Microsoft is bringing new system icons to modernize some of the visual elements of Windows 10 21H2. In a new preview (build 21327) of the operating system available for testers in the Dev Channel, the company introduces a new set of modern icons that use the Fluent Design language.
The new icons are part of the new Segoe Fluent Icons font, and they include rounded and simplified designs. The new system icons are available in the Start menu and the Settings app.
For example, in the Start menu, you will find the new icons in the left navigation pane.
In the Settings app, the Fluent Design icons are everywhere, including the homepage for each settings category.
Also, each page and most of the settings now feature a new modern icon.
While these new icons are available in the Dev Channel, which is not tied to any specific release, it is expected that they will ship with the Sun Valley update (version 21H2) during the second half of the year.
In addition to new icons, Microsoft is also planning more significant changes for the second semi-annual update to help modernize Windows 10 even further. Some of which include more tweaks for the Settings app, and an updated Start menu that floats above the taskbar with rounded corners for tiles. Buttons, controls, and sliders are also expected to be redesigned. We are going to see improvements for context menus and tweaks for the action center.
The File Explorer and default apps are also expected to include some visual changes to help make the experience more modern and consistent, and much more.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].