Microsoft working on eSIM and power management improvements in Redstone 4

By Dan Thorp-Lancaster
last updated

Microsoft's work with Qualcomm on its "Always Connected PC" initiative drew a lot of attention this week, and it looks like some improvements are on the way in the next big update to Windows 10.

In particular, Microsoft is working on bringing robust eSIM support to Windows 10 in its upcoming Redstone 4 update, as well as power-management improvements. As first reported by ZDNet (via WalkingCat), details about the ongoing work and roadmap were revealed by Microsoft during its recent WinHEC Fall 2017 workshop.

In terms of LTE connectivity, Microsoft is working to make the process of activating an eSIM more seamless. With improvements coming in Redstone 4, users will be able to download profiles from the cloud, attaching their device to their carrier's mobile data plan without the need for in-store activation. This will make it easier to get up and going with LTE connectivity after unboxing and setting up one of these Always Connected PCs.

Microsoft is also extending this to an Enterprise eSIM feature that will be released as a pilot in Redstone 4. According to presentation slide from Microsoft, this feature "allows enterprise to bulk purchase subscriptions" from mobile device operators, then use mobile device management services to automatically provision connectivity across devices.

Aside from its eSIM work, Microsoft is also planning to work with Intel to certify that devices pass tests related to Modern Standby, which manages background activities. The goal is to get Modern Standby enabled on desktops, not just mobile devices.

According to the WinHEC slides, Microsoft is planning on getting these features working in time for the Release of Redstone 4. The update is currently in testing with Windows Insiders, and it's expected to be released sometime in Spring 2018.

Windows 10 Redstone 4: All the changes so far

Dan Thorp-Lancaster
Dan Thorp-Lancaster

Dan Thorp-Lancaster is the Editor in Chief for Windows Central. He began working with Windows Central as a news writer in 2014 and is obsessed with tech of all sorts. You can follow Dan on Twitter @DthorpL and Instagram @heyitsdtl. Got a hot tip? Send it to daniel.thorp-lancaster@futurenet.com.

12 Comments
  • Awesome stuff!  Can't wait to read more about this.
  • AFAIK devices with eSIMs can share the same phone number. Correct?
  • I'm curious about that as well, it's certainly doable as there are tools that can transfer numbers to others sims and even clone a sim as mobile phone operators use these tools.
  • There is no difference here between eSIM and standard SIMs. It's in the GSM standard that the same number can be on multiple SIM cards, the carriers just have to support such functionality. 
  • Good news... But, don't count on that Surface Scribe to be offered through your favorite carrier... At least not version 1..
  • I really don't like that name, but yes, you are probably correct.
  • You'd better get used to it.
  • Well I doubt it will be CDMA enabled out of the box, knowing Verizon and their antics.
  • From MS history with mobile, I'm sure you're right.
  • Haha, the US, land of the free. Favorite...sarcasme..
  • "...to be released sometime in Spring 2018."  Who's Spring are we talking about?
  • I truly want Modern Standby (aka power state S0ix) on desktop, but that is only supported on upcoming desktop chipset Z390. No other "desktop" chipset supports that, only intel  mobile chipsets. I don't know if AMD has any support for any type fo modern standby, my guess is no.