A new opaque material introduced specifically for Windows 11. Unlike traditional transparency, Mica samples the desktop wallpaper once to create a subtly tinted background for long-lived application windows. It is designed for high performance and helps users distinguish which window is in focus.
This design choice mirrors the visual logic of macOS and mobile interfaces, acknowledging that our eyes naturally drift to the center of the screen. By centering the icons, Windows 11 creates a more balanced visual anchor.