We have heard a lot about what Windows 11 and the new Microsoft Store will bring. Windows 11 brings a new interface to the start menu, action center, etc. As expected, several applications developed by Microsoft will also have a new look. Windows 11 uses Microsoft’s Fluent Design and Mica design languages to provide a cleaner interface and better consistency.
It also abandoned sharp edges and corners in favor of rounded corners to create a more user-friendly and approachable style to improve user productivity and multitasking experience. Before the launch of Windows 11 in October, Microsoft apparently plans to introduce the redesign of Fluent and WinUI into all major built-in applications, including photos, drawing and even notepads.
On June 24, Microsoft officially announced the new design of the photos, notepad and drawing applications on Windows 11. Now, the two most popular Windows applications, namely Calculator and PowerToys, will also get new designs.
Windows Calculator
As early as 2019, Microsoft disclosed the code of Windows Calculator and released it on GitHub under the MIT license. Now, Windows Calculator publishes its results based on feedback from the community. In the new roadmap update released on Github, Microsoft has confirmed that the existing design of the calculator app will be updated to follow the latest guidelines of Fluent design and WinUI, such as rounded corners and transparent effects.
As part of the next major update, Microsoft will add a new settings page, including new customization options for the application. In addition to the new design, Microsoft will also migrate the codebase to C#.
PowerToys
As you may know, Microsoft currently provides a collection of utilities called PowerToys. This application was originally released in the Windows 95 era, and it finally recreated the corresponding version for Windows 10/11 in order to implement advanced functions for users. New tools continue to be developed. For example, Microsoft recently added a feature that allows you to enable the always-on mode.
In a theme published on GitHub, Microsoft officials confirmed that PowerToys will be updated with WinUI (2.6) controls to match the new look of Windows 11. As part of the new design of PowerToys, we look forward to minor improvements, a new user experience for the settings page, and more rounded corners.
