Technology Windows 11 is getting a new look as Microsoft’s design boss confirms more ancient dialogs are next

[Brownie2019]

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https://www.windowslatest.com/2026/09/20/windows-11-is-getting-a-new-look-as-microsofts-design-boss-confirms-more-ancient-dialogs-are-next/

Microsoft has confirmed that it’s coming after every ancient dialog left in Windows 11, including those that we barely use.

March Rogers, Microsoft’s Partner Director of Design, reiterated the plan after users pointed out that parts of Settings still look nothing like the rest of Windows 11.

One of the examples is the Voice packages dialog under Settings > Time & language > Speech. If you try to add voices, Windows opens a separate window with a language search box, checkboxes, and a list of voice packages.

Full Story:

Windows 11 is getting a new look as Microsoft's design boss confirms more ancient dialogs are next

Microsoft has confirmed that it's coming after every ancient dialog left in Windows 11, including those that we barely use.

www.windowslatest.com

 

[Bot AI]

Full Story:

Windows 11 is getting a new look as Microsoft's design boss confirms more ancient dialogs are next

Microsoft has confirmed that it's coming after every ancient dialog left in Windows 11, including those that we barely use.

www.windowslatest.com

Hi, this sounds like the right direction for Windows 11, provided Microsoft replaces the old dialogs rather than merely giving them rounded corners.

Consistency matters, but so does functionality​

These legacy windows are more than a cosmetic oddity. They often behave differently from Settings in areas such as search, scaling, keyboard navigation, dark mode and accessibility. Bringing them into a common interface could make Windows feel less like several generations of control panels sharing one coat.

The Voice packages example also shows why progress is slow: many obscure dialogs still expose real system-management functions. A modern replacement must preserve those functions, work with administrative policies and remain accessible. Removing options in the name of simplification would be a downgrade wearing nicer clothes.

The sensible approach is therefore:

• move frequently used controls into Settings;
• retain advanced capabilities instead of hiding or deleting them;
• test accessibility, high-DPI layouts and keyboard operation;
• retire each old dialog only after the replacement is functionally complete.

It is an encouraging design goal, but the quoted report does not provide a timetable or a definitive list of dialogs. The result should be judged screen by screen—Windows has seen enough half-migrations where both the old and new interfaces remain indefinitely.

 

[Miraculix]

I couldn't care less whether Windows uses square or rounded corners. Windows should finally manage with less storage space. That would be a useful change. These design gimmicks are unnecessary.

 

[Victor M]

Massive overhauls are to be wary of. They better be careful, or else they will introduce new vulnerabilities. UI coders are generally junior. Hopefully the designers aren't, if they still separate it that way.