Microsoft is committed to modernizing the entire user experience in Windows 11, and that includes tackling those pesky, outdated dialog boxes that have lingered since earlier versions of Windows. March Rogers, Microsoft’s Design Collaboration Director, has confirmed that a comprehensive cleanup of legacy UI elements is underway, even for features that users rarely interact with.
Clearing Out the Old UI
While Windows 11 boasts a fresh, modern aesthetic with rounded corners and updated Fluent Design elements, many users have pointed out inconsistencies. Certain settings pages and dialog boxes still sport the look and feel of Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and even older versions like Windows 95 and Windows 3.1. This jarring contrast detracts from the overall user experience.
A prime example highlighted is the Voice Package dialog box found within Settings > Time & Language > Speech. When attempting to add a new voice, a standalone window pops up that completely lacks the rounded corners that are a hallmark of Windows 11’s design language. This oversight is particularly ironic, as Microsoft has previously applied rounded corners to even older modules like the Control Panel.
Rogers acknowledged these inconsistencies, stating, “We are progressively modernizing the old Windows UI, and the voice package dialog is on the list.” This indicates that even low-priority interfaces are being considered for a much-needed redesign.
A Systematic Approach to Modernization
The modernization effort extends beyond just minor tweaks. Rogers confirmed that other legacy interfaces, such as the ‘Reset this PC’ screen (where users choose to keep or remove files), which currently uses a Windows 8.1 design, will also be revamped.
This isn’t the first time Microsoft has signaled this intention. Back in May, Rogers announced plans to systematically rewrite all old dialog boxes using the WinUI 3 framework. This new framework is Microsoft’s latest native UI platform for Windows applications.
Microsoft appears to be employing a two-pronged strategy:
- Dark Mode Support: For some older dialog boxes where a full rewrite poses a significant risk of system instability, Microsoft is first adding support for dark mode. This offers a partial modernization without major code changes.
- Full Rewrites with WinUI 3: For other elements, a complete overhaul using WinUI 3 is being undertaken. The File Properties dialog has already undergone this process, demonstrating Microsoft’s commitment to adopting its new UI framework across the system.
The decision on which approach to take—partial update or full rewrite—is based on a risk assessment of replacing existing code. Microsoft is treading carefully to avoid introducing system-breaking bugs.
The ‘Run’ Dialog: A Case Study
The modernized ‘Run’ dialog serves as an excellent example of this approach. A new version has been developed using C# and WinUI 3, offering features like dark mode support, a history list, and the ability to use ‘~’ to open the user’s home directory. Crucially, the old dialog hasn’t been immediately discarded. Users can switch between the new and old versions, at least during this initial phase.
Performance data from testing the ‘Run’ dialog is encouraging. The new WinUI 3 version boasts a median startup time of 94 milliseconds, compared to 103 milliseconds for the old version. This suggests that modernized interfaces built with WinUI 3 can not only look better but also perform faster.
More UI Updates on the Horizon
The modernization spree isn’t stopping there. Microsoft has confirmed that other familiar dialogs are slated for a WinUI 3 redesign:
- AutoPlay Dialog: The prompt that appears when connecting removable devices like smartphones will be updated.
- Print Management: A new print management application, built with WinUI, is expected to offer functionality comparable to traditional printing tools.
Even interfaces referencing defunct system features are being addressed. A device encryption warning for local accounts that mistakenly mentioned Windows 8’s ‘Search charm’ is on the list for revision, according to Marcus Ash, Head of Design Research for the Windows Devices team.
Other areas receiving attention include:
- The input method switcher on the login screen will adopt the Windows 11 UI style.
- Various pages within the Settings app, including account-related dialogs and handwriting settings, are continuously being updated.
While the Control Panel will remain, its influence is clearly diminishing as Microsoft continues its mission to unify the Windows 11 experience under a modern, consistent design language.
