WinUI 3 Archives

Winsage

October 16, 2026

Windows 11 could kill Control Panel faster, as Microsoft quietly tests Settings in the Microsoft Store

Microsoft is testing an application called "Project Odeon," which resembles the Windows 11 Settings interface and is categorized under Productivity in the Microsoft Store. The app is currently in a Preview version, identified as Microsoft.ProjectOdeon, version 1.0.9.0, and requires Windows 11 build 26100 or later with Developer Mode enabled for installation. Odeon does not replace the existing Settings app, allowing both to coexist, and it can identify system information similar to the built-in Settings app, although there are discrepancies in reported data. Some pages in Odeon appear unfinished, and it features a hidden preview mode with a dummy account for testing purposes. The architecture of Odeon suggests it may not fully replace the Settings app but could function as a modular Store app with helper executables for system-level changes. Microsoft is exploring the possibility of delivering updates to the Settings app through the Store, potentially phasing out the traditional Control Panel. There is currently no public release planned for Project Odeon.

Winsage

October 15, 2026

Tiny11 puts Windows 11 on a diet without the PowerShell workout

Tiny11 Builder has released a new desktop application preview for creating lightweight Windows 11 installation images, minimizing the need for PowerShell knowledge. The tool generates an ISO image by removing bundled applications and selected system components, supporting Windows 11 installation media from version 22H2 onward, including 26H2. It features a WinUI 3 desktop application with a new C# image builder, offering three build modes: Tiny11, Tiny11 Core, and Custom. The ISOs produced are not supported by Microsoft, and users are cautioned that Tiny11 Core should be used only in test virtual machines. There is no guarantee that the tool will bypass Windows 11's hardware and account requirements. A license is still required for the modified installation, as it remains Microsoft Windows 11.

Winsage

October 12, 2026

Microsoft Adds Incomplete Dark Mode to Some Legacy Windows 11 UI Elements

Microsoft has introduced dark mode support to Hyper-V Manager, a legacy application using the Win32 API. However, the implementation is incomplete, with several key components still displaying in light mode, including the main management view and the virtual machine listing. Features like the Hyper-V Quick Create Gallery and Virtual Machine Connection also remain in light mode, leading to a disjointed user experience. Microsoft plans to unify its user experience by transitioning to the desktop-only WinUI 3 framework to enhance application performance and achieve a cohesive UI across the system.

Winsage

October 11, 2026

Microsoft is giving Windows 11’s legacy UI dark mode instead of killing it, now in Hyper-V

Windows 11 is introducing dark mode support for various applications and features, including file-operation dialogs and the Hyper-V Manager tool. Recent updates have applied dark mode to several key dialogs within Hyper-V Manager, such as the New Virtual Machine, Export Virtual Machine, Import Virtual Machine, New Virtual Hard Disk, Edit Virtual Hard Disk, and the virtual machine settings page. The Virtual Switch Manager and Virtual SAN Manager also now support dark mode. These features are currently available in Windows Server and Windows 11 preview builds but are not yet in the production channel. Hyper-V Manager allows users to choose between light and dark themes, although switching requires a restart of the application. Microsoft plans to extend dark mode to more legacy areas of Windows and is working on rebuilding certain dialogs using WinUI, with dark mode support already appearing in preview builds for various components.

Winsage

October 10, 2026

Microsoft Overhauls Windows 11 Search To Control Your PC Faster Than Ever

Microsoft has released an update for its Insider Program that includes a revamped Search feature, enhancing user experience with a focus on more informative results and previews. The update integrates advanced capabilities through WinUI 3 and allows users to access quick details without launching files or navigating File Explorer. It introduces web previews for specific queries, such as local weather and stock market data, and includes "inline actions" that enable users to perform tasks directly from the search window, like sending SMS messages or changing themes. Users can explore these features by joining the Windows Insider Program and enabling Feature flags in the settings.

Winsage

October 10, 2026

Microsoft reveals plan to make Windows 11 Search much less painful to use, including a performance boost

Microsoft is transforming Windows 11 Search to improve user experience by enhancing performance, reducing memory consumption, and streamlining the interface. The redesign is currently being rolled out to Windows Insiders for feedback before a broader launch. Key changes include a new architecture using WinUI 3, which improves performance and memory efficiency, and a simplified interface that merges results into a cohesive list. The updated Search will better understand user intent, support typos and synonyms, and include features such as inline previews and expanded file information. Users will also be able to execute common Windows tasks directly through the Search interface, such as switching to dark mode or turning on Bluetooth.

Winsage

October 8, 2026

Windows Search learns to take orders

Microsoft has unveiled a preview of Windows Search that enhances user interactions and efficiency, featuring quicker results and a more organized interface. The new Actions feature allows users to modify settings directly from search results, such as muting speakers or minimizing windows. The search experience prioritizes results over a preview pane and includes improvements for handling typos and synonyms, although some inconsistencies remain. Inline previews and richer file details are planned for later this year. Built on the WinUI 3 framework, the updated Windows Search aims to improve performance and memory efficiency. The preview is currently available in English to Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel, with access for eligible users through settings adjustments in the Windows Insider Program's Feature flags.

Winsage

October 8, 2026

Windows 11’s new Search experience is about more than finding files — thousands of actions are now at your fingertips right from the Taskbar

Microsoft has introduced a new Windows Search experience that will roll out this fall on Windows 11 PCs. This revamped Search allows users to execute quick actions from the Taskbar, such as toggling dark mode or adjusting the microphone slider. Users can issue voice commands to turn features on or off, make quick adjustments, and manage their workspace. The new Search integrates with Copilot, allowing users to access it directly within the interface. It is designed to be faster and more efficient, utilizing the WinUI 3 framework for optimized resource usage. The system can also understand user queries with typos. Testing for this new Search experience will begin on October 7, 2026, with Windows Insiders through the Experimental channel.

Winsage

October 8, 2026

From searching to doing: Building a faster, more streamlined Windows Search

Search functionality is essential for navigating Windows PCs, and enhancements to the Windows Search Box were initiated in July to declutter the interface and improve user control. A new Windows Search experience powered by WinUI 3 will be available on the taskbar for Windows Insiders starting October 7, focusing on speed and efficiency with a streamlined design. The user interface has been simplified into a single list format, and improvements include better matching for typos and synonyms. Future updates will introduce inline previews, richer file details, and the ability to filter results. Inline actions will allow users to complete tasks directly from the search interface, such as toggling settings and managing their workspace. There are plans to integrate the new search experience into the Start menu and enhance its capabilities further. The new search experience is rolling out to Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel, with English as the initial supported language. Feedback can be shared through the Feedback Hub.

Winsage

October 6, 2026

Windows 11 26H2 Delivers 40% Faster Apps for 16 GB Systems; 8 GB Machines Left Behind

Windows 11 version 26H2 was released on September 29, 2026, featuring performance enhancements for users with 16 GB or more of RAM, including a reduction in idle memory consumption by 2–3 GB and a 40% acceleration in application and system interface launches. The update package is 174 kilobytes and activates previously dormant features, resetting the support lifecycle for Windows 11 Home and Pro until October 2028. The Low Latency Profile is a key feature that boosts CPU clock speed temporarily during application launches, resulting in faster interactions, with independent tests showing a 70% improvement in opening the Start menu. Users with 16 GB or more of RAM have reported idle RAM dropping from over 10 GB to around 7 GB after the update. However, users with 8 GB of RAM have experienced minimal improvements and high idle memory utilization. Microsoft is committed to optimizing Windows for 8 GB machines, but early reports suggest limited gains from 26H2.