WinUI 3, as you may recall, is all about the user interface and
it will be the primary component of Windows 10’s
highly-anticipated design update. WinUI is also important for
Microsoft’s Project Reunion, which aims to bring modern UWP
APIs and features to desktop apps (Win32).
WinUI already works across both Win32 and UWP, but it’s getting
better with WinUI 3 update, which is still on track for Spring
2021 release (Q2/Q3).
For those unaware, WinUI is considered a native UX platform for
developers and it is delivered separately from the operating
system, which means it can be updated frequently based on the
feedback from the community.
As we reported earlier this year, a
number of references to “WinUI” recently appeared in Windows 10
preview builds. References to WinUI in Windows 10 were
later removed from the preview builds, but it suggests that
Microsoft could update the Start Menu and Action Center with
ideas from WinUI.
Microsoft has now published the WinUI 3 Preview 3 for
developers and it adds support for new features, including drag
and drop in the development environment.
According to the roadmap, the company has already released
three previews of WinUI 3 and the project will be deemed ready
early next year.
It’s worth noting that WinUI 3 final version will also support
Windows 10X, Fluent Design’s Reveal effect, title bar
customization, and more. The Start Menu and Action Center will
be updated to use WinUI components in addition to the current
Windows.UI.XAML.
Windows 10 Start Menu and Action Center are already using
Fluent Design, but WinUI implementation will enable under the
hood changes and significant tweaks to beautify the UI.
WinUI for Windows 10 will provide “consistent and intuitive”
experience to users, and it will also enable support for
rounded corners. Reports have also indicated that you can
expect WinUI in Windows Shell and all first-party apps.
According to reports, Windows 10 21H2 update with WinUI and
other improvements will begin rolling out to consumers in the
second half of 2021.
