Microsoft's first-ever public preview of Windows MIDI Service has finally arrived

The first-ever public preview of Windows MIDI Service has finally arrived on Windows 11 just a few decades after MIDI became the standard back in the 80s.

In the latest Windows 11 beta build (Build 2778 for the Canary channel), Microsoft introduces the first public preview of Windows MIDI Services, a complete rewrite of MIDI support in Windows, now fully supporting MIDI 2.0 while modernizing MIDI 1.0.

“It’s used to record and playback note information, control stage lights and effects, keep mixers in a large venue in sync, and so much more,” Microsoft recalls.

The new MIDI stack improves speed, timing, multi-client access, and device compatibility across all supported processors, including Arm64.

There are also a few key features in the mix, including high-speed data transmission, USB MIDI 2.0 class driver support, automatic translation between MIDI versions, better metadata, and better endpoint management.

Open-sourced under an MIT license, it includes tools like a MIDI console, diagnostics, and a settings app. Microsoft also promises to bring Network MIDI 2.0 and improve BLE MIDI support.

“Although it is not itself audio, the MIDI protocol is essential to making music and was heavily used in the rise of hip-hop and other genres,” the company continues.

Still from the Build 2778-related update, Microsoft is also rolling out a new OneDrive feature that allows you to easily resume editing files from your phone (iOS/Android) on your PC with a single click. The feature was first tested many months ago in the Beta channel.

Other updates include restoring File Explorer tabs upon login, improved backup reminders, and a new Settings homepage for enterprise-managed PCs.