Microsoft Targets Classic Windows Tools for Modern Overhauls

Microsoft has been slowly modernizing parts of Windows 11 over the past few years. The company has updated interfaces that have remained largely unchanged, including the Run dialog and Task Manager.

The next step in this process is to update deeply embedded components and develop the tools and frameworks needed to make that work easier without breaking existing functionality.

There are three classic Windows tools that deserve attention: Device Manager, Event Viewer, and Services. These tools have been around since older versions of Windows and still feel like relics from another era.

Device Manager is a prime candidate for an update. It's where users go to troubleshoot hardware or driver problems, but the experience has barely evolved compared with the rest of the system. A modern design could preserve existing capabilities while making it easier to use.

A new Device Manager interface could include a search box, better filtering, and a more useful device overview. For example, selecting a graphics card could show key information such as the current driver version and date, as well as options to roll back or uninstall the device.