The highly anticipated Windows 11 24H2 roll-out commenced this week, marking the annual feature update of Microsoft's widely used operating system. However, for many in the developer community, the excitement seems to have fizzled into a collective sigh of indifference. It appears that Microsoft is prioritizing compatibility with existing software over encouraging developers to embrace and create new applications that leverage emerging capabilities within the updated OS.
Yet, here we are several months later with developers still in wait mode. The availability of features linked to the Copilot Runtime remains murky, with documentation announcing that “not all features are available at this time.” To complicate matters further, the innovative on-device language models, particularly those labeled "Phi Silica," are seemingly restricted for use on Arm-based Copilot+ PCs.
Once upon a time, Microsoft went to great lengths to energize developers with new Windows releases. What changed? An observable shift indicates that Microsoft has drifted away from courting the consumer market.
Plus, the once-common mantra of “new Windows, new PC” has vanished from the marketing playbook, especially as Microsoft continues to tout Arm-based Copilot+ PCs and PC manufacturers are leaning on the inevitable end of Windows 10 to drive hardware sales.
This update might not be the adrenaline boost developers were hoping for, but who knows? Perhaps future patches will bring the excitement back into the ecosystem. For now, however, many developers will be watching, waiting, and—let’s be honest—yawning through this latest chapter in the Windows saga.
Source: devclass Why Windows 11 24H2 is a big yawn for developers
Compatibility Takes the Spotlight
As of the last update, there's a notable absence of buzz regarding the Windows 11 24H2 on Microsoft's developer blogs. The predominant piece of content available focuses on what’s new for IT professionals, with much of the conversation centered on application compatibility rather than new features. Notably, Microsoft touts Windows 11 as the "most compatible Windows operating system ever," providing supportive resources like the App Assure team to help resolve any potential compatibility issues.A Shallow Pool of Innovations
While Windows 11 24H2 introduces some foundational architectural changes—including the implementation of Rust within the Windows kernel—developers are left wanting for more. The update is described as a “full operating system swap,” but the lack of compelling features dedicated to enhancing custom application development stands out. Many developers had high hopes during the Build event this past May, where Microsoft's focus was on the "Copilot Runtime"—a new API promising to introduce exciting AI capabilities such as natural language processing, live caption translations, and the app recall feature for retrieving past activities.Yet, here we are several months later with developers still in wait mode. The availability of features linked to the Copilot Runtime remains murky, with documentation announcing that “not all features are available at this time.” To complicate matters further, the innovative on-device language models, particularly those labeled "Phi Silica," are seemingly restricted for use on Arm-based Copilot+ PCs.
The Apple Comparison: A Call to Action
Contrast this with Apple's efforts to engage its developer base during the recent WWDC (Worldwide Developer Conference), where it showcased a flurry of useful tools—like App Intents, Reality Kit for spatial applications, and enhanced widgets. These innovative updates affirm how Apple continues to propel its ecosystem forward, leaving some developers wondering what became of Microsoft's earlier commitment to invigorating the developer experience.Once upon a time, Microsoft went to great lengths to energize developers with new Windows releases. What changed? An observable shift indicates that Microsoft has drifted away from courting the consumer market.
Cloud Culture: The New Priority
In today's landscape, the focus has pivoted firmly towards enterprise solutions. Microsoft no longer appears to need Windows upgrades as a catalyst for maintaining profit; the cloud has emerged as the lucrative frontier. Subscriptions and applications leveraging Azure and Microsoft’s Power Platform are now at the core of Microsoft’s business strategy, sidelining Windows upgrades as the primary revenue driver.Plus, the once-common mantra of “new Windows, new PC” has vanished from the marketing playbook, especially as Microsoft continues to tout Arm-based Copilot+ PCs and PC manufacturers are leaning on the inevitable end of Windows 10 to drive hardware sales.
A Nostalgic Nod to Legacy Technologies
Interestingly, following the lukewarm reception of Windows SDKs for desktop development, there has been a resurgence of support for the venerable Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF). Pavan Davuluri, Microsoft’s corporate VP for Windows devices, recently noted that both WinUI 3 and WPF have untapped potential to utilize new features and APIs in the Windows App SDK.Conclusion: What Lies Ahead?
The Windows 11 24H2 update may have launched, but for developers hoping for groundbreaking features or a dramatic shift in how Windows facilitates application creation, the reality feels somewhat subdued. The focus on legacy application support might just signal a broader strategy as Microsoft navigates its cloud-driven future. With Apple consistently pushing barriers on behalf of its developers, the ball is now firmly in Microsoft's court to revive interest in Windows as a forward-looking development platform.This update might not be the adrenaline boost developers were hoping for, but who knows? Perhaps future patches will bring the excitement back into the ecosystem. For now, however, many developers will be watching, waiting, and—let’s be honest—yawning through this latest chapter in the Windows saga.
Source: devclass Why Windows 11 24H2 is a big yawn for developers
