Microsoft is embarking on a significant transformation of its Windows 11 operating system by phasing out the long-standing File Explorer Properties dialog box in favor of a contemporary version powered by WinUI 3. This change is part of the company’s broader initiative to enhance the performance and reliability of Windows 11.
While Windows 11 boasts a sleek and modern aesthetic, thanks to its WebView2 UI elements, many users have encountered remnants of legacy interfaces that disrupt the overall experience. A prime example of this is the File Explorer. Despite recent updates that introduced tabs, a revamped address bar, and a smooth Gallery view, the Properties dialog remains a jarring throwback to the Windows 95 era.
For those who prefer using Windows 11 in dark mode, the stark white background of the legacy properties dialog can be quite jarring, especially in dimly lit environments. Fortunately, it appears that Microsoft is addressing this issue. Recent findings from Windows 11 Insider builds indicate that the tech giant is actively developing a modernized file properties dialog based on WinUI 3.
A modern WinUI 3 File Properties dialog is in the works
This discovery was made by prominent Windows observer phantomofearth on X, who uncovered new strings for “DeletedFileProperties” within the MicrosoftWindows.Client.FileExp resources.pri file. These strings correspond to the text found in the existing legacy deleted file properties dialog, suggesting that Microsoft is indeed replacing the old dialog with a new, modern version.
In a conversation with Windows Latest, phantomofearth confirmed that a WinUI 3 dialog is likely on the horizon. He noted, “At the time of tweeting, this was more of an educated guess, based on how I would genuinely be shocked if it ships and it isn’t WinUI 3.” He further emphasized the logic behind this development, stating, “If there was no plan to modernize properties dialogs, there would be no reason to add their strings to the modern [File Explorer] bits.”
Solving the mystery of dark mode in File Explorer
This development may finally answer a long-standing question among power users: why hasn’t the File Explorer properties dialog supported dark mode? While other legacy components of Windows 11 have received updates to accommodate dark mode, the properties menu has remained stubbornly bright. As phantomofearth pointed out, it would be inefficient for Microsoft to retrofit dark mode onto a legacy Win32 properties dialog when a native WinUI 3 version is on the way.
Windows Latest has also confirmed that Microsoft is in the process of replacing outdated Windows 8 UI elements within Windows 11. The migration of these strings into the modern framework indicates a concerted effort to modernize the OS and leave behind its legacy.
Windows 11 is getting a major performance boost in 2026
The introduction of a modernized WinUI 3 properties dialog will help streamline the current hybrid codebase that hampers File Explorer’s performance. Presently, File Explorer operates on a blend of old Win32 foundations combined with modern XAML and WinUI components, which can lead to sluggishness and visual inconsistencies during navigation.
As previously reported, Microsoft is committed to enhancing Windows 11 by implementing foundational architectural improvements to File Explorer throughout 2026. This means users can expect a gradual introduction of more WinUI 3 elements, aligning with Windows Insider lead Marcus Ash’s promises for tangible performance and reliability improvements.
If the recent updates to the Run dialogue box serve as any indication, the Properties dialog is poised to adopt a modern and fluid design. Although the updated properties dialog remains hidden within the Insider builds, its presence in the resource files suggests that extensive testing is imminent. A rollout to the Experimental channel, alongside other UI enhancements, is anticipated later this year.
As anticipation builds for the departure of the glaring white legacy properties dialog, the community is eager to see how these changes will enhance their user experience.
