Microsoft Recommits to Native Apps for Windows

Windows 11 faces a significant challenge as a majority of its applications, including Microsoft's own, are web-based. These web apps, often built with frameworks like Electron and WebView2, consume more memory and operate at a slower pace than true native applications. This trend is eroding the distinct advantages of the Windows desktop platform. For instance, the Windows Weather app uses nearly three times the RAM of its macOS counterpart and exhibits laggy scrolling. Similarly, the new Outlook and video editor Clipchamp are web apps, contrasting with native, feature-rich alternatives on macOS like Mail and iMovie.

Historically, Microsoft's focus shifted away from native app development following the mixed reception of Windows 8's Metro platform and the subsequent Universal Windows Platform (UWP) in Windows 10. This led developers, including internal teams, to prioritize cross-platform web technologies. This strategic pivot has resulted in Windows losing its unique identity, with its core functionalities becoming replicable on other operating systems like ChromeOS or macOS.

In a potential reversal, Microsoft's Rudy Huyn announced the formation of a new team dedicated to developing "100% native apps" for Windows. While Microsoft has not officially commented, this move signals a renewed commitment to making Windows a compelling platform for powerful desktop applications. Investing in native app development is seen as vital for Windows to reclaim its competitive edge against platforms like macOS and ChromeOS, which offer high-quality default applications.