Microsoft is changing the classic File Explorer 'right-click' Properties in Windows 11

Q: What change to the File Explorer Properties window was discovered in Windows 11 preview build 26300.8935?

A redesigned WinUI version of the File Explorer "Properties" window was discovered hidden in Windows 11 Experimental build 26300.8935. It appears when viewing Properties of files in the Recycle Bin rather than via File Explorer, and shows a more modern Windows UI with support for Dark Mode.

Q: How was the new WinUI Properties window discovered and who first spotted it?

The new WinUI Properties window was discovered hidden in Windows 11 Experimental preview build 26300.8935, where it appears when opening Properties for files deleted and sent to the Recycle Bin. It was first spotted by Phantomofearth on Bluesky, as reported via Windows Central.

Q: Does the redesigned Properties window support Dark Mode according to the preview screenshots?

Yes. The preview screenshots show the redesigned WinUI Properties window with support for Dark Mode, as noted in the article.

Q: Which other Windows elements are mentioned as targets for migration to WinUI 3 in the article?

The article says Microsoft plans to bring WinUI 3 to the Start Menu and Windows Shell elements. This work is part of the broader Windows K2 initiative to modernize legacy UI components.

Thanks to a new discovery in a preview build we've got our first look at the redesigned WinUI version of the 'Properties' window for Files in Windows 11.

VIEW GALLERY - 2

Kosta Andreadis

Senior Editor

Published Jul 23, 2026 1:26 AM CDT

1 minute & 15 seconds read time

TL;DR: A hidden WinUI redesign of File Properties has been found in Windows 11 Experimental build 26300.8935, visible when inspecting files in the Recycle Bin. The modernized Properties window supports Dark Mode and reflects Microsoft's push under the Windows K2 initiative to replace legacy UI with WinUI 3 for improved performance.

Voice: Kosta AndreadisSpeed

0:00 / 2:00

With Microsoft committed to updating Windows 11 this year and improving the operating system's speed and performance for users, part of this includes introducing more modern WinUI elements to classic Windows features. One area that is a definite focus for the Windows team is File Explorer, which in its current form features a mix of modern and legacy UI elements.

Our first look at the redesigned WinUI version of the 'Properties' window for Files in Windows 11, image credit: Phantomofearth/BlueSky

VIEW GALLERY - 2 IMAGES

When it comes to the legacy elements, if you right-click a file and open the 'Properties' window, you'll no doubt notice it hasn't changed for a while, retaining that old-school Windows look. As spotted by Phantomofearth on Bluesky (via Windows Central), it seems that a new WinUI version of the Properties window is hidden in Windows 11 Experimental build 26300.8935.

It's hidden because it's not accessible in File Explorer, but instead, when you open up the Properties of files deleted and sent to the Recycle Bin. Here we see the more modern Windows UI, with support for Dark Mode. It's a glimpse of what the window will look like in File Explorer in the future, hopefully optimized for performance and a lower memory footprint.

Read more: Microsoft's plan to speed up File Explorer in Windows 11 backfires: double the RAM, still slow
Read more: Microsoft is improving the responsiveness of Windows 11 with WinUI 3

Frequently Asked Questions

TweakBot answers common questions about this news using TweakTown's own coverage from this page and related content from our archive. Tap a question to reveal the answer, or type your own below.

Question #1

What change to the File Explorer Properties window was discovered in Windows 11 preview build 26300.8935?

Question #2

How was the new WinUI Properties window discovered and who first spotted it?

Question #3

Does the redesigned Properties window support Dark Mode according to the preview screenshots?

Question #4

Which other Windows elements are mentioned as targets for migration to WinUI 3 in the article?

Have a question not listed here? Ask below and TweakBot will answer it.

As a massive operating system with legacy components that date back to previous versions, Microsoft is reportedly committed to bringing the newer WinUI 3 framework to more elements. This includes the Start Menu and Windows Shell elements. Currently, Windows 11 is a fragmented mix of old and new, and with the consensus being that Microsoft needs to fix and improve what's already there rather than add more, this is the current focus for the team - which is referred to as the Windows K2 initiative.