The topic Windows 11’s design lead says Microsoft plans to modernize legacy features like… is currently the subject of lively discussion — readers and analysts are keeping a close eye on developments.
This is taking place in a dynamic environment: companies’ decisions and competitors’ reactions can quickly change the picture.
Sometimes when I use Windows 11, it feels like I’m traveling through a disjointed time machine spanning several design eras, especially when I open Control Panel or Device Manager.
For years, I’ve found it odd that the tech giant hasn’t made an effort to modernize some legacy tools, pop-ups, and system UI panels. However, as part of Microsoft’s surprisingly comprehensive plan to improve Windows 11, it looks like that could soon change.
Marcus Ash, the head of Windows Design and Research, recently responded to a post on X, stating that Microsoft is “building out tooling to scale modernizing other dialogs across Windows 11 that were built in legacy frameworks (via Windows Latest). Backing up this claim, recent Windows 11 preview builds have included a modern version of Windows Run built with WinUI 3, indicating at least some efforts to modernize certain old-school UI features.
It’s unclear what the timeline is for this update, and given it wasn’t highlighted in Microsoft’s recently revealed plan to improve Windows 11 based on user feedback, it’s probably still a way out. Still, it’s reassuring to hear that creating a more unified look for legacy features is on Microsoft’s radar.
The company says that it wants to “raise the bar” on quality
In a recent lengthy blog post, Pavan Davuluri, the EVP of Windows and Devices at Microsoft, outlined how the company plans to pull back Copilot AI features, improve File Explorer, and bring back taskbar customization features such as vertical orientation. This often-requested Windows 11 feature was part of Windows 10.
Recently, we’ve also seen Microsoft executives talk surprisingly openly about upcoming Windows 11 features, including Ash offering a transparent update on Windows 11’s dark mode and when it might arrive.
The AI-powered feature was originally announced back at CES 2026