Microsoft hints at “sweeping visual rejuvenation” of Windows
The company is also said to be working on a new Outlook app to replace the built-in Mail and Calendar apps on Windows 10


Microsoft is planning a "sweeping visual rejuvenation" of Windows, according to a job posting that the company swiftly altered.
An advert for a software engineer within the Windows Core User Experience team was promptly changed, according to The Verge.
The listing originally said that the engineer would be working on a redesign of Windows that should signal to users that "Windows is BACK", but it was quickly re-worded after a number of people spotted the sentence that implied the tech giant was set to overhaul the Windows UI.
"On this team, you'll work with our key platform, Surface, and OEM partners to orchestrate and deliver a sweeping visual rejuvenation of Windows experiences to signal to our customers that Windows is BACK and ensure that Windows is considered the best user OS experience for customers," the advert said, according to The Verge.
An overhaul to Windows has been in the works for some time, with rumours suggesting the company is planning a big user interface change to debut later in the year. Windows Central reported on these changes in October, suggesting a new Start menu, File Explorer and various new sliders and controls.
There is also talk that Microsoft is developing an all-new Outlook. According to Windows Central, the new app is currently being tested by Microsoft with the aim of it replacing the built-in Mail and Calendar apps on Windows 10.
The app, codenamed 'Monarch', is "a new version of Outlook designed for large-screen experiences", according to the leak, and is set to be a single desktop client that will be based on the web version of Outlook. However, it looks as if the app is still in testing, suggesting it might not debut until next year.
Get the ITPro daily newsletter
Sign up today and you will receive a free copy of our Future Focus 2025 report - the leading guidance on AI, cybersecurity and other IT challenges as per 700+ senior executives
IT Pro has approached Microsoft for comment.
Bobby Hellard is ITPro's Reviews Editor and has worked on CloudPro and ChannelPro since 2018. In his time at ITPro, Bobby has covered stories for all the major technology companies, such as Apple, Microsoft, Amazon and Facebook, and regularly attends industry-leading events such as AWS Re:Invent and Google Cloud Next.
Bobby mainly covers hardware reviews, but you will also recognize him as the face of many of our video reviews of laptops and smartphones.
-
What is polymorphic malware?
Explainer Polymorphic malware constantly changes its code to avoid detection, making it a top cybersecurity threat that demands advanced, behavior-based defenses
-
Outgoing Kaseya CEO teases "this is just the beginning" for the company
Opinion We spoke to Fred Voccola who remains a key figurehead at the firm as it enters its next chapter...
-
Microsoft has been caught testing ads in the Windows 11 File Explorer
News Windows users threaten to make the switch to Linux after an Insider flagged new adverts in File Explorer
-
Microsoft to roll out Windows 11 improvements next month
News Android on Windows public preview and task bar enhancements predate major release later in year
-
Windows 11 rollout begins as industry predicts slow business uptake
News Microsoft's long-awaited OS refresh is here, but analysts expect many will wait until next year to upgrade
-
Mozilla modernises Firefox UI with design overhaul, privacy protections
News Developers claim the refreshed browser is cleaner, more intuitive, and responsive to users' browsing habits
-
The path to CX excellence
Whitepaper Four stages to thrive in the experience economy
-
From customer experience to enterprise experience
Whitepaper Six leading steps to activate your CX North Star
-
Take command of your computer with a command line interface
In-depth A CLI might not look as good as a GUI, but it can pack a punch
-
What is TypeScript?
In-depth Who created the JavaScript-compatible programming language, and what is it used for?