- Windows 11 It does not allow changing the rounded edges from the system options
- There are free and safe tools to switch between rounded and square corners.
- Developers can control the appearance of their applications using the DwmSetWindowAttribute API
Windows 11 has revolutionized the design of its windows and menus, featuring modern and visually appealing details like rounded corners. While many users find this change to be a fresh, elegant look, others prefer the classic square-cornered style, whether for aesthetic reasons or for compatibility with specific programs. Customizing window corners in Windows 11 is possible, although not natively and directly from the system options.
This guide is designed for those who want full control over the visual appearance of Windows 11, explaining in detail how to disable or re-enable rounded edges on system windows. You'll find information on reliable third-party tools, important security tips, and alternatives for advanced users or those using the system to develop applications.
Why does Windows 11 have rounded edges and how do they affect the user?
The new Windows 11 design is based on a more minimalist and modern approach, where rounded corners play a leading role. Virtually all native windows and applications display this style, from File Explorer to Settings panels to the popular Start menu. The goal is to offer a smoother, more visually friendly, and consistent experience across the entire graphical environment.
However, This visual change may not be to everyone's liking, and may even affect the display of professional tools or proprietary software that does not adapt well to the new curves.. Also Some external displays or Win32 applications may display visual inconsistencies when mixing square and rounded elementsThat's why many users and developers are looking for a way to get the same square corners as always.
Can rounded edges be disabled from Windows options?
In the standard Windows 11 settings, there is no direct option to toggle between rounded and square corners. You won't find any switches or menus to change this visual detail, as Microsoft has established it as a core feature of the operating system's identity. This means that modifying this behavior requires resorting to external third-party solutions.
There are free and open source utilities developed specifically to change this aspect in Windows 11., without compromising the integrity of the system or modifying critical files. These include «create a rectangle with rounded edges» y tools to customize the extended right click, both recommended and widely used in the community.
Download and use Win11DisableOrRestoreRoundedCorners
This tool is one of the simplest, safest, and most practical options for switching between rounded edges and straight corners in Windows 11. It's developed by Valinet and available for free on GitHub. It doesn't modify essential system files, but instead acts on certain internal settings of the Desktop Window Manager (DWM).
- Download the “Win11DisableOrRestoreRoundedCorners.exe” executable from the official GitHub page.
- Right-click on the downloaded file and select "Run as administrator." This is essential for the tool to be able to make changes to the window interface.
- A SmartScreen warning may appear (Windows Security Filter): Click “More info” and then “Run anyway” to continue.
- Accept if the system requests administrator permissions.
- Window commands (DCM) will open and execute the change. When it's finished, you'll see a message indicating the end of the process.
- Close the command window and reopen any window. The corners should now appear square, just like in Windows 10.
To restore rounded corners, simply repeat the same process by running the “Win11DisableOrRestoreRoundedCorners.exe” file again as administrator. The utility acts as a reversible switch, so you can alternate between both styles as many times as you like without consequences.
other tools
As a reliable alternative, there is also win11-toggle-rounded-corners, a lightweight, open-source utility for the same purpose. It works almost the same: download the file from the official GitHub repository, run it as administrator, and you can easily switch between rounded and square corners.
When launching the executable, You will see that the 'explorer.exe' process will automatically restart so that the changes take effect immediately. You don't need to modify advanced settings or install external components.
Both tools are safe as long as they are downloaded from their official repositories. Never download this type of utilities from unverified pages to avoid risks of malware or unwanted modifications to the system.
Advantages of changing window corners
Some users don't give it much thought, but customizing the appearance of windows can bring benefits, especially in technical or creative fields:
- Visual uniformityIf you're using third-party apps or proprietary software with square bezels, removing the rounded edges can make for a more seamless experience.
- Compatibility: Some older programs may experience display issues or clipping due to rounded corners.
- aesthetic preference: There are users who simply find the classic style more comfortable, especially if they have been used to previous versions of Windows for years.
- Greater precision: In professional environments (design, engineering, CAD, etc.), straight edges can facilitate visual alignment for specific tasks.
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