Microsoft is modernizing Windows 11’s aging UI and shifting to native apps
Summary created by Smart Answers AI
In summary:
- PCWorld reports that Microsoft is modernizing the outdated Windows 11 UI and replacing web apps with native apps for better performance and reduced RAM consumption.
- Updates include a mobile taskbar, improved Start menu and File Explorer, expanded dark mode support, and reduced AI integration following criticism from Copilot.
- These incremental changes aim to create a more consistent user experience while giving users greater control over the system’s widgets and customization options.
As you’ve probably noticed, the Windows 11 UI is a patchwork of different solutions, some of which have been around since the introduction of Windows 3.1 in 1992. It’s anything but modern, and Microsoft was finally wise enough to do something about it.
Marcus Ash, Microsoft’s vice president of design and research for Windows+ devices, promises that the user interface will be modernized in upcoming updates, including new dialogs and system settings. At least that’s what he wrote in a message posted on social networks.
Another goal is to focus more on “real apps” in Windows 11: the much-criticized packaged web apps are going to be phased out in the long term and replaced with suitable native versions. Apps built with web wrappers (like Electron) often perform worse with higher RAM consumption, and they tend to be less well integrated into the overall user experience than native apps.
By the way: If you’re using Windows 11 Home, you’re missing out on the many benefits of Windows 11 Pro. To learn more, check out our comparison of Windows 11 Home and Pro. If you want to upgrade, buy it cheaply from the PCWorld software store: now only $59 instead of $99.
More changes in the future of Windows
We already know that we will benefit from expanded support for dark mode as well as various improvements to the search function. There are also hints of a new freely movable taskbar as well as improvements to the Start menu and File Explorer.
Windows users will also benefit from more control over widgets. By the way, anyone who thinks Microsoft means more AI when they say “modern” is wrong. The company wants to reduce the use of AI in the operating system in response to widespread criticism of Copilot.
According to Windows Latest, the changes will be implemented gradually over the coming months. We currently do not know exactly when this will happen.
This article was originally published on our sister publication PC för Alla and has been translated and localized from Swedish.
