Microsoft is stepping up efforts to overhaul its Windows ecosystem, with renewed attention on native applications following a broader commitment to improve Windows 11 throughout 2026.
A key development comes from Rudy Huyn, a well-known figure among longtime Windows Phone users, who has announced that he is recruiting developers for a new internal team focused on building modern Windows apps.
Huyn first gained recognition as an independent developer during the Windows Phone era, creating widely used third-party apps for platforms such as Instagram and Snapchat. His work eventually led to his hiring at Microsoft, where he has since contributed to major projects including the Microsoft Store and File Explorer.
Now, more than a decade later, he is taking on a new role aimed at addressing one of Windows’ long-standing criticisms: the inconsistent quality and design of its native applications.
Hiring Focused on User Experience
In his recruitment message, Huyn emphasized that prior experience with Windows development is not a strict requirement. Instead, the company is prioritizing candidates with a strong focus on user experience, product design, and refinement.
The move suggests a shift in approach, with Microsoft aiming to rebuild confidence in its app ecosystem by focusing on usability and polish rather than just technical capability.
The hiring initiative follows recent statements by Pavan Davuluri, head of Windows and Devices, who outlined a wide-ranging plan to improve the operating system in 2026.
Key areas of focus include:
- Faster and more reliable File Explorer and Start menu
- Improved Windows Search performance
- Reduced system resource usage and lower latency
- Fewer ads and recommendations across the interface
- Reduced prominence of AI features like Copilot
- Enhancements to WinUI 3 performance
- Greater system stability and improved driver quality
- Updates to Windows Hello
- More customizable widgets and update controls
- Expanded taskbar flexibility, including repositioning options
While these improvements target the core system experience, native apps were notably absent from the initial roadmap—until now.
Rebuilding the Native App Experience
Microsoft’s built-in applications have faced criticism in recent years for inconsistent design, performance issues, and a growing reliance on web-based experiences.
Examples include:
- The transition of Mail and Calendar to a web-based Outlook experience
- Limited updates to apps like To Do
- Performance and design concerns in apps such as Photos and Clock
- Advertising-heavy elements in certain system apps
The new team led by Huyn is expected to address these gaps by developing applications using modern frameworks such as WinUI 3 and the Windows App SDK, aligning them more closely with the overall design language of Windows 11.
Microsoft’s renewed focus comes at a time of increasing competition in the PC ecosystem. Rivals such as Apple and Google are advancing their own platforms, with new hardware and operating system initiatives reshaping user expectations.
Internally, Microsoft appears to be assembling a strong leadership group for this effort, with experienced figures like Huyn working alongside other senior contributors to drive improvements across the platform.
With updates set to roll out gradually through the Windows Insider program and into broader releases, 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for Windows.
The success of this initiative will depend not only on system-level enhancements, but also on whether Microsoft can deliver a cohesive, high-quality app experience that meets modern standards and user expectations.
