Microsoft allegedly working on more Mica-style visual alternatives for Windows 11

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Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

It’s already a well-known fact that Microsoft sort of previously hinted at some future design changes for Windows 11, and the world might have just gotten the first glimpse at it, without actually realizing it.

In the SDK in Windows 11 Build 22523, there’s apparently is a new tabbed design public API. The first shred of information about this matter first surfaced on Twitter.

We’re about to take a look at the different style choices, and you can judge for yourself and pick your favorite.

New DWMWA_SYSTEMBACKDROP_TYPE in 22523 SDK, public Win32 API for Mica, Acrylic and their strange new ‘tabbed’ blend:pic.twitter.com/dbsu7ZFiIi

Windows 11 might have more style choices in the near future

If the pictures shared in the Tweet did not really seem that different to you require some more visual aid to determine which one is the best looking, we got you covered.

There is a wayin which you can get a more in-depth view, showing how these APIs might impact a real app. To make it easier for you, we’ll also display these screenshots throughout the article.

This first one is the acrylic version, which we all have to admit looks pretty darn good. The second choice is the popular Mica, followed by the Tabbed version.

As you can see, the differences are pretty notable, which means that choices will impact the way your OS looks and feels even more.

This is excellent for the users that always look for a way to stand out or break the routine, giving their setup a much more personal feel.

Microsoft might be willing to bring Mica effects to modern and legacy apps as well. This apparently can be seen with aMicaBackdropInApplicationFrameHostTitlebarflag in the latest Windows Insider builds.

And since the Redmond-based tech company Microsoft committed to once-a-year updates for Windows 11, you can expect any design changes to launch next year.

Out of the three visual styles presented in this article, which one is your favorite? Share your opinion with us in the comments section below.

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Microsoft allegedly working on more Mica-style visual alternatives for Windows 11#

Windows 11 might have more style choices in the near future#

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier

Microsoft allegedly working on more Mica-style visual alternatives for Windows 11

Windows 11 might have more style choices in the near future