Microsoft Windows Embraces AI Agents

Microsoft is revolutionizing its Windows operating system by transforming it into an agentic AI platform, a move the company describes as one of the most significant shifts in its history. This transition aims to establish the foundation for an open, agentic web, where AI agents can interact seamlessly with computers and web content.

During Microsoft Build 2025, CEO Satya Nadella emphasized the need to reconfigure the internet’s systems to support AI agents, likening this phase to the "middle innings" of past technological transformations like cloud computing and mobile technology. He noted that generative AI is currently in this critical development phase, and Microsoft is focused on scaling the open agentic web to make this vision a reality.

A key component of this transformation is the integration of the Model Context Protocol (MCP) into Windows. MCP is a groundbreaking technology that enables AI models to communicate more effectively, producing enhanced outcomes. According to PYMNTS Intelligence, this protocol will play a pivotal role in facilitating interactions between AI agents and computers.

Foundry Local: Enabling Offline AI Capabilities

Microsoft has also introduced Foundry Local, a new tool designed to allow PCs to run AI features without requiring an internet connection. This innovation not only speeds up AI responses but also enhances privacy by keeping data processing local. Foundry Local is fully integrated into Windows and is compatible with AI-powered PCs, ensuring that users can benefit from AI capabilities even when offline.

Copilot Tuning: Customizing AI for Business Needs

Another significant feature is Copilot Tuning, which allows businesses to customize AI agents using their own data, tone, and workflows. This ensures that AI agents become experts in specific organizational knowledge, tailoring their interactions to better suit the needs of individual companies. By leveraging Copilot Tuning, businesses can create AI agents that are more effective and aligned with their unique operations.

NLWeb: Transforming Websites into Agentic Platforms

Microsoft has introduced NLWeb, an open standard that transforms websites into agentic platforms. NLWeb enables AI agents to comprehend and act on web content, making the web more interactive and responsive. To implement this standard, Microsoft is collaborating with companies like Tripadvisor, allowing AI agents to perform tasks such as searching for travel information and booking trips directly.

The integration of these advanced AI features into Windows marks a significant step forward in Microsoft’s vision for the future of computing. By embracing AI agents, the company is paving the way for a more intelligent, interactive, and efficient user experience.