Windows is currently facing a design dilemma, one that seems to be growing in complexity. With the introduction of Windows 11, Microsoft opted for a softer aesthetic by replacing sharp edges with rounded corners. However, this change has only added to the existing inconsistencies within the operating system’s design language. Recent developments indicate that Microsoft is not stopping there; in newer preview builds, the company is further refining the rounded corners in its AI features, such as Recall.
Exploring the Latest Build
On Valentine’s Day, Microsoft unveiled Windows 11 24H2 Build 26120.3281 in the Dev Channel, showcasing a range of enhancements. Among these, some undocumented changes reveal a push towards even rounder corners for the AI functionalities, including the Recall app and Click to Do integration. These features are exclusive to Copilot+ PCs, which include devices powered by Snapdragon CPUs, Ryzen AI, and Intel Lunar Lake. Users eager to explore these innovations can do so by joining the Dev Channel of the Windows Insider Program.
To delve deeper into these changes, we installed Build 26120.3281 on a Copilot+ PC and conducted a side-by-side comparison with the current version.
In our analysis, the dark-themed screenshots representing the “current” design reveal that while most menus and pop-ups feature rounded corners, the effect is subtle and not uniformly applied across the interface.
In contrast, the light-themed screenshots showcasing the “upcoming or test” design exhibit significantly larger and smoother corner rounding on context menus, search panels, and toolbars. This new approach lends a more “bubbly” or curvier appearance to the interface, enhancing its visual appeal.
However, the inconsistency remains glaring. Not all elements of Windows 11 have adopted these larger, rounder corners, leaving many existing menus with the older, smaller rounded shapes. This mixed aesthetic creates a patchwork of design styles that can be visually jarring.
As Microsoft experiments with these new rounded edges, it faces a critical question: should it standardize the corner radius across the entire operating system, or continue to blend varying levels of curvature for different elements? The ongoing design evolution of Windows 11 raises intriguing questions about consistency and user experience in an increasingly complex digital landscape.
What are your thoughts on this design journey? Should Microsoft unify the rounded corners throughout Windows 11, or would it be better to align the AI features with the existing design? Your insights could contribute to the conversation surrounding this evolving interface.
