Windows 11: Redesigned native apps now available to more users

The first big Windows update of the year is all about updated apps for Windows 11. Microsoft is rolling out the new Notes app, Windows Media Player and a new image editor experience for the Photos app to more users. While the new Notes app is currently available to beta channel users, the Photos app and media player are now available to everyone.

As you probably know, Windows 11 is all about design improvements, and Microsoft has been working hard to match its native apps with the new look. Some apps feel out of place when Windows 11 starts, such as Notepad and Groove Music. The company is now trying to update these apps with a new unified design to make them look similar.

This week, Microsoft is making the Notes app available to users in the Beta channel, which means it can now be installed on Windows 11 Build 22000 or later. Notepad, still the go-to app for most users, is getting support for dark mode, redesigned menus, and a dedicated settings page.

#Windows Notepad refresh retains the familiar design with a touch of WinUI and Fluent Design. For example, Notepad now uses rounded corners on right-click context menus, top-level windows, menus, pop-up notifications, find tools, and more.

Microsoft has also enabled support for new icons and animations based on WinUI. There's a new settings page that lets you change the app's fonts and themes (including dark mode!). You'll be able to modify built-in settings to allow access to more file types.

After this version, Notepad has become an app that can be updated in the App Store, and it has its own page on the Microsoft Store.

Currently, Notepad is only available to Beta channel users and will begin rolling out to the public soon.

Photos App

Microsoft’s redesigned Photos app is now available for everyone, and it includes support for new cropping tools, aspect ratio options, and more. You can also easily customize your photos, adjust lighting, and use new tagging options.

The crop tool now opens in the image preview screen, you can also edit multiple images Browse without having to switch between images, thanks to a new bar that appears at the bottom.

Groove Music is now Windows Media Player

For users outside the Windows Insider Program, Microsoft is replacing Groove Music with Windows Media Player. The redesigned media player is based on Groove Music and also lets you play videos including MKV and MP4.

This is the most significant update to Groove Music in years, similar to the Notepad refresh on Windows 11. However, don't expect major changes to overall performance and supported video formats.

This is because Windows Media Player is based on Groove and Movies and TV app concepts, so it is not ready to replace powerful media players like VLC and MPV.

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