Microsoft testing new shutdown dialog for Windows 11

If you are a proud Windows 11 user, you will know that the OS is far from finished. Microsoft is on a quest to refresh and improve every nook and cranny of the operating system.

Even the little, rarely used parts.

Then again, that’s what work in progress products are.

One major thing missing from Windows 11 is design consistency. The UI is in need of a complete overhaul, particularly those legacy components that have not been updated since the glory days of Windows 8.

The Open with dialog is one such element from the Windows 8 era that was recently redesigned, and now it seems that another similar area is getting a look.

Microsoft seems to be exploring new design ideas for the Shutdown dialog. Yes, this is that classic relic that appears on the desktop when you press Alt + F4 keys together to either shut down or restart your system.

We already got wind that the company was working on a new UI for this and the recover environment.

As you can see from the screenshot below, the new design removes the Windows logo and This PC icon from the Shutdown dialog. It goes for a simplified look that makes use of the system color accent and lists the various options.

Shutdown Dialog

Speaking of options, another design that Redmond is testing is one that brings the WinUI design material to the buttons and dropdown menu.

Shutdown Dialog

These redesigns were quietly added to the newly released Window 11 build 25174, and the software titan is very much taking feedback from users on these. One or the other, or perhaps an entirely new one, will be added to the operating system in the near future.

It is clear that Microsoft wants — and continues — to update and improve its new OS continually.

While some may not like these changes and consider them unnecessary, these dramatic makeovers are ultimately necessary in the evolution of the Windows 11 operating system. It is through experimentation like this will the company settle on a look for the platform.

We may see the redesigned Shutdown dialog arrive later this year via a smaller update or early next via the second feature update for Windows 11.

The Sun Valley 2 release due for launch this September will continue with the status quo.