Microsoft Build 2026 unveils developer-focused Windows 11 mode with dark mode, AI terminal, and Unix tools
By
Frederic Lardinois
Fresh out the oven, still warm. Top of the tray.
Summary
At Microsoft Build 2026, Microsoft is launching a developer-optimized Windows 11 experience that includes dark mode (on by default), a quieter OS with widgets/notifications/recommendations turned off, over 30 retuned settings for developer workflows, Unix utilities in PowerShell, an AI terminal, and on-device AI models. The initiative aims to make developers love Windows again by reducing distractions and adding developer-friendly tools.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledMicrosoft is launching so many new features for developers, it's hard to keep up.
This is part of a new, developer-optimized Windows 11 experience that quiets down the operating system and turns off widgets, notifications, and in-product recommendations.
The point is to get out of the way (and even if you are not a developer, turning off most of these features makes Windows 11 better).
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