Native Windows 11 apps: Microsoft plans

# Microsoft Launches Development of Purely Native Apps for Windows 11

Microsoft is forming a specialized team to create fully native apps for Windows 11. These apps will eliminate dependency on web components like WebView, relying solely on frameworks like WinUI. Company representative Rudy Huyn confirmed: the new software will be 100% native.

Current Issues with 'Nativity' in Windows

Many apps positioned as native use WinUI only partially. Other features are loaded via WebView, leading to delays, higher resource consumption, and suboptimal OS integration. A fully native app is built entirely on WinUI without external web elements.

Examples:

• Clipchamp — built-in video editor for Windows 11, implemented as a web app.
• Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot — flagship AI tools based on web technologies.

Third-party developers are copying Microsoft's approach. In the fall, Meta switched WhatsApp from a native client to web.whatsapp.com on Chromium.

Recent OS Improvements as Context

In March 2025, a major Windows 11 update was released:

• Faster context menu loading.
• Reduced File Explorer startup time.
• Start menu migrated to WinUI.
• Added ability to move the taskbar.

These changes address performance bottlenecks but don't affect apps. Microsoft acknowledges: full optimization requires native clients.

Plans and Open Questions

The new team will invite developers with cross-platform app experience. Rudy Huyn is open to dialogue with experts.

Unclear:

• Whether existing web apps (Clipchamp, Copilot) will be updated to native versions.
• What specific new apps will appear.
• Whether all future developments will fully switch to pure WinUI.

Historical context: In 2020, Panos Panay promised 'love for Windows', but the initiative faded. Now efforts are specified with a team and statements.

What Matters

• 100% nativity: eliminating WebView to reduce latency and resource usage.
• Development team: focus on quality software, inviting external experts.
• OS trend: migration of key UI elements (Start) to WinUI as a prerequisite.
• Stagnation risks: without native apps, Windows 11 lags behind macOS/iOS in native experience.
• For devs: chance for native-first approach in Redmond apps.

Transition to native apps will boost Windows 11's competitiveness on desktop, especially for mid/senior developers working with WinUI 3 and .NET MAUI. Expect announcements of new tools for native development in upcoming SDK updates.

— Editorial Team