Microsoft is continuing its effort to modernize the Windows 11 interface by migrating legacy system components to the WinUI 3 framework. The latest updates include the disk defragmentation tool, which is receiving a design overhaul to align with modern Windows 11 aesthetics.
The company aims to replace outdated Win32-based interfaces with native WinUI elements. This transition includes implementing Fluent Design features such as rounded corners, animations, and Mica materials, moving away from previous approaches that relied on web technologies like WebView2.
During the Build 2026 developer conference, Microsoft reaffirmed WinUI as the primary framework for future Windows application development. The development process for WinUI has been moved to GitHub to increase transparency and allow for community feedback on the progress of these system-wide updates.
Beyond the disk defragmentation tool, Microsoft is actively migrating other core components, including the File Explorer properties window, the Run dialog, and the Start menu. The goal is to eliminate the long-standing inconsistency between modern settings and legacy Windows modules.
