Microsoft’s Build 2026 developer conference is underway in San Francisco, signaling a pivotal moment for the company as it reshapes its business around artificial intelligence. The conference, positioned between Google I/O and Apple’s WWDC, is heavily focused on AI and regaining developer trust, particularly concerning Windows and GitHub.
What Happened
The conference kicked off with a keynote from CEO Satya Nadella, outlining Microsoft’s vision for developers in the age of AI. Key announcements anticipated include new AI models, a reasoning model from Microsoft AI, and a “Copilot super app.” Notably, Microsoft appears to be prioritizing a more intimate conference experience, moving Build from Seattle to a smaller venue in San Francisco to foster better engagement. A new Windows 11 developer-optimized experience is also planned, offering a distraction-free environment with pre-installed tools and scripts, addressing long-standing developer feedback. The Surface Laptop Ultra, powered by Nvidia’s RTX Spark, was recently announced and may see additional discussion regarding Windows on ARM.
Why It Matters
This shift towards developer focus is crucial for Microsoft. Trust in both Windows and GitHub has reportedly declined, and Build 2026 represents an opportunity to reconnect and demonstrate a commitment to the developer community. The emphasis on AI isn't surprising, given the current industry landscape, but the specific focus on developer tools around AI suggests Microsoft is trying to position itself as the platform of choice for building AI-powered applications. The new Windows 11 experience, if well-executed, could significantly improve developer productivity and attract more developers to the platform. The move to San Francisco aims to align Microsoft with the hub of AI innovation.
What To Watch
Specific details about the new AI models and the Copilot “super app” remain scarce as of this initial reporting. It will be important to see how these models perform and what specific capabilities they offer developers. The success of the Windows 11 developer experience will depend on the quality and usefulness of the pre-installed tools and scripts. Further details regarding Windows on ARM and RTX Spark integration are also expected. The Verge’s Tom Warren suggests that Microsoft is attempting a reset, and the coming days will reveal how effectively they deliver on this promise to developers.