Skip to main content

Windows 11 could get a mysterious new ‘Designer’ app

Microsoft is working on a mysterious new web app for Windows dubbed “Designer,” which might end up helping you create fancy graphics and other content for presentations or social media. This is coming from the noted leaker WalkingCat, who recently spotted a website for the potential new Microsoft service.

Details on the web app are scarce at the moment, but a series of images from the leaker shows how it might end up working. It looks as though “Designer” could be a lot like PowerPoint Designer, mixed with Microsoft Publisher, as well as Microsoft Sway.

WalkingCat shows there are various templates available on this app to help you get started on a specific design, and you can share out your design on social media. It is also possible to add shapes, photos, icons, and fancy headings to a project. In addition, there are a number of designs of different sizes that you can choose to create — for Instagram, Facebook ads, or Instagram Stories.

The Microsoft Designer App running on Windows.
WalkingCat

Microsoft has yet to acknowledge or talk about this app, but WalkingCat did show how you can access it. A live webpage for it is available but it is blank. Once you visit it, you can head into your web browser’s developer tools and change the value to a specific string of text. Then, refresh the page and you’ll get early access. We signed in with a personal Microsoft account and tried this out, and it looks like this experience is currently in rough shape. The current version could be for Microsoft internal audiences only, as there are ways to add more features via a Feature Gates panel, per WalkingCat.

With Microsoft’s annual Build developer conference coming up on May 24, you can expect the company to talk more about this potential new app then. Build is where Microsoft usually details updates for services like Office, Azure, and Windows. This new app could be a new offering from the company, centered around marketers and creative professionals. Microsoft already has the free Clipchamp video editor on Windows for these types of users, and it is likely that Designer could target the same end audiences.

Editors' Recommendations

Arif Bacchus
Arif Bacchus is a native New Yorker and a fan of all things technology. Arif works as a freelance writer at Digital Trends…
A beloved Windows app is being axed after 28 years
microsoft surface laptop go review wordpad

Microsoft is finally retiring WordPad, the venerable text editor that has been a staple in Windows operating systems since Windows 95. This decision comes as part of Microsoft's ongoing efforts to refine its software lineup and focus on more advanced applications. It marks the end of a 28-year journey for WordPad.

As spotted by Tom’s Hardware, the recent Canary build of Windows 11 does not include WordPad as part of the default software package. Microsoft seems to be encouraging users to explore its more comprehensive Office suite, which includes applications like Microsoft Word for a more sophisticated word-processing experience. In Septemeber 2023, the company added the rich text application to its list of deprecated Windows features.

Read more
How to remove a Microsoft account from Windows 11
Windows 11 updates are moving to once a year.

While many people love porting their Microsoft account to their new Windows 11 PC, just as many hate the experience. One of the nicest things about having a new computer is how little tabs it has over you, and letting Microsoft in from the beginning — especially in a way that feels required — is a bit letdown for privacy-minded people.

To make matters worse, getting rid of your account feels tricky. It not only feels like it, Microsoft is your direct antagonist in getting the privacy you want. Luckily, you can make a local account that is disconnected from the rest of your life to gain back the personal feel of your computer. Here's how:
Removing a Microsoft account from Windows 11

Read more
The best Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts
Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 top down view showing keyboard and touchpad.

Keyboard shortcuts are a great way to save time, whether you're working or relaxing. While we've already covered some of our favorite Windows 10 shortcuts, there are also a few you should try out in Windows 11. Here's a look at some of our favorite shortcuts and how you can use them to your advantage.
New Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts

Windows 11 brings a new set of keyboard shortcuts that aren't available in Windows 10. These shortcuts are catered to some of the new features in the operating system, like the Widgets Pane, Quick Settings, Notification Center, Snap Layouts, and Windows Copilot. Many of these shortcuts will require you to use the Windows Key (⊞), which you can find to the left of the spacebar.

Read more