engine, which is also known as MSBuild, provides an XML schema for a project file that controls how the build platform processes and builds software. Visual Studio uses MSBuild, but MSBuild doesn't depend on Visual Studio.
What is Microsoft Net Income 2023? ›Microsoft annual/quarterly net income history and growth rate from 2010 to 2023. Net income can be defined as company's net profit or loss after all revenues, income items, and expenses have been accounted for. Microsoft net income for the quarter ending March 31, 2023 was $18.299B, a 9.39% increase year-over-year.
What are the changes to Microsoft 365 2023? ›
Changes to cloud storage
Starting February 1, 2023, cloud storage used across Microsoft 365 apps and services will include Outlook.com attachments data and OneDrive data. All data will continue to be protected with Microsoft's comprehensive set of security features.
Build Tools for Visual Studio 2022
These Build Tools allow you to build Visual Studio projects from a command-line interface. Supported projects include: ASP.NET, Azure, C++ desktop, ClickOnce, containers, .NET Core, .NET Desktop, Node.js, Office and SharePoint, Python, TypeScript, Unit Tests, UWP, WCF, and Xamarin.
Cake. :cake: Cake (C# Make) is a cross platform build automation system.
What is the difference between build and batch build? ›Batch build allows you to build any project that you select, and a Solution build only builds the projects that are part of the active solution. You can customise what projects are part of a solution build by going to menu Tools → Configuration Manager.
Is MSBuild a programming language? ›Microsoft Build Engine, or MSBuild, is a set of free and open-source build tools for managed code under the Common Language Infrastructure as well as native C and C++ code.
What is Microsoft's biggest source of income? ›Server and office-related products accounted for the bulk of Microsoft's revenue at $31.4 billion, which represented 60% of its top-line. And both those areas of its business showed positive year-over-year growth, with server products and cloud services up nearly 20%.
Who are Microsoft competitors? › Is Microsoft a good stock to buy 2023? ›
Microsoft's (MSFT -0.73%) shareholders have enjoyed a steep rally in its stock price in recent months. Following a strong fiscal 2023 third-quarter performance, the software leader's shares are up a solid 28% so far this year. Better still, Microsoft appears to be poised to break out to new all-time highs.
What's new in Excel 2023? ›Welcome to the April 2023 update. This month, in Excel for web, Chart Task Pane is now generally available along with hyperlinks in comments and performance improvements related to conditional formatting (CF) - CF performance improvements also available in Excel for Windows and Mac.
Will Office 365 expire? ›Yes, Office 365 does expire if you don't renew your subscription. If you don't renew your subscription, you will lose access to all the Office apps and services that are included in your subscription.
Will Microsoft 365 expire? ›
Check your expiration status
Go to your Services & subscriptions page. If prompted, choose Sign in and enter the Microsoft account email and password associated with your Microsoft 365 subscription. Review the details under the Services & Subscriptions heading.