Windows 11 has brought a fresh, modern interface and improved performance, but several Microsoft apps still lag behind, needing urgent updates to match the OS's vision. Here are the top six Microsoft apps that require a significant revamp to enhance user experience on Windows 11.

1. Microsoft Photos

Microsoft Photos remains a basic image viewer with limited editing capabilities compared to competitors like Adobe Lightroom or Apple Photos. While it received minor UI tweaks in Windows 11, it lacks:
- Advanced AI-powered editing tools
- Cloud sync with OneDrive (beyond simple storage)
- Batch processing features

A revamp should introduce AI enhancements, better organization, and seamless integration with Windows 11’s design language.

2. File Explorer

File Explorer is a core Windows utility, but it still feels outdated. Key pain points include:
- Slow performance with large file transfers
- Limited tab management (despite the recent addition of tabs)
- No native cloud file previews (e.g., OneDrive, SharePoint)

Microsoft should optimize performance, introduce deeper cloud integration, and modernize the UI with Fluent Design elements.

3. Microsoft Store

The Microsoft Store has improved but still struggles with:
- Inconsistent app quality (many legacy Win32 apps lack proper updates)
- Poor discoverability of apps
- Slow download speeds compared to alternatives like Steam or Epic Games Store

A true revamp would require stricter app quality control, better curation, and faster infrastructure.

4. OneNote

OneNote is a powerful note-taking app, but its Windows 11 version feels neglected. Issues include:
- Lack of parity with the web/mobile versions
- Clunky UI with outdated ribbon menus
- Missing AI-powered features (e.g., smart summaries, handwriting recognition improvements)

Microsoft should unify OneNote’s experience across platforms and add AI-driven productivity tools.

5. Outlook

While Outlook is feature-rich, its Windows 11 app still relies on legacy code. Needed improvements:
- Faster load times (especially for large mailboxes)
- Better integration with Windows 11’s notifications
- A modernized UI that matches the OS’s aesthetics

A true Fluent Design overhaul and performance optimizations are overdue.

6. Copilot (AI Integration)

Microsoft Copilot (AI assistant) is promising but needs refinement:
- Deeper system-wide integration (beyond Edge and Office)
- Faster response times
- More contextual awareness (e.g., understanding open apps, files, and workflows)

Expanding Copilot’s capabilities to replace Cortana fully would make it indispensable.

Conclusion

Microsoft has made strides with Windows 11, but several core apps need modernization to deliver a cohesive experience. A revamp of these six apps—Photos, File Explorer, Microsoft Store, OneNote, Outlook, and Copilot—would significantly enhance productivity and user satisfaction. With AI and Fluent Design at their disposal, Microsoft has the tools to make these improvements a reality.