When you think of Windows, the first thing that comes to mind is its closed-source nature. Microsoft has always kept the core of Windows proprietary, unlike Linux or other open-source operating systems. Now imagine, just for a second, that Microsoft suddenly made Windows fully open source. The internet would probably break that day, tech forums would go crazy, and developers worldwide would rush to contribute, tweak, and even redesign Windows.
Realistically though, this is not going to happen—at least not anytime soon. But something interesting is happening: parts of Windows, especially the user interface layer (WinUI), are slowly being opened up to the public. Recently, a GitHub discussion by the WinUI team sparked a lot of excitement, showing that Microsoft is planning steps toward making WinUI open source.
In this blog, we’ll unpack what WinUI really is, why Microsoft’s move matters, what could change for developers and everyday users, and what limitations still exist. So, let’s break this down step by step.
🖼️ 1. What is WinUI?
Before we discuss open-source implications, let’s first understand what WinUI actually is.
WinUI (Windows UI Library) is Microsoft’s modern user interface framework. It’s the layer responsible for how apps and system menus look and behave. In simple terms, it defines the “face” of Windows applications.
Here are some practical examples:
- The Windows 11 Start Menu → Built using modern UI principles tied to WinUI.
- The modern right-click menus → These are different from the old legacy menus you still see in some places.
- The Settings app → This is one of the clearest examples of WinUI in action.
So, whenever you open the Settings app and see smooth toggles, sliders, and a fresh layout—that’s WinUI.
Unlike older frameworks such as WinForms or WPF, WinUI is designed to unify the look of Windows apps, whether they are UWP (Universal Windows Platform) or classic desktop applications.
👉 Think of WinUI as the “skin and skeleton” of modern Windows apps.
🔓 2. Why Is Microsoft Making WinUI Open Source?
Microsoft isn’t opening up Windows itself, but by open-sourcing WinUI, they’re signaling a move toward more developer collaboration.
The reasoning could be:
- Encouraging developer adoption → More devs might use WinUI if they can see and improve its code.
- Faster innovation → Open-source communities can identify bugs, contribute features, and experiment with designs.
- Consistency across apps → If everyone uses WinUI, Windows could finally feel more visually consistent (something users often complain about).
Beth Pan, a software engineer from the WinUI team, outlined this roadmap on GitHub. While it won’t happen overnight, it’s a strong sign that Microsoft wants to involve the developer community in shaping the UI future.
✅ 3. Potential Benefits for Developers and Users
Let’s think realistically—what happens if WinUI is open sourced?
For developers:
- They could contribute fixes or suggest improvements.
- They could experiment with UI elements and create new controls.
- They’d gain deeper insight into how Windows UI components are built.
For everyday users:
- Potential for better theming systems (maybe even MacOS-style skins).
- More visually consistent apps since developers won’t have to reinvent controls.
- Faster updates to apps, as UI frameworks evolve more quickly in open source.
🚧 4. The Limitations – What Won’t Be Open Source
Here’s the catch: making WinUI open source doesn’t mean Windows itself is becoming open source.
Some key parts of Windows will remain closed, such as:
- Windows Shell (Start Menu, Taskbar, File Explorer)
- Windows App SDK (the broader toolkit beyond UI controls)
- Core system services and kernel
So even if WinUI is open, we won’t suddenly be able to rebuild or redesign the Windows Taskbar or File Explorer completely.
👉 In short: you’ll get more flexibility in apps, but not total control over the OS.
🎨 5. Could We Finally See Full Windows Customization?
This is the dream for many Windows enthusiasts: having true theming support built into Windows without third-party hacks.
With WinUI open source, developers could:
- Modify app themes more easily.
- Create alternative visual styles for WinUI-based apps.
- Reimagine the design language to mimic macOS, Linux desktops, or even retro Windows.
But to change the whole OS look (taskbar, system tray, Explorer), we’d still need Microsoft to open source or at least extend the shell—which seems highly unlikely.
So yes, WinUI open source will improve customization, but don’t expect a fully skinnable Windows out of the box.
💡 6. Real-World Impact: Apps, UI, and Future Development
Let’s bring this to real examples.
- The Calculator app is already built with modern UI frameworks like WinUI. If WinUI is open source, developers could fork the design and make alternative calculators—maybe styled like macOS, or even classic Windows 7.
- The Settings app could evolve faster, with community-driven improvements.
- New apps might feel more consistent, as developers adopt WinUI controls instead of mismatching legacy elements.
At the same time, users shouldn’t overestimate the impact—Windows won’t magically become open source, and big system areas will still be tightly controlled by Microsoft. However this is just an speculation about Microsoft being open source, but if you are a fan of opensource then how about these open source OS’s ReactOS 0.4.15: A Detailed Look at the Free and Open-Source Windows-Compatible OS (2025) or The Best Free Software of 2024 : A Comprehensive Guide – Part 1. If you are looking for a complete list of open source articles, I have plenty of such articles and I am sure you will love reading them all – The best open source software and OS’s.
⚖️ 7. Comparison: Windows vs Linux Open Source Model
To put things in perspective, here’s a quick comparison table:
| Feature | Windows (with WinUI Open Source) | Linux (Open Source Model) |
|---|---|---|
| Core OS | Closed-source | Fully open source |
| UI Framework | Partially open source (WinUI) | Fully customizable (GNOME, KDE, etc.) |
| Theming | Limited to apps using WinUI | Full system theming |
| Community Role | Can contribute to UI libraries | Can modify the whole OS |
| Control over Shell | Still closed | Fully editable |
This makes it clear: while open-sourcing WinUI is a good step, it’s nowhere near the openness Linux provides.
❓ 8. FAQs – Answering Common Questions
Q1. Does this mean Windows will become free like Linux?
No. Windows as an operating system will remain proprietary and paid (unless bundled with hardware). Only the WinUI framework is going open source.
Q2. Can I theme my taskbar and Start Menu if WinUI is open source?
Not directly. The Windows shell isn’t part of WinUI, so it remains closed. Only apps built with WinUI will be easier to theme.
Q3. What version of WinUI is going open source?
The roadmap suggests WinUI 3 (the latest major version) will be the focus.
Q4. Will this make Windows faster or lighter?
Not immediately. Performance improvements depend on how developers use WinUI. But consistent frameworks can reduce resource overhead in the long run.
Q5. Where can I follow WinUI development?
You can track progress and discussions on the official WinUI GitHub page.
🏁 9. Conclusion: A Small Step Toward a Bigger Dream
At the end of the day, WinUI going open source is exciting, but it’s not the same as Microsoft open-sourcing Windows itself. For developers, this opens up opportunities to experiment, innovate, and build consistent user experiences. For users, it might eventually mean better-looking apps and possibly some creative themes.
Still, the Windows shell, kernel, and critical system parts remain locked down. So while we won’t see a fully open-source Windows anytime soon, WinUI’s open-source move is still worth celebrating—it’s a small but meaningful step toward a more open future for the Windows ecosystem.
Disclaimer
This article is based on available information from GitHub discussions and Microsoft’s documentation as of 2025. Plans may change, and open-source availability may be limited to specific components. Always check the official WinUI GitHub for the latest updates.
Tags: windows, winui, microsoft, open source, windows 11, ui design, developers, customization
Hashtags: #Windows #WinUI #Microsoft #OpenSource #UIDesign #Windows11 #Developers #Tech
