- Microsoft is replacing the Windows 8-era loading spinner with a modern animation in Windows 11 preview builds.
- The update applies to boot, sign-in, sign-out, restart, and shutdown screens.
- The new animation matches the existing boot loading spinner for a consistent experience.
- The feature is currently hidden and can be enabled using ViVeTool.
Microsoft is rolling out a new loading animation for Windows 11, replacing a legacy spinner from Windows 8. The change appears in recent preview builds released in April 2026 through the Experimental channel for version 25H2 (expected to become version 26H2). It applies across the boot process and key system states, including sign-in, sign-out, shutdown, and restart.
In this update, the company is replacing the older snipping dots animation with a solid spinning indicator that matches the one already used during boot. The result is a single animation style across the entire experience.
The change surfaced through early testing and was highlighted by PhantomOfEarth on X. Marcus Ash from Microsoft later confirmed the direction, noting that users will see more consistency across most use cases with the updated spinning dots.
Why Microsoft is replacing the Windows 8 spinner
This update addresses a long-standing inconsistency in the operating system. For years, the system has mixed legacy visuals with modern design. Users would see one animation during boot and another during login or shutdown, which breaks visual consistency.
By standardizing the spinner, the company is refining the overall interface. The change does not improve speed or add features, but it removes a visible reminder of older design choices. For users, this means a cleaner and more unified experience every time the system transitions between states.
How the new Windows 11 spinner works
The updated animation is not a brand-new asset since the company already uses it during boot. The latest preview build extends that same spinner to other parts of the system, replacing the older segmented dots animation introduced years ago.
Right now, the feature remains hidden and requires manual activation using ViVeTool. Once you have downloaded and extracted the tool files, using Command Prompt (admin), you need to run the vivetool /enable /id:59728252 command from the tool’s directory.
Windows 11 UI consistency efforts continue
This change is small, but it reflects a broader cleanup effort inside Windows 11. Microsoft continues to remove legacy components and align the design across the operating system. The company is also working on performance improvements, updates, and core features.
The updated spinner will likely go unnoticed by many users. However, it shows that Microsoft is paying attention to details that shape how the system looks and feels during everyday use.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of Pureinfotech in 2010. With over 22 years as a technology writer and IT Specialist, Mauro specializes in Windows, software, and cross-platform systems such as Linux, Android, and macOS.
Certifications: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), and CompTIA A+ and Network+.
Mauro is a recognized Microsoft MVP and has also been a long-time contributor to Windows Central.
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