Over the years, Microsoft has gradually modernized the look of Windows, leaning into a cleaner, more minimalist style. The last major update to its icon design came back in 2018 when the Office Suite icons were revamped with the company’s signature Fluent Design elements.
Since then, those visuals have remained pretty much untouched. But that could be changing soon.
According to recently leaked images, it looks like Microsoft is working on a new visual refresh, this time with a clear focus on 3D-style icons. The report, originally highlighted by Windows Latest, shows a bold shift from flat visuals toward more dynamic and layered designs.
While Microsoft hasn’t officially confirmed a rollout date yet, this leak hints at a broader UI update possibly aimed at aligning all its apps and services under a more unified, immersive aesthetic.
If true, this would mark the most significant change in the company’s iconography in nearly seven years.
The new icons of the Office and Microsoft suite are leaked by 3D
It’s been quite a few years since Microsoft last updated the Office app icons, introducing the Fluent Design language to give them a sleek, modern look.
While those icons still hold up well visually, tech doesn’t stay still for long. With the rapid evolution of design trends and the growing influence of AI in productivity tools, Microsoft has decided it’s time for another refresh — this time leaning into a 3D aesthetic.
The upcoming design shift aims to better reflect Microsoft’s AI-driven future, blending modern visuals with a more immersive and dynamic style.
A sneak peek at this new direction came from @JBGSKI on X (formerly Twitter), who shared a screenshot revealing what could be the next generation of Office icons. It’s fascinating to compare them side by side with the current versions — you can really see the move toward depth and dimensionality.
If this leak holds true, it looks like Microsoft is doubling down on aligning visual identity with the next phase of intelligent, AI-powered productivity.
The new Office icons are taking a modern turn, with a stronger 3D design that aligns perfectly with Microsoft’s push to reflect its AI-first vision in Windows 11. One noticeable change is the softer, rounded corners, which follow the broader visual language we’ve seen across the OS — from window edges to app elements.
Since the launch of Windows 11, Microsoft has clearly favored a smoother, more refined aesthetic, and these new icons are no exception. They feature greater depth, vibrant gradients, and a polished finish that makes them both elegant and futuristic.
The icons still retain the familiar letter-based identifiers for each Office app — like “W” for Word or “P” for PowerPoint — but now they blend seamlessly with the 3D visuals and color transitions, enhancing their visual appeal.
At the moment, these new icons are still in internal testing, and Microsoft hasn’t revealed when they’ll officially roll out to the public. It’s likely the company is still fine-tuning their integration and making sure they align with the overall AI-driven design strategy.
Interestingly, as reported by Windows Latest, Microsoft has been asking users for feedback — specifically whether these new icons make them feel that AI is now embedded within the apps. That’s a fascinating approach, as it suggests Microsoft sees even small design cues as important tools for communicating its broader AI ambitions.
That said, the final version of these icons could still see some tweaks before launch. But for now, it’s clear: Microsoft is going all-in on a design that speaks the language of AI and innovation.
