Microsoft has begun rolling out Windows MIDI Services, a rebuilt implementation of MIDI support in Windows 11 that adds compatibility with the MIDI 2.0 standard alongside the existing MIDI 1.0 protocol.
MIDI, which stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, is the communications standard that allows computers, synthesisers, controllers and other electronic music equipment to exchange data.
The updated stack is built into Windows 11 and is being enabled progressively across supported retail versions of the operating system.
A significant practical change is that every MIDI port and endpoint is now multi-client, meaning several applications can connect to and use the same device at the same time, a limitation that previously required third-party workarounds.
Windows MIDI Services also introduces built-in loopback and application-to-application MIDI routing, customisable device names and metadata, automatic translation between MIDI 2.0 and MIDI 1.0 formats, and message scheduling with timing accuracy of under one microsecond.
The release includes a new USB MIDI 2.0 class driver, while retaining the older driver for backwards compatibility with existing hardware and software.
Pete Brown and Gary Daniels, announcing the release on behalf of Microsoft, described it as a long-awaited modernisation of Windows audio infrastructure for music producers and developers.
Related reading
- Most US healthcare providers yet to deploy agentic AI despite growing confidence in its potential
- Microsoft pledges to train 3m people in AI skills in Saudi Arabia by 2030
- Atrium claims $1bn in tracked customer returns from AI consulting work
Microsoft said an updated MIDI application software development kit and accompanying tools package is planned for release in the coming months, with preview builds already available via the project's GitHub repository.
A dedicated MIDI Settings application will allow users to customise endpoints and create loopback connections once the service is active on their device.
The Recap
- Windows 11 now includes Windows MIDI Services supporting MIDI 1.0 and 2.0.
- MIDI ports and endpoints are multi-client by default across APIs.
- SDK, tools and preview builds are available on GitHub and WinGet.
