Microsoft and Ericsson integrate 5G management into Windows 11

Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) and Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) announced the integration of 5G connectivity management capabilities directly into Windows 11, targeting enterprise laptop deployments.

The joint solution combines Microsoft Intune device management with Ericsson Enterprise 5G Connect, a platform that monitors network quality and adjusts connectivity automatically. The integration enables IT departments to automate device connections, switch between service provider networks, and apply enterprise policies remotely.

The companies plan broad availability beginning in the second quarter of 2026. Seven communication service providers have committed to early launch programs, with initial availability in the United States through T-Mobile, Sweden with Telenor, Singapore with Singtel, and Japan with SoftBank Corp.

Additional launches are planned for 2026 in Spain with MasOrange, Germany with O2 Telefónica Germany, and Finland with Elisa.

"AI-powered 5G laptops are redefining how and where work gets done," said Erik Ekudden, chief technology officer at Ericsson. "Together with Microsoft and leading CSP partners, we're enabling organizations to seamlessly automate the deployment and operations of secure, always-connected devices regardless of location."

Ian LeGrow, corporate vice president of Core OS at Microsoft, stated that Windows 11 serves as "the optimal enterprise platform for deploying and managing 5G-connected PCs at scale."

The solution will initially launch with Surface Copilot+ PCs, Microsoft 365, and Intune integration. Microsoft and Ericsson plan to demonstrate the capabilities at MWC Barcelona 2026, including features for remote network policy setting, automatic eSIM switching, and local AI agents for connectivity optimization.

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