Windows 11 Adds MIDI 2.0 Preview, Bringing Major Upgrades for Musicians
For many, MIDI evokes memories of SoundBlaster cards, classic chiptunes, and iconic synth soundtracks. But Microsoft is pushing MIDI into the modern age with the first major update to the protocol since 1983—MIDI 2.0—which is now being previewed in Windows 11 Insider Build 27788 (Canary Channel).
Microsoft’s Windows MIDI Services introduces a completely updated MIDI stack, including MIDI 2.0 support and an updated MIDI 1.0 implementation that now runs on Arm64 devices. For musicians and producers, this marks a major shift, as MIDI serves as the backbone of digital music production, synthesizers, and drum machine synchronization. The new protocol delivers higher speed, better instrument control, modern bidirectional communication between devices, improved USB timing, and enhanced discovery features. It’s also open-source, which could lead to broader adoption across hardware and software ecosystems.
Microsoft’s update also includes a high-speed MIDI class driver developed by AMEI and AmeNote, along with an entire SDK for developers. A Network MIDI 2.0 transport layer is in the works as well, designed to work with third-party MIDI hardware.
Beyond MIDI, the Windows 11 Insider build introduces several quality-of-life improvements, including:
- Restoring File Explorer tabs when using “Restore previous folder windows at logon.”
- OneDrive file syncing notifications, allowing users to continue work seamlessly between mobile and PC.
- A toggle to disable Start backup prompts, giving users more control over backup settings.
Though this update is currently limited to Insiders, Microsoft’s investment in MIDI 2.0 suggests it’s only a matter of time before modern music creators see it in a public Windows 11 release.
