Microsoft is always working to modernize Windows 11’s look. To that end, the company has now replaced old system elements dating back to the Windows 95 era, according to preview leaks.
In a Bluesky post, well-known Windows leaker PhantomOfEarth unveiled a number of new features in the most recent Windows 11 preview builds. Among them is a new File Explorer properties dialog box, for which the underlying code hasn’t changed much over the past few decades.
Microsoft has already confirmed that all outdated dialog boxes are to be replaced with modern versions. Some of these date back to the days of Windows 8, while others go as far back as Windows 95. The new modern versions are set to be based entirely on WinUI 3, Microsoft’s current framework for the Windows 11 user interface.
Microsoft is evidently planning to remove several classic elements from the Windows operating system and replace them with newer takes. This is likely to have a significant impact on the look and feel of Windows 11 and ensure that fewer “relics of the past” bleed through.
Unfortunately, Microsoft keeps coming up against a self-made obstacle in this endeavor. Since Windows 11 is a legacy operating system and consists largely of old code that has never been truly replaced, it’s much harder to modernize the entire package—at least not without compromising the UI, weakening performance, or introducing bugs.
Modernizing even a small part of Windows, such as the Properties dialog box, can result in unintended effects… like third-party applications no longer working properly. That could include 7-Zip, Dropbox, codec packs, antivirus software, and so on.
Replacing old parts of Windows with new elements is therefore a laborious task. However, the advantages of modern WinUI 3 elements outweigh the drawbacks. If implemented properly, the new modern elements will start up more quickly and cause fewer problems.
The Windows Run dialog is also set to be replaced by a modern version—not just a visual change but also offering new features. Apparently, you can already enable and try out the modernized Run dialog under Settings → Advanced settings.
Once toggled, you can open the Run dialog using the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut. It’s said to be faster and also offer context-sensitive suggestions and quick access to your home directory.
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, see our comparison of Windows 11 Home and Pro. If you want to upgrade, snag it for cheap in the PCWorld Software Store: now just $59 instead of $99.
Author: Laura Pippig
Source: PCWorld
Reviewed By: Editorial Team
