Win32 API Archives

Winsage

May 13, 2026

Microsoft aims to speed Windows with ‘leap forward’ in WinUI 3 perf

Microsoft has announced a 25 percent improvement in the performance of WinUI 3, specifically in File Explorer components. There has been a 41 percent reduction in memory allocations and a 45 percent decrease in function calls. Some optimizations may involve breaking changes, which will initially be optional for developers. The enhancements are intended to become the default in future iterations of WinUI and the Windows App SDK. Despite these improvements, developers have expressed concerns about WinUI 3's performance, noting it is slower than WPF and UWP. The reliance on WinRT interop for component actions is seen as a significant factor hindering speed. Additionally, there are historical tensions regarding the adoption of Microsoft's frameworks within the Windows and Office teams, leading to skepticism about their reliability.

Winsage

May 8, 2026

Microsoft CTO confesses that 30-year-old code from the mid-90s still forms the bedrock of Windows 11 — ancient Win32 API still the backbone, but CTO says it’s ‘more relevant than ever in 2026’

Mark Russinovich, the Chief Technical Officer of Microsoft Azure, revealed that Windows 11 relies on a significant amount of legacy code from the 1990s, particularly the Win32 framework. He acknowledged the challenges posed by this legacy software while noting its continued relevance as we approach 2026. Russinovich reflected on past attempts to update the Windows API, such as WinRT, which did not meet expectations. He also highlighted that Win32 has been crucial in developing tools like Sysmon and ZoomIt, created in 1996, which remain relevant in the context of Windows 11 and PowerToys.

Winsage

May 7, 2026

Windows 11 still runs on code from the 1990s, Microsoft admits

Windows 11 relies on the Win32 API, a legacy system dating back to Windows 95, for core functionalities like right-clicking and launching applications. Microsoft’s Chief Technology Officer, Mark Russinovich, noted that the continued relevance of Win32 was unexpected, as few anticipated it would still be a primary interface in 2026. Despite attempts to modernize the Windows API with initiatives like WinRT, Win32 remains integral to many Windows operations. The separation between Win32 applications and web technologies has complicated the transition to a new API framework. Additionally, tools from Microsoft's past, such as Sysinternals, Sysmon, and ZoomIt, continue to play important roles in Windows management.