Microsoft Plans Major WinUI 3 Upgrade for Windows 11

Microsoft’s WinUI 3 expansion could bring more native, modern interfaces to Windows 11 as the company replaces legacy components instead of simply applying new visual themes.

The recently redesigned File Explorer Properties dialog offers an early example of this strategy. Microsoft rebuilt the window from scratch with WinUI 3 rather than adding dark mode to the existing Win32 interface.

Microsoft previously acknowledged that it gave some legacy dialogs dark themes as a temporary, lower-risk solution. Full WinUI rebuilds require more engineering work, but they allow the company to remove older code and create interfaces that better match the rest of Windows 11.

File Explorer Properties moves to native WinUI

The new Properties dialog uses native WinUI components and does not depend on WebView2.

Its modern elements include the tab-style header and the highlighted Restore button. Microsoft’s March Rogers confirmed that the interface represents a genuine WinUI 3 rebuild rather than a visual layer placed over the previous dialog.

However, the company will need to ensure that the modern version remains as fast and reliable as the interface it replaces.

Right-click menu and Run dialog also getting attention

Microsoft reportedly plans to modernize the Windows 11 right-click menu with another WinUI-based rebuild.

The context menu has received several updates since Windows 11 launched, but users still report performance and usability problems. A deeper rewrite could help Microsoft improve loading times while making the menu more customizable.

The company has already moved the Windows Run dialog to WinUI. The updated version introduces a more modern design while aiming to preserve the speed and simplicity of the original tool.

These changes suggest that Microsoft wants to replace individual legacy components gradually instead of attempting another complete Windows interface overhaul at once.

Microsoft is rewriting the Start menu

The company is also rewriting the Windows 11 Start menu in WinUI.

The current Start menu includes React Native components. Moving it to native WinUI technology could reduce complexity and give Microsoft more control over performance, animations, layouts, and customization options.

Windows Search remains an exception. It still uses WebView2 instead of native WinUI components, although Microsoft plans to make Windows 11 Search faster and cleaner.

Microsoft has not confirmed whether it will eventually rebuild Search entirely with WinUI 3.

WinUI performance will determine the transition’s success

Microsoft appears increasingly committed to replacing legacy Windows dialogs with full WinUI rebuilds rather than cosmetic redesigns.

This strategy could create a more consistent Windows 11 experience and reduce the operating system’s dependence on decades-old interface code. It also gives Microsoft a stronger foundation for adding new features in future updates.

The redesigned Properties dialog may represent an important step, but the wider transition will depend on whether WinUI interfaces can match the speed and reliability of the legacy components they replace.

Via Windows Latest