We’ve heard a lot about WinUI on Windows 11 and how it could eventually overhaul many aspects of the existing operating system’s user interface. A few job listings suggest that WinUI will allow for the development of new parts or modernization of existing parts.
Windows is currently in the midst of a major redesign. This was officially launched last year. The goal is to bring WinUI elements to all parts of Windows, even those that are older. Microsoft has updated its legacy context menu with rounded corners as well as dark mode, as part of the revamp.
In Windows 11 Build 25115Microsoft is currently working on a slightly revised interface for the Alt+F4 dialog. The new interface will have a similar look to the Windows 95-era dialog, but without the traditional Windows logo.
The current interface for Shutdown dialogue looks identical to the one on Windows 10. It does have the new Windows 11 logo and rounded edges, but it doesn’t support the ‘modern’ WinUI design.
Microsoft may be adding more WinUI elements such as Mica to the Shutdown dialog. Mica only applies to Windows apps title bars. Fluent Design is also missing. These elements could be considered an all-pervasive theme of the new operating systems.
These changes aren’t huge but they set the stage to future improvements and are essential for design consistency.
WinRE gets new icons
Microsoft is testing WinUI and Fluent Design icons to WinRE (Windows Recovery Environment), in addition the Shutdown dialog.
The Windows 8-era WinRE interface which is present in the OS now has new icons and more changes could be due, as remember the Windows 11 Build 25115 is still an early working version of the next year’s major release.
Although this is not a significant change, it could lead to a more consistent platform design by making changes to long-standing legacy parts of the operating system.
Control Panel received UI improvements in the original Windows 11 release, including rounded corners, new icons, and other design changes. However, we still hope that the company can eventually eliminate legacy areas like Control Panel, without making it difficult for users.
It is worth noting that Microsoft is exploring the design tweaks in Windows 11 Dev Channel and there’s no guarantee these changes will ship with version 23H2.
