Windows 11 update: Microsoft may change Photos, Paint, the classic Notepad too

Windows 11, which is expected to arrive later this year, is likely to add several visual enhancements to the interface. These include a redesigned taskbar and a new Action Center and Start menu. Now, it looks like Microsoft is trying to give its other apps a redesigned look too.

The company is now updating some of its system apps on Windows 11 to better integrate with the new operating system’s design, according to a report by Windows Latest. The most noticeable change that a user might spot right away is the dropping of the sharp corners for window borders and other elements. Here’s what we know about the update so far.

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According to the report, it looks like Microsoft is going to bring the redesign to core Windows apps like the Microsoft Photos app, Microsoft Paint, and the classic Notepad. This means that the company’s apps are likely to receive the Fluent Design update for a much cleaner interface. The report says that apart from the two apps that were previously revealed by Microsoft, the Windows Calculator and PowerToys will also see a new redesign. A Microsoft employee reportedly stated that the company could adopt the systemwide style for the apps as it was “more adaptable and flexible”.

Microsoft has essentially confirmed the arrival of the new theme for the calculator app on Windows 11, via a roadmap update posted to the company’s GitHub repository for the open-source Calculator app, the report states. However, it looks like instead of designing the app from the ground up, the company will update the app’s design to add transparency and rounded corners, to bring it in line with the company’s design language and guidelines. Similarly, the PowerToys utilities for advanced features for Windows 11, could also receive an update to WinUI controls to make the took feel right at home with Windows 10.