This is an archive article published on May 20, 2024

Microsoft Build 2024: what to expect and how to watch the event

Microsoft Build 2024 will be yet another developer conference that's centred around AI.

Build 2024 is happening in Seattle (Image credit: Microsoft)

3 min readBengaluruMay 21, 2024 08:16 AM IST First published on: May 20, 2024 at 09:42 AM IST

Just like Google’s recently held I/O developer conference and Apple’s upcoming WWDC, the theme of Microsoft Build 2024, “How will AI shape your future?”, is clearly about Artificial Intelligence where the company would showcase some of the upcoming AI technologies for consumers, enterprises, and developers.

A new era is coming. Find out what’s next on Monday 5/20. pic.twitter.com/yt8J1MWGgV

— Microsoft (@Microsoft) May 17, 2024

Microsoft Build 2024 on Tuesday, happening just a week after Google I/O, is likely to be a jam-packed event, where we are likely to see several announcements regarding various Microsoft products and services.

Microsoft Build 2024 is an in-person event in Seattle and costs $2,125 to attend. One can also attend the event virtually for free, and the company is also live streaming it on the Microsoft Developer YouTube channel, scheduled for 9 pm on May 21. Satya Nadella, CEO, Microsoft, is likely to deliver the keynote and announce new developer tools and upcoming products.

A day before its Build 2024, Microsoft on Monday scheduled a closed-door event where the Redmond-based company is likely to show off next-generation AI PCs, possibly powered by the Snapdragon X Elite and the Snapdragon X Plus processor.

What to expect from Microsoft Build 2024?

This time around, Microsoft is likely to make both software and hardware-related AI announcements at Build 2024, which could include new features on Windows 11, and possibly a sneak-peak at the next version — Windows 12.

Also read | ARM-powered Windows PCs on its way. What to expect

For consumers, the all-new Advanced RISC Machine (ARM)-based Windows PCs with the Snapdragon X Elite and the Snapdragon X Plus will be the highlight, where both Microsoft and its original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as Dell, Samsung, Lenovo, and more are expected to showcase their first set of ARM-powered Windows PCs.

Also read | Dell’s Qualcomm X Elite-powered ARM PCs leak hints at thinner design and compact form factor

As per the leaks, we may see new Surface laptops at the event — specifically the Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6, and this time around, we could also expect to see both x86-based and ARM-based models.

Some of the new Windows 11 features that are likely to be announced at Build 2024 include AI Explorer, and Microsoft is also expected to unveil some of the new AI experiences that will run natively, without cloud support, at least on select PCs. Microsoft could also showcase a couple more use cases of Copilot, the company’s AI chatbot and personal assistant, powered by GPT.

For developers, Microsoft could showcase some new products and solutions within the Azure cloud, such as new and improved low-code no-code capabilities.