With Windows 11, Microsoft introduced a fresh and modern interface that embraces rounded corners across various elements of the system. This design choice marks a deviation from the sharp, squared edges that were characteristic of Windows 10 and prior versions. While many appreciate these visual features for their aesthetic appeal and softer look, some of us find them less practical and prefer the classic style, prompting the quest for ways to disable these rounded corners.
We understand that you might be among those who value consistency in the user experience, and the transition to Windows 11’s rounded corners might not align with your preference. It’s important to note that Windows 11 does not offer a native option to revert to the squared edges. However, the tech community has provided solutions to address this. Third-party utilities have been developed to disable rounded corners, effectively allowing users to achieve a more traditional look similar to that of Windows 10.
These utilities work by making modifications to the Desktop Window Manager (DWM), which controls the window animations and frames. By patching the necessary system files, the rounded corners can be disabled. It’s crucial for us to follow the specific instructions provided by these tools to avoid any system instability. Precompiled binaries for these utilities are often available for download, ensuring that even those of us who aren’t technically adept can perform the change with relative ease.
Contents
Understanding the Windows 11 UI
In our exploration of Windows 11, we’ll spotlight its modern design features, how it differs from Windows 10, and the technical processes behind its user interface elements.
Fluent Design and Rounded Corners
Differences Between Windows 10 and Windows 11
The Role of DWM in Handling UI Elements
| DWM Functionality | Impact on UI | File Involved |
| Manages visual effects | Controls window animations and transparency | uDWM.dll |
| Organizes window order | Determines which windows appear on top | |
| Renders the user interface | Shapes how elements like rounded corners are displayed |
The Desktop Window Manager (DWM) plays a pivotal role in wielding the fresh UI elements of Windows 11. It is responsible for the compositing and rendering of visual effects on the desktop and is central to the visual fidelity of the user experience. The DWM relies on uDWM.dll, a system file, to manage complex UI features, ensuring an immersive and responsive environment. Our detailed knowledge on this framework allows us to grasp how integral DWM is to the Windows 11 experience, especially when considering UI customizations like disabling rounded corners.
Methods to Disable Rounded Corners
Windows 11 introduced rounded corners for a modern look, but not everyone might prefer this design choice. Below, we discuss various methods we can employ to revert to the sharper-cornered aesthetics.
Using System Settings and Registry Editor
To disable rounded corners without third-party software, we can delve into the Registry Editor for a more “hands-on” approach. After backing up the registry for safety, we navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\DWM and create or modify values that control UI elements. Microsoft doesn’t offer a direct toggle in system settings, so registry tweaks are our go-to method within the system’s tools.
Third-Party Tools and Patches
Third-party tools offer a more user-friendly way to disable rounded corners. We can find such utilities on platforms like GitHub, where developers share custom patches. One such tool is Win11DisableRoundedCorners; it simplifies the process down to running an executable that modifies the Desktop Window Manager.
Manual Actions to Modify System Files
If we prefer not to use software created by others, we may consider manual modifications to system files, an advanced method that carries risk of system instability if not done correctly. By directly modifying system files like uDWM.dll, we achieve the desired effect, though we must ensure backups are in place to prevent system issues.
- Backup is essential before making registry changes.
- Using GitHub tools simplifies the disabling process.
- Manual file modification should be done with caution.
| Settings/Registry | Third-Party Tools | Manual File Modification |
| Directly using Windows’ built-in tools. | Easier to use and often safer than manual adjustments. | Only recommended for advanced users familiar with system files. |
Backup and Restore Considerations
When altering system files such as the DWM.exe, which affects UI elements like rounded corners in Windows 11, it is crucial to consider backup and restore options. If issues arise, we’ll want the ability to revert our system to a prior state.
Creating System Restore Points
- Open System Properties and click on the System Protection tab.
- Select our system drive and click Create.
Backup of Original System State
To ensure we can restore our system if the disablement of rounded corners leads to problems, we must keep a backup of the original system files affected, specifically the DWM.exe process and related DLLs.
- Locate the DWM.exe file, typically found in the Windows\System32 folder.
- Copy the file and its related DLLs to a separate backup folder.
Troubleshooting Potential Issues
If we encounter issues after disabling rounded corners, troubleshooting will be our next step. Here are ways to address common problems:
- Restart the DWM.exe process via Task Manager to refresh the desktop manager.
- Use the backup files to restore original system state if stability issues persist.
It is essential to note that altering system files can lead to unexpected behavior. Therefore, performing these backup and restore actions is a critical step in our process.
Enhanced Performance and Customization
We understand the importance of fine-tuning our systems to match our performance expectations and aesthetic preferences. Adjusting graphics and display settings can lead to improved system responsiveness, while customizing UI elements aligns with our personal taste.
Optimizing Graphics and Display Settings
Disabling Hardware Graphics Acceleration
In optimizing our system’s video performance, we sometimes need to disable hardware graphics acceleration. This can help systems without powerful graphics cards to run more efficiently, as it reduces the load on the GPU. To do this, we can adjust display settings directly within the operating system.
| Action | Graphics Card | Display Adapters |
| Disable/Enable | Check compatibility | Update Drivers |
Graphics and display adapters are critical in handling the visual features of our operating system. Ensuring that drivers are up to date can also contribute significantly to the system’s overall performance.
Reverting to Classic UI Elements
If we favor efficiency over modern aesthetics, reverting to classic UI elements, such as sharp corners instead of rounded ones, can help. This reversion to the classic taskbar and other elements not only reduces the visual complexity but may also slightly improve system performance.
Restoring Classic Taskbar and Sharp Corners
We can use third-party tools to modify the UI to our liking. For instance, toggling sharp corners can be achieved with specific executables that patch the Desktop Window Manager. While this is a matter of personal preference, it does streamline the user experience to match that of previous versions, which some of us might find more intuitive and navigate more quickly.