A leak has appeared online that apparently confirms a new look
for Windows 11 File Explorer and Windows Settings, with context
menu and app windows getting rounded corners, rather than the
sharp corners we currently have.
The screenshots were posted on Twitter by someone working for
Microsoft and it was promptly deleted, but we managed to grab
the screenshots.
As you can see in the images below, Microsoft is working on a
new design for the File Explorer app in Windows 11 with Fluent
Design, acrylic (blur effect), new colourful icons and
WinUI-like controls. The new File Explorer also ditches the
ribbon menu, which is found at the top of the app and was first
introduced with Windows 8.
The new File Explorer comes with a simplified “header” menu and
new icons for all in-app buttons. The header includes a row of
basic actions that will allow you to create a new folder,
rename/delete items, share files using the Windows Share menu,
and more. All these buttons have new icons too.
You can still access advanced options by clicking on the new
ellipsis button at the end of the File Explorer header area.
Additionally, File Explorer is now modern and cleaner. The
context menu has been completely redesigned with acrylic
transparency and rounded corners to fit with the rest of the
Windows revamp.
Redesigned Windows Settings app
The latest leak has confirmed a whole new look for the Settings
app. The Settings app has been redesigned with a radically
different look and it is now using a new navigation menu on the
left, similar to Control Panel.
It comes with a slightly reorganized layout which enables
easier access to all your PC settings. We’re also getting new
pages to customize the touch keyboard, Windows snapping,
multitasking and other advanced features like “Wake on Touch”
in the new operating system.
Like Control Panel, Settings app is now using colourful icons
next to each option like System, Personalization, Windows
Update, Bluetooth, etc. The brighter and more colourful icons
match the redesigned Start Menu icons spotted in the leaked
build and Microsoft teasers.
The settings app will also display a profile picture of your
Microsoft account at the top of the window.
Overall, this new Settings app is similar to the one we already
have in Windows 10, but Microsoft has improved the design by
using Fluent Design’s transparency effect.
In addition to Explorer and Settings,
Microsoft is also working on a new Photos app and
Office apps for Windows.
