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With its newest update, slowly rolling out since late February, Microsoft has released support for MIDI2.0 within Windows 11....Win 10 is not supported.
So far, I've been impressed. Elimination of MIDI cables which have data transmissions 1000 times slower than USB. Auto-configuration, devices are automatically detected and configured. Bidirectional communication via USB...no MIDI cables needed if your device has USB capabilities. Built in loop back...no third party virtual cabling needed. And most importantly for me: multi-client support, allowing multiple apps to access the same MIDI port or device at the same time...no more limitations of Windows single host issues.
One of the best MS updates I've seen in a long time. How about you?
Jeff
Win11, Intel i7 7700K 4.2Ghz, 32Gb RAM, 2x1Tb HD, 500Gb NVMe, BIAB/RB 2026, MOTU 828MK3 audio, MOTU Midi Express, Yamaha Montage 7, DX7II, TX802, Motif XS Rack, Roland Fantom XR Rack, Oberheim Matrix 1000, VoiceLive3 Extreme, Kontakt 6, SampleTank 4.3
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The macOS and Logic have supported MIDI 2.0 since 2023.
BIAB 2025 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, LogicPro, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScorePro64/Notion6 /Overture5
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There have been some issues reported during the roll out. The issues seem to be that some non standard midi configurations such as loop-be virtual cables or midi over lan either no longer work or work intermittently.
However for most people that use midi the roll out has been so smooth that users aren't aware of the change in how midi is handled.
Once the issues are resolved it will be a lot easier for Windows computers to communicate with external midi hardware, control or be controlled by hardware and manage midi systems.
Mike, since Apple makes the hardware, operating system and DAW they were able to support midi and audio for a long time. They had a strong incentive to do so since their marketing was targeted to education and creative tasks.
The pc computer is an open system where many companies supply the hardware and the operating system is separate from hardware. Marketing was directed to white collar office professionals and everyday users. Audio or midi was not originally supported. When audio or midi was needed, the user added a circuit board and the board developer provided a software driver.
It is a lot harder to gain consensus on what's the priority and how to achieve it in an open system like the pc computer than a closed system like Apple computers.
One positive of pc computers over Apple computers is I've seen a lot more circuit boards that perform special functions that can be used in a pc computer than I have for Apple computers.
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Maybe because Macs don't need all those extra 3rd party circuit boards?
Nevertheless, I'm glad Windows is doing it. Nice!
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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So...any idea what the casual Windows 11 MIDI user should do to take advantage? I'm not SEEING any difference in how my setup behaves. THANKS in advance!
DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
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Mike, since Apple makes the hardware, operating system and DAW they were able to support midi and audio for a long time. They had a strong incentive to do so since their marketing was targeted to education and creative tasks.
The pc computer is an open system where many companies supply the hardware and the operating system is separate from hardware MIDI 2.0 hardware has been out over 5 years. It came first, then LINUX. Apple in 2023. MS is playing catchup. Many DAWs still don't support it but I figure now that MS does, those companies will finally climb onboard.
BIAB 2025 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, LogicPro, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScorePro64/Notion6 /Overture5
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So...any idea what the casual Windows 11 MIDI user should do to take advantage? I'm not SEEING any difference in how my setup behaves. THANKS in advance! If it ain't broke, don't go fixin' it (?) 
Last edited by rharv; Yesterday at 06:11 PM.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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I'm glad to see this progressing.
When I first read the MIDI 2.0 specs, I was disappointed that storage of Chord Names was not supported. Does anyone know if that has changed?
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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So...any idea what the casual Windows 11 MIDI user should do to take advantage? I'm not SEEING any difference in how my setup behaves. THANKS in advance! If it ain't broke, don't go fixin' it (?) Thanks. Any other thoughts?
DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
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"Thanks. Any other thoughts"
I didn't try it yet, but there are some very interesting music software titles that are not DAWs and not in VST format. In the past I've used loopMidi to interconnect DAW (and BIAB too) with other standalones. I guess in a similar way as Audiobus works in iOS. Perhaps Win11 Midi support tools will streamline this process and make it more stable.
Another thing that comes to mind is Bluetooth MIDI controllers. I have not read into if/how new stack will improve workflow (connectivity, latency) but will check it out in time, as I have a BT controller that only works with a dongle in Windows.
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DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
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I found this MS blog article helpful. Included are instructions for installing and setting up the new Windows 11 MIDI services. Making Music with MIDI
DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
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Yeah, for one thing everyone uses a different setup. So how it will affect/benefit them is variable. "MIDI 2.0 natively offers bidirectional communication, automatic device discovery and protocol setup, uncapped speeds, intentional high-resolution controllers ( no 0-127 limitation or multi-message workarounds for larger values), per-note articulation, self-describing devices, and a decoupling of the protocol from the transports enabling easier adoption of new transports like Network MIDI 2.0 as they emerge." https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2026/02/17/making-music-with-midi-just-got-a-real-boost-in-windows-11//PGMusic users; note that bold part Also (and this is a biggie) - "The No. 1 request for MIDI in Windows has been to allow multiple apps to use the same MIDI port/device at the same time. We call that “multi-client.” Until now, this was only possible with custom vendor drivers. Now, every MIDI 1.0 port and MIDI 2.0 endpoint is multi-client, regardless of the driver or API used. In most cases, vendor-specific MIDI drivers are no longer needed or recommended, although they will still work if they are kernel streaming drivers. Multi-client is available for all MIDI 1.0 and MIDI 2.0 apps and devices"
Last edited by rharv; 22 minutes ago.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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