Microsoft is changing how developers build Windows 11 apps
Microsoft has updated WinUI Gallery to version 3.0, introducing a significant change in how developers access new Windows 11 app development tools. The update enables developers to test and evaluate experimental Windows App SDK components before they reach stable release status.
Historically, WinUI Gallery—Microsoft’s official sample application and reference guide for building native Windows 11 applications—only displayed UI controls and components after they had been finalized in official Windows App SDK releases. This approach limited developers’ early visibility into upcoming features and prevented feedback during the experimental phase.
With version 3.0, Microsoft is now including experimental Windows App SDK components directly in WinUI Gallery. This allows developers to test new controls earlier in the development cycle and provide feedback that can directly influence the final design and implementation of these components. By granting earlier access to experimental features, Microsoft aims to foster collaboration between its tools team and the broader Windows developer community.
The change reflects a shift toward more iterative, feedback-driven development practices. For Windows app developers, this means having greater influence over the tools and components they use daily, potentially accelerating innovation and improving the overall quality of Windows applications.