Microsoft is embarking on one of the most significant transformations in its history, turning Windows into an agentic AI platform. This shift is more than just a technical upgrade—it's a reimagining of how we interact with computers, the web, and intelligent software.
The Dawn of the Agentic Web
Imagine a world where your computer doesn't just respond to your commands, but proactively helps you get things done. That's the promise of the agentic web. At the recent Microsoft Build 2025 conference, CEO Satya Nadella described this as the "middle innings" of a major platform shift, where generative AI moves from early adoption to practical, everyday reality.
The agentic web is about empowering AI agents—digital assistants that can reason, act, and collaborate on your behalf. These agents can shop, book services, manage files, and even pay for goods, all with your approval. It's a future where the web becomes more interactive, personalized, and efficient.
Key Innovations Powering the Shift
Model Context Protocol (MCP)
A cornerstone of this transformation is the Model Context Protocol, or MCP. Developed by Anthropic and now embedded directly into Windows, MCP acts as a universal language for AI agents. It allows them to interact with your computer in ways that were previously impossible—installing software, accessing files, changing settings, and more. This opens up new possibilities for automation and productivity, especially in enterprise environments.
Foundry Local: AI on Your Device
Another breakthrough is Foundry Local, a tool that lets AI features run directly on your PC without needing an internet connection. This means faster responses, enhanced privacy, and greater reliability. For developers, it's a game-changer, making it easier to build intelligent apps that work seamlessly with users' needs.
NLWeb: Making Every Website Agentic
Microsoft also introduced NLWeb, an open standard designed to turn any website into an agentic application. With NLWeb, AI agents can understand and act on web content—shopping, booking, or making payments—without manual intervention. It's like giving every website a built-in assistant, ready to help users accomplish their goals.
What This Means for Users, Developers, and Businesses
For everyday users, these innovations promise a more intuitive and helpful computing experience. Imagine booking a trip, managing your calendar, or shopping online—all handled by an AI agent that understands your preferences and acts on your behalf.
Developers gain powerful new tools to create smarter, more responsive software. With features like Copilot Tuning, they can customize AI agents to reflect a company's unique data, tone, and workflows, making these agents true experts in their fields.
Businesses stand to benefit from increased efficiency and productivity. By leveraging agentic AI, organizations can automate routine tasks, gather feedback, and deliver more personalized services to their customers.
Actionable Takeaways
- Explore how AI agents can streamline your daily tasks and workflows.
- For developers: Experiment with MCP and Foundry Local to build next-generation applications.
- Businesses should consider customizing AI agents to reflect their unique needs and industry requirements.
- Stay informed about new standards like NLWeb that are shaping the future of the web.
Meta Description
Discover how Microsoft is transforming Windows into an agentic AI platform, enabling autonomous AI agents to interact with apps, data, and users. Learn about MCP, Foundry Local, NLWeb, and what this means for the future of the web.
Summary of Key Points
- Microsoft is making Windows agentic, enabling autonomous AI agents.
- Model Context Protocol (MCP) allows agents to interact deeply with your computer.
- Foundry Local brings AI features directly to your device for speed and privacy.
- NLWeb turns any website into an agentic application.
- These innovations offer new opportunities for users, developers, and businesses alike.