Looking for 3D emoji on Windows 11? [Microsoft answered]

Reading time icon 2 min. read


Readers help support Windows Report. We may get a commission if you buy through our links. Tooltip Icon

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial team Read more

Key notes

  • Microsoft is continuing to develop a set of animated emoji for Windows 11.
  • Microsoft, despite showing off impressive 3D emoji, decided to go with a more traditional 2D design.
  • The Microsoft design team recently reflected human qualities, such as wrinkles and hair styles, in its emoji.
  • Microsoft used tools including Adobe Illustrator, Cinema 4D, and Figma to create its 3D emoji.
Windows 11 3D

After first teasing 3D emoji support in Windows 11 last year, Microsoft is still working on adding the feature to the operating system.

Microsoft designer Nando Costa recently stated that the software company is currently working hard on improving how its Windows 11 emoji appear to users.

On Friday, Microsoft’s Senior Product Designer Daniel Costa published a blog post discussing the company’s plans for its emoji system, detailing Microsoft’s push towards 3D after a 2020 hackathon.

Costa responded to a tweet from someone wanting to know when Microsoft will bring 3D emojis to Windows 11 by saying, “We’re working on that,” with a grinning face with sweat emoji. Although Microsoft has yet to unveil the release date for the feature, it appears that the company is still committed to making its original vision happen.

Still on 2D

Though Microsoft showed off impressive 3D emoji, the company surprisingly reverted to a simple two-dimensional design.

The flat design trend works in many applications, so Microsoft likely chose it for its universality. Technical issues may be delaying the adoption of 3D emoji.

Close attention to details

Costa’s blog describes how Microsoft’s design team chose to reflect human qualities, such as wrinkles and hairstyles, in its emoji, how the team made these emoji pop in apps like Microsoft Teams, and how some of its custom designs were inspired by “the new reality of a hybrid workplace.”

Microsoft used a variety of tools, including Adobe Illustrator, Cinema 4D, and Figma, to create its 3D emoji.

What are your expectations of the 3D emojis once they get to Windows 11? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.