Build and ship faster with a developer-optimized experience on Windows | BRK261
Craig Loewen and Kayla Cinnamon show how Windows is being tuned for developer workflows, with demos across PowerToys, WSL, and container scenarios that aim to reduce context switching and speed up building and shipping software.
Overview
This Microsoft Build 2026 breakout focuses on an end-to-end, developer-optimized Windows experience, highlighting repeatable scenarios you can incorporate into daily workflows.
What the session covers
PowerToys Command Palette and an updated Run dialog
- Demonstrates an updated Run dialog experience powered by PowerToys Command Palette.
- Emphasis is on staying in-flow and reducing “toil” while navigating common developer tasks.
WSL and containerized development workflows
- Demonstrates a containerized web app running through WSL.
- Discusses building a custom Linux container CLI with an integrated API.
- Explores a WSL container API and related configuration options.
Developer utilities and shell experiences
- Introduces a “Core Utils” repository.
- Covers a “Comfort Shell” concept aimed at improving the developer experience on Windows.
Building on Windows vs building for Windows
- Covers a transition in mindset and workflow from building on Windows to building for Windows.
Performance impact examples
- Shares a real-world example citing Adobe Photoshop performance improvements (up to 20%).
- Mentions an optimized build result showing a 33% performance improvement.
WinUI + Linux containers
- Demonstrates a WinUI app running Linux containers seamlessly.
Session resources
Chapters (from the video)
- 0:00 - Updated Run dialog powered by PowerToys Command Palette
- 00:09:12 - Demonstration of containerized web app running through WSL
- 00:10:55 - Discussion on building custom Linux container CLI with integrated API
- 00:12:03 - Introduction to Core Utils repository and Comfort Shell for developers
- 00:14:01 - Transition from building on Windows to building for Windows
- 00:22:27 - Real-world impact: Adobe Photoshop performance improvement up to 20%
- 00:28:32 - Result: optimized build shows 33% performance improvement
- 00:33:28 - Demonstration of WinUI app running Linux containers seamlessly
- 00:35:26 - Exploring WSL container API and configuration options