14 DAY TRIAL // Now that Windows 11 is already available for the first waves of devices, Microsoft can also focus on other related projects, including on the overhaul of the first-party apps coming with the operating system.
Several apps have already been updated with the modern design bundled with Windows 11, but many more are projected to receive the same refresh in the coming months.
And one of them is Notepad, whose new design has reportedly been leaked by a Microsoft engineer (before all screenshots were eventually removed).
The screenshots indeed show that the Notepad app is getting the Windows 11-inspired design, with rounded corners and new context menus, but also with a dedicated settings screen with access to themes – so presumably, a dark mode is in the works as well.
Of course, Microsoft has remained completely tight-lipped on the Notepad overhaul, but expect an early version of the new app to make its way to insiders rather sooner than later.
Windows 11 rollout under way
In the meantime, it’s important to keep in mind the Windows 11 rollout is currently under way, with Microsoft planning to complete it by mid-2022.
So by the summer of the next year, all eligible devices should already be on Windows 11.
“We expect all eligible devices to be offered the free upgrade to Windows 11 by mid-2022. If you have a Windows 10 PC that’s eligible for the upgrade, Windows Update will let you know when it’s available,” Microsoft explained in an announcement not a long time ago.
At this point, the company has already confirmed several safeguard holds due to issues experienced on some PCs, but if the Windows 11 update is already available for your device, it should show up in Windows Update just like any other regular update.
Notepad Windows 11 design leaked by Microsoft engineer then quickly deleted. We can see a new Fluent Design windows 11 settings for the app and also a WinUI menu bar#Windows11 #FluentDesign #CaughtIn4K pic.twitter.com/iV1FUIuoa5 — FireCube (@FireCubeStudios) October 9, 2021