How To Disable Rounded Corners In Windows 11?

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Dayan Shahid

At HI Digital I test and write about different hardware configurations to show other PC users what they can expect from their build. My end goal is to educate the masses to make the right decision when they are looking for new PC parts to buy

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Compared to the sharp and right-angled corners available on Windows 10 and prior, the new Windows 11 has a much softer style by utilizing rounded corners. However, many users still prefer the old visual interface but don’t know how to disable rounded corners in Windows 11. I tested many ways to do so, all of which were very effective.

Methods Difficulty Rating

Using Registry Editor

The Registry Editor is useful in making advanced system changes and lets you control several configurations of your Windows. I modified the frame-related settings in the computer’s registry to disable rounded corners. Proceed with the following steps to perform this technique correctly.

1. Launch Registry Editor: Open Windows Search with Win + S > Type Registry Editor > Run As Administrator > Yes.
2. Move To Correct Registry: Navigate to Computer > HKEY_CURRENT_USER > Software > Microsoft > Windows > DWM.
3. Create DWORD Value: Right-click on the DWM key on the left pane > New > DWORD (32-bit) Value > Name it UseWindowFrameStagingBuffer.

   

4. Change Value Data: Double-click on this DWORD > Change the Value data to 0 > OK > Restart PC.

   

Using Device Manager

The Device Manager helps manage hardware components, such as the keyboard and mouse. Disabling rounded corners through this method involves disabling the connected display device. While it’s a straightforward process, it will only temporarily turn off rounded corners, and you can easily reverse the change by re-enabling the device in Device Manager.

1. Access Device Manager: Right-click on the Start button > Device Manager.
2. Select Display Adapter: Expand the Display Adapters section.

   

3. Disable Driver: Right-click on your respective display driver > Disable Device.

   

Using Third-Party Tool

For a simpler approach to disable rounded corners, I resorted to a couple of third-party software designed for this purpose. These tools are typically user-friendly and don’t require navigating complex system settings.

Win11DisableOrRestoreRoundedCorners

Remove rounded corners with the Win11DisableOrRestoreRoundedCorners tool using these instructions:

1. Download The Tool: Download the Win11DisableOrRestoreRoundedCorners tool from GitHub’s website > Run the executable file.
2. Bypass Warning: If the Microsoft Defender SmartScreen window appears, press More Info > Run Anyway > Yes.

   

ExplorerPatcher

Following steps provide the details for using this tool:

1. Download the ExplorerPatcher tool > Extract the file > Run it.
2. Come to the Desktop > Right-click Taskbar > Properties.

   

3. Highlight Other on the left bar > Click Disable Rounded Corners For Application Windows. 

   

Last Words

Although the methods above were effective in disabling rounded corners, I noticed that the customization reversed itself once my system installed new Windows updates. Therefore, I had to manually adjust the corner angles again after updates.

More About Windows 11:

• How To Remove PIN From Windows 11? [ALL METHODS]
• How To Find MAC Address In Windows 11?
• How To Update Windows [11, 10, 8, And 7]

Dayan Shahid

[How-To Guides Expert]

Laiba, our tech guru at HI Digital, simplifies and crafts How-To Guides with a Google IT Support Certificate. Beyond tech, she captures the city’s aesthetics through her lens. Join her journey where tech meets creativity!

Get In Touch: Laiba@hidgt.com