At the Build 2026 developer conference, Microsoft responded to concerns regarding the sluggish performance and high memory usage of built-in apps in Windows 11 by announcing a comprehensive optimization plan for the WinUI framework. Microsoft engineer Chris Anderson emphasized that the optimizations would center on enhancing performance, refining core functionalities, and improving overall quality. A pivotal step in this process involves migrating WinUI to the Windows system compositor, a move expected to significantly reduce memory consumption and ensure smoother app launches and transitions.
Microsoft has already commenced internal testing, with the goal of achieving stable optimization results before introducing the updated Start menu. This cautious approach aims to spare users from any additional performance burdens. In parallel, Microsoft is expediting the integration of WinUI with the Windows Shell, paving the way for more system components to be developed using WinUI in the future. Additionally, the introduction of data tables and chart controls will furnish developers with a more comprehensive toolkit.
Microsoft also unveiled optimization data, highlighting significant improvements. Using File Explorer and Notepad as benchmarks, the new iteration of WinUI has achieved a 41% reduction in memory allocation occurrences during the startup sequence, a 63% decrease in temporary memory allocation, a 45% drop in function calls, and a 25% reduction in code execution time. These enhancements are attributed to a restructuring of the underlying rendering pipeline, including the adoption of a new compositor and the elimination of redundant WebView dependencies. Microsoft assures users that as more components embrace WinUI, the visual consistency and operational fluidity of Windows 11 will experience a marked improvement.