4 Easy Ways to Disable Windows 11 Rounded Corners
Windows 11's rounded corners bring a modern look, but some users prefer the classic sharp edges. Here are 4 simple methods to disable Windows 11 rounded corners and get the look you want.
- Why Disable Rounded Corners?
- Using Registry Editor
- Enabling High Contrast Mode
- Using Third-Party Tools
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Disable Rounded Corners?
Rounded corners in Windows 11 offer a sleek, modern aesthetic, but there are valid reasons to switch back to sharp corners.
Accurate Screenshots
Rounded corners can sometimes result in blurred edges or unwanted transparency in screenshots, which can be a problem for professionals.
Efficient Window Management
Square corners make it easier to align and stack windows neatly, improving multitasking and productivity.
Customized Aesthetics
Some users prefer sharp-edged UI elements for a cleaner, more structured look that aligns with their personal or professional preferences.
Using Registry Editor
One way to disable rounded corners is by editing the Windows Registry, but be cautious as incorrect changes can cause system issues.
Warning: Editing the registry can be risky. Proceed with caution and back up your registry first.
Step 1 Press Win + R,
type regedit, and press Enter⏎.
Step 2 Navigate to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\DWM.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\DWM
Step 3 Look for RoundedCorners. If it doesn't exist, create a new DWORD (32-bit) value and name it RoundedCorners.
Step 4 Set its value to 0.
Step 5 Restart your PC to apply the changes.
Tip:
- This method may not work on all Windows 11 builds due to potential updates from Microsoft.
Enabling High Contrast Mode
Another workaround is to enable High Contrast Mode, which simplifies UI elements, including removing rounded corners.
Step 1 Open Settings (Win + I).
Step 2 Go to Accessibility > Contrast Themes.
Step 3 Select a High Contrast Theme.
Step 4 Apply the changes.
Tip:
- High Contrast Mode is a temporary solution and alters other visual elements besides rounded corners.
Using Third-Party Tools
Several third-party tools can help disable rounded corners in Windows 11.
ExplorerPatcher
ExplorerPatcher is a versatile tool that allows you to customize various Windows 11 features, including rounded corners.
Step 1 Download and install ExplorerPatcher from its official GitHub page.
Step 2 Open the settings panel and navigate to Other.
Step 3 Select Disable Rounded Corners for application windows and apply the changes.
Win11DisableRoundedCorners
Win11DisableRoundedCorners is a straightforward tool that disables rounded corners with a single click.
Step 1 Download Win11DisableRoundedCorners from its GitHub releases page.
Step 2 Run the executable as Administrator.
The rounded corners will disappear after a quick screen refresh.
Windhawk disable-rounded-corners Plugin
Windhawk is a powerful tool that allows UI modifications through plugins.
Step 1 Download and install Windhawk.
Step 2 Install the disable-rounded-corners plugin.
Step 3 Enable the plugin.
Beware:
- Always download third-party tools from trusted sources to avoid malware.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does disabling rounded corners affect system performance?
No, disabling rounded corners doesn't significantly impact system performance, though third-party tools might introduce minor background processes.
2. Can I revert to rounded corners later?
Yes, you can revert by either deleting the RoundedCorners registry key, setting its value back to
1, or uninstalling third-party tools.
3. Do these methods work on all Windows 11 versions?
Not all methods are compatible with every Windows 11 build, as Microsoft may release updates that patch certain tweaks.
4. Is it safe to edit the Windows Registry?
Editing the registry is safe if done correctly. Always back up your registry before making changes to avoid potential issues.
5. Will Microsoft add an option to disable rounded corners officially?
There's no official statement from Microsoft about adding this feature. For now, users rely on workarounds and third-party tools.