Microsoft is currently exploring a new application, codenamed “Project Odeon,” which has emerged as a potential addition to the Microsoft Store. This app closely mirrors the familiar Windows 11 Settings interface, featuring the same icon and a layout that many users will recognize. The implications of this development suggest that certain components of the Settings app could eventually be updated directly through the Store, potentially streamlining the process and accelerating the transition away from the traditional Control Panel.
Project Odeon is a Microsoft Store app that looks like Windows 11 Settings
In recent weeks, Project Odeon has been spotted in testing phases, with a recent update aligning its icon and interface with the existing Settings app. The app is categorized under Productivity in the Store, and its listing identifies Microsoft Corporation as the publisher, marking it as a Preview version. The package, titled Microsoft.ProjectOdeon, is currently at version 1.0.9.0, utilizing the same publisher ID as other Microsoft Store applications like Notepad and Paint.
To run Odeon, users need Windows 11 build 26100 or later, and installation requires enabling Developer Mode, indicating that this app is still in a testing phase and not ready for widespread public use.
I tested Project Odeon and compared it with the built-in Settings app
Upon testing, I found that Odeon does not replace the existing Windows 11 Settings app; instead, both applications can coexist. My testing environment was a Hyper-V virtual machine running Windows 11 Insider Preview build 26340.9616. Odeon successfully identified the PC’s name, network status, and any pending Windows updates, similar to the built-in Settings app.
However, discrepancies arose between the two apps. For instance, Odeon reported 125.9 GB of storage and identified the graphics card as the “Microsoft Basic Render Driver,” while the built-in Settings app indicated a total of 381 GB with 68 GB used and “No dedicated VRAM.” The layouts also differ, with Odeon’s Rename button requiring “administrator approval,” as suggested by a helper file within the package.
Odeon accurately identifies the Windows version, but the “Experience” field indicates that the information is unavailable for this version of Windows. Additionally, links to the Microsoft Services Agreement and Software License Terms are greyed out.
Some Odeon pages look unfinished
As an early preview, some pages within Odeon appear incomplete. For example, the Resume page redundantly states “Showing the value reported by Windows” above each toggle, while the Display page includes an additional section with raw data, listing details such as the monitor name and HDR support.
<figure id="attachment96081″ aria-describedby=”caption-attachment-96081″ class=”wp-caption aligncenter”><figcaption id="caption-attachment96081″ class=”wp-caption-text”>The Resume page in Odeon repeats “Showing the value reported by Windows” under each control. Credit: Windows Latest
<figure id="attachment96073″ aria-describedby=”caption-attachment-96073″ class=”wp-caption aligncenter”><figcaption id="caption-attachment96073″ class=”wp-caption-text”>The top of the Display page in Odeon looks like regular Windows 11 Settings. Credit: Windows Latest
<figure id="attachment96078″ aria-describedby=”caption-attachment-96078″ class=”wp-caption aligncenter”><figcaption id="caption-attachment96078″ class=”wp-caption-text”>Further down, Odeon adds a “Windows observations and controls” section with raw display data. Credit: Windows Latest
During my exploration, I also encountered an “Alt+Left” keycap tooltip that appeared unexpectedly while navigating the app, indicating a keyboard shortcut for the Back button.
Odeon has a hidden preview mode with a dummy account
Interestingly, Odeon features a –preview command that unlocks a comprehensive test experience, complete with a dummy account and various placeholder settings. This isolated preview mode ensures that no actual Windows settings are altered during testing.
<figure id="attachment96091″ aria-describedby=”caption-attachment-96091″ class=”wp-caption aligncenter”><figcaption id="caption-attachment96091″ class=”wp-caption-text”>Odeon’s preview mode uses a dummy “Test User” account and a fake Dev Box PC. Credit: Windows Latest
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Within this mode, the Home page displays a fictitious device named “Microsoft Dev Box AMD 16vCPU/64GB/2048GB,” while the About page features placeholder hardware specifications. This playful approach allows developers to test the app without impacting real user settings.
Odeon’s files point to small helper apps, not a full Settings replacement
The underlying architecture of Odeon reveals that it may not serve as a full replacement for the existing Settings app. The test executable is named AccountExperiences.Settings.TestApp.exe, contrasting with the SystemSettings.exe of the current Settings app. The package also contains several narrowly focused helper executables, suggesting that Odeon may function as a sandboxed Store app that calls upon these helpers for system-level changes.
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While the filenames do not provide definitive insights into Microsoft’s intentions, they indicate a focus on modular experiences rather than a complete overhaul of the Settings app. The current lack of a public release announcement or documentation leaves the future of Project Odeon open to speculation.
Why Microsoft might move Settings to the Microsoft Store
Transitioning parts of the Settings app to the Microsoft Store could enable Microsoft to deliver updates and interface improvements without the delays associated with major Windows updates. The Store already facilitates app updates, allowing for a more agile response to user needs.
Moreover, this strategy could aid in the gradual phasing out of the Control Panel, as Microsoft continues to migrate legacy controls into the modern Settings app. If new pages could be rolled out through the Store, users would benefit from enhancements without waiting for the next Windows release.
<figure id="attachment88632″ aria-describedby=”caption-attachment-88632″ class=”wp-caption aligncenter”><figcaption id="caption-attachment88632″ class=”wp-caption-text”>Microsoft confirms it’s migrating all Control Panel settings to Windows 11 Settings app but there are roadblocks
However, this approach carries risks, as evidenced by previous Store issues that have affected core applications. A malfunctioning Settings app could lead to significant user frustration, necessitating a robust fallback plan.
What Project Odeon could become
The ultimate purpose of Project Odeon remains uncertain. It may evolve into a redesigned Settings experience or serve solely as a testing platform. Currently, there is no indication of a public release on the horizon.
As Microsoft continues to innovate with WinUI 3, a self-updating Settings app could expedite the delivery of new features to users. While Odeon is still in the testing phase, it highlights Microsoft’s exploration of a more modular approach to the Settings experience, inviting curiosity about its future developments.