MIDI 2.0 support is finally heading to Windows
Music producers using Windows will soon be able to access the benefits of MIDI 2.0 in the coming months.
After years of waiting, MIDI 2.0 support is officially on its way to Windows. Microsoft has confirmed that MIDI 2.0 support will roll out to retail installs in the coming months, opening the door for more producers to access the next generation of MIDI. For music producers working on PCs, this is one of those updates that could quietly change everything.
What’s actually happening?
In early December, Microsoft released the production release version of Windows MIDI Services to its Dev and Beta Windows Insider Channels, according to The Verge. Microsoft added that the update is expected to land on retail installs of Windows within “the next few months”.
In simple terms, this means Windows has been preparing and testing its systems so they can properly support MIDI 2.0, and now it’s near being ready for public release.
Why this matters
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) has been crucial to modern music production for decades. It’s how electronic musical instruments connect and talk to software to get music inside of DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations).
But despite MIDI 2.0 being first announced back in 2019, adoption has been slow. Until now, support for operating systems and hardware has been very few and far between, with The Verge noting that there’s only a handful of compatible devices.
This update helps change that. With native Windows support on the way, more producers will be able to take advantage of MIDI 2.0 within their workflow.
So, what does MIDI 2.0 offer?
MIDI 2.0 promises higher resolution control, two-way communication between devices, and smoother workflows for improved accuracy and responsiveness. All in all, making it quicker and easier for people to use.
For more information about MIDI 2.0, what MIDI controllers even are, or how they work, check out our previous blog here.
Wrapping up
MIDI 2.0 support is nearly on the way for Windows users. While it may not be the most exciting news, quiet updates like this often end up having the biggest subtle long-term impact. And for music producers working on Windows, it finally opens the door to utilizing MIDI 2.0.