Microsoft Events brings together new and updated developer and IT productivity tools for Windows 11, focusing on WSL, Windows Terminal, PowerToys, security, and enterprise management features.

Windows 11 Developer Productivity Tools: WSL, Terminal, PowerToys & Enterprise Security

Session Overview

This Microsoft Ignite 2025 advanced session (BRK330), presented by Craig Loewen and Clint Rutkas, introduces a suite of productivity and security tools aimed at developers and IT professionals using Windows 11.

Key Topics Covered

  • New Experiences in WSL: Explore the latest features for Windows Subsystem for Linux, including enhancements around enterprise manageability and security.
  • Introduction of ‘Edit’: A new lightweight terminal text editor designed for speed and handling large files efficiently.
  • Windows Terminal Updates: Learn about organized profiles and how to integrate GitHub Copilot commands directly into the terminal.
  • PowerToys CLI Integration: Discover how to launch and leverage PowerToys via command line, including features like Advanced Paste with AI text editing using Foundry Local.
  • Open Source Windows Tools: Insights into the development and use of open-source tools including PowerShell and Windows Terminal.
  • Enterprise Security Features: Overview of new Zero Trust security capabilities in WSL, along with strategies to make Windows an enterprise-friendly development platform.
  • MCP Server Building and AI Integration: A practical demo covering the building, registering, running, and testing of an MCP Server as an AI Agent on Windows.

Chapters Breakdown

  • 0:00 — Live demo showcasing new Windows features for developers
  • 5:37 — Introduction to ‘Edit’ text editor
  • 7:23 — Windows Terminal updates and Copilot command integration
  • 10:22 — Canary build save issue fix and PowerToys CLI launch
  • 20:38 — Advanced Paste AI capabilities in PowerToys
  • 22:55 — Discussion of open-source tools
  • 25:47 — Zero Trust features for WSL
  • 33:13 — Building and registering MCP Server
  • 34:13 — MCP Server as an AI Agent

Enterprise Focus

Strong emphasis is placed on security—including Zero Trust principles—and the enterprise manageability of these tools, ensuring that Windows 11 remains suitable for both individual developers and large organizations.

Further Learning

For more resources, visit the Ignite session page at Microsoft Ignite and additional developer experiences.

Speakers

  • Craig Loewen
  • Clint Rutkas