Microsoft and Ericsson to Embed 5G in Windows 11 as AI Strategy Shifts Toward Self-Sufficiency

Microsoft and Ericsson have announced a joint development to integrate advanced 5G capabilities directly into Windows 11, beginning with Surface Copilot+ PCs. The solution combines Ericsson Enterprise 5G Connect with Microsoft 365, Intune, and AI-driven connectivity intelligence. This integration enables secure, policy-driven management for enterprise laptops.

Seven leading Communications Service Providers (CSPs) have committed to early launch programs. Broad market availability is scheduled for the second quarter of 2026. Participating carriers include T-Mobile in the U.S., Telenor in Sweden, Singtel in Singapore, and SoftBank Corp in Japan.

The announcement highlights a broader shift in Microsoft’s AI strategy toward true self-sufficiency. The company expects to launch its own in-house AI models later in 2026.