Microsoft Launches Windows AI Foundry to Simplify AI App Development on Windows

At its Build 2025 conference, Microsoft introduced Windows AI Foundry, a significant evolution of its Windows Copilot Runtime service launched in May 2024. This new platform aims to unify and simplify the development of AI-powered applications on Windows devices by providing tools to fine-tune, optimize, and deploy AI models locally.

Microsoft recognizes AI as a major growth driver, with CEO Satya Nadella reporting $13 billion in annualized AI revenue, partly due to its partnership with OpenAI. While Microsoft may not directly profit from third-party AI apps on Windows, it aims to cultivate a robust AI ecosystem on its flagship operating system, outpacing competitors.

Windows AI Foundry automatically detects the hardware configuration of a Windows machine—such as CPU, GPU, and NPU—and fetches the necessary software components to run specific AI models. It also ensures these components stay updated as new devices enter the market, easing the development process.

A key feature of Windows AI Foundry is Foundry Local, a service that brings AI model execution directly to client devices, supporting both Windows and macOS. Foundry Local leverages the open-source ONNX Runtime to accelerate AI across platforms and includes command-line interface tools that allow developers to browse, test, and interact with models on local servers.

Developers can use the Foundry Local SDK to integrate these capabilities into their applications easily. The platform’s ability to detect device hardware and list compatible AI models streamlines the development workflow, enabling more efficient local AI deployments and fostering innovation in AI-powered Windows apps.

Broader Significance and Opportunities

Windows AI Foundry represents a strategic move by Microsoft to lower barriers for AI development on widely used operating systems. By enabling local AI model execution, it addresses latency, privacy, and connectivity concerns associated with cloud-only AI solutions. This approach benefits developers seeking to build responsive, secure AI applications that leverage device-specific hardware acceleration.

For businesses and tech leaders, Windows AI Foundry opens new avenues to integrate AI capabilities directly into their software products, enhancing user experiences and operational efficiency. The platform’s compatibility with macOS also signals Microsoft’s intent to support cross-platform AI innovation, expanding its influence beyond Windows.

As AI continues to reshape software development, platforms like Windows AI Foundry will be critical in democratizing access to advanced AI tools, enabling developers to create smarter, faster, and more efficient applications. This initiative underscores the growing importance of local AI execution in the broader AI ecosystem.