Microsoft Build 2025: Copilot Upgrades, AI Models, and Start Menu Evolution

Microsoft is gearing up for its annual Build developer conference from May 19 to 22, promising a wave of announcements centered around AI integrations, services, and Windows enhancements. With anticipation building, here's a sneak peek at what to expect from this tech extravaganza and a reflection on some recent design explorations.

Last year's Build saw the unveiling of Copilot in Teams, Copilot+ AI-powered PCs, and Windows Volumetric Apps for Meta Quest headsets. This year, the focus is squarely on deepening the integration of Copilot across Microsoft's software ecosystem, catering to both consumer and enterprise needs.

One of the major talking points is the potential shift in AI models powering Copilot. As the relationship between Microsoft and OpenAI evolves, Microsoft is reportedly experimenting with alternative AI models from companies like xAI, Meta, Anthropic, and DeepSeek. Could Build 2025 be the stage where Microsoft unveils its own family of AI models, potentially named MAI, competitive with OpenAI's offerings?

Windows users might see Copilot gain "agentic" capabilities, enabling it to autonomously perform basic PC tasks. Leaks suggest an "Action" button within Copilot could trigger everyday tasks. Beyond software, rumors are swirling around a follow-up to the Azure Maia 100 AI Accelerator, potentially named "Maia 2," further solidifying Microsoft's commitment to AI infrastructure.

While the future of Microsoft's AI strategy takes center stage, the company recently offered a glimpse into the road not taken with the Windows 11 Start menu. In a blog post, Microsoft revealed five concept designs that could have radically changed the menu's functionality. These included a more rounded menu with widget-like features and a separate "For You" section showcasing Teams meetings and recent files. One concept even envisioned an entire vertical screen takeover. Microsoft rigorously tested these designs with Windows 11 fans, monitoring eye-tracking data and feedback to refine the final product, prioritizing customizability, speed, and familiarity.

The result of this iterative design process is a new Start menu that is bigger and more customizable than the existing one, rolling out to Windows Insiders for testing. A key feature is the ability to remove the recommended feed, and the phone companion panel provides quick access to recent calls, messages, and phone files.

In parallel with the potential Copilot announcements, Microsoft is also testing Build 26200.5581 (KB5058493) in the Dev Channel for Windows Insiders. This build includes enhanced "Click to Do" experiences on AI-powered PCs and a dedicated FAQs section to answer common questions about users' PCs.

Microsoft's Build 2025 promises to be a pivotal event, showcasing the company's vision for an AI-powered future. From Copilot upgrades and potential new AI models to Windows 11 enhancements, the event is packed with potential. What announcements are you most eager to see? What are your thoughts on the abandoned Start menu concepts? Share your predictions and opinions in the comments below!

• AI Models
• Copilot+
• Microsoft Build