Microsoft and Ericsson have unveiled a joint development that embeds advanced enterprise-grade 5G capabilities directly into Windows 11, marking a significant step forward in enterprise mobility and laptop fleet management.
The move enables organisations worldwide to deploy secure, policy-driven 5G connectivity across their laptop estates, streamlining how IT departments manage, protect and scale mobile PC fleets.
The solution combines Microsoft Intune with Ericsson Enterprise 5G Connect – an AI- and cloud-analytics-powered platform that continuously monitors network quality and automatically optimises connectivity for performance and security.
By embedding AI-based 5G management into Windows 11, IT teams can automate device connectivity, switch seamlessly between communications service providers’ networks and apply enterprise policies across devices.
Through Microsoft Intune and Ericsson Enterprise 5G Connect, organisations can enforce secure connectivity profiles and enterprise policies across every 5G-enabled laptop, reducing manual configuration and ensuring consistent, compliant user experiences regardless of where employees work.
The companies say the automation capabilities address long-standing barriers to adopting cellular-connected laptops, reducing IT overheads while providing a predictable, secure route to modern mobile working.
The development builds on an ongoing collaboration between Microsoft and Ericsson to bring managed 5G connectivity to the enterprise workspace, following successful pilot deployments across multiple markets. The partners are working with global communications service providers to deliver enterprise 5G bundles that combine Surface Copilot+ PCs, Microsoft 365, Intune and Ericsson Enterprise 5G Connect.
The new solution will be showcased at MWC Barcelona 2026, where Microsoft and Ericsson will present upcoming features including remote prioritisation of 5G network policies, automatic eSIM switching and a local AI agent on Surface 5G laptops that makes context-aware decisions in real time to optimise performance for business workflows.
According to Erik Ekudden, CTO, Ericsson, "AI-powered 5G laptops are redefining how and where work gets done. Together with Microsoft and leading CSP partners, we're enabling organisations to seamlessly automate the deployment and operations of secure, always-connected devices, regardless of location, creating a smarter, more responsive workplace for the AI era. This joint solution has the potential to transform enterprise IT and employee ways of working around the world."
Ian LeGrow, Corporate Vice President, Core OS, Microsoft, says: "Windows 11 is the optimal enterprise platform for deploying and managing 5G-connected PCs at scale. With the new 5G management capabilities of Windows 11, now being piloted first with Surface Copilot+ PCs and Ericsson Enterprise 5G Connect, Enterprise IT teams can use Microsoft Intune to seamlessly provision, manage, and secure both devices and 5G connectivity. Together, Windows, Intune, Surface, and Ericsson enable organizations to confidently deploy AI-ready PCs and keep employees securely connected and productive wherever work happens."
The joint solution is now available in key markets, including the United States with T-Mobile, Sweden with Telenor, Singapore with Singtel and Japan with SoftBank Corp.. Additional rollouts are planned in 2026, including Spain with MasOrange, Germany with O2 Telefónica Germany and Finland with Elisa.
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