Microsoft is reorganizing its Windows engineering teams under a single division, a move announced in an internal memo by Windows chief Pavan Davuluri. This restructuring aims to consolidate teams working on Windows client and server, enhancing focus on project delivery. Davuluri, who was recently promoted to president of Windows and devices, emphasized that this unification of Windows engineering efforts aims to align priorities more effectively.
This reorganization marks the first significant change in Windows division leadership since Davuluri’s promotion last year. It integrates the leadership of various teams—including Core OS, Data Intelligence and Fundamentals, Security, and Engineering Systems—under Davuluri’s oversight. As a result, most Windows engineering responsibilities will now fall under one leader, rather than being divided across teams affiliated with Microsoft Azure.
Historically, in 2018, Microsoft divided Windows into two teams after the departure of former Windows chief Terry Myerson. Initially, the core Windows platform team moved to Azure, while the client-focused aspects transitioned to a new Experiences & Devices team. Although some changes were made by Panos Panay in 2020, key engineering teams remained separate until now.
Despite this consolidation, certain lower-level components of Windows will still be managed by Azure teams. Davuluri acknowledged ongoing collaboration with Azure, particularly in areas like storage, networking, and security. Dependencies also exist between the core kernel and virtualization teams, which are now part of Azure Core.
The reorganization places additional responsibilities on Davuluri, particularly as Microsoft looks to integrate artificial intelligence features into the operating system. Recent initiatives include the Windows AI Labs program, which tests new AI functionalities within Windows 11, as well as recent updates introducing AI features like Copilot Vision and an AI-driven Settings agent. How this restructuring will impact the development and deployment of these AI features remains to be seen.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/report/787796/microsoft-windows-reorg-single-engineering-team-changes