Disable Rounded Corners In Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hey guys! Upgrading to Windows 11 brings a sleek, modern look with its rounded corners, but if you're like me and prefer the sharp, square aesthetics of Windows 10, you might be wondering how to disable those rounded corners. Plus, let's be real, square corners can make taking screenshots a tad easier! Unfortunately, after the 10-day grace period, downgrading isn't an option anymore. But don't worry, there are ways to tweak Windows 11 to get closer to that classic Windows 10 feel. This guide will walk you through several methods to disable rounded corners in Windows 11, from using third-party apps to diving into the registry. So, let’s dive in and explore how you can customize your Windows 11 experience to match your preferences.

Why Disable Rounded Corners in Windows 11?

Before we jump into the how-to, let’s talk about why you might want to disable rounded corners in the first place. For many, it's a matter of personal preference. You might simply find the square corners more visually appealing or consistent with your overall aesthetic. I mean, we all have our preferences, right? But there are also practical reasons. As mentioned earlier, screenshots can be easier to capture and edit when dealing with square windows. Rounded corners can sometimes introduce slight transparency issues or make precise selections tricky. Furthermore, some users feel that square corners offer a cleaner, more professional look, especially if you're working with applications that heavily rely on sharp lines and precise layouts. In essence, disabling rounded corners allows you to tailor your Windows 11 experience to better suit your workflow and visual tastes. So, if you’re someone who values customization and wants a system that feels truly yours, tweaking the corner styles is a great place to start. Plus, who doesn't love a little bit of personalization? Let's make Windows 11 work for you!

Method 1: Using Third-Party Applications

One of the easiest ways to disable rounded corners in Windows 11 is by using third-party applications. These apps often provide a user-friendly interface to tweak system settings without having to dive into the more technical aspects of Windows. A popular option is RoundedTB, a free and open-source tool available on GitHub and the Microsoft Store. RoundedTB allows you to customize the taskbar's appearance, including removing rounded corners, adding margins, and even splitting the taskbar into segments. Another application you might consider is ExplorerPatcher. This powerful tool lets you restore many classic Windows features, including the Windows 10 taskbar and, crucially, the square corners. These apps typically work by hooking into the Windows shell and modifying its behavior at runtime, giving you real-time control over your system’s appearance. Keep in mind that while these applications are generally safe to use, it’s always a good idea to download them from reputable sources to avoid any potential security risks. Also, be aware that some system updates might affect the functionality of these apps, so you might need to update them periodically to ensure they continue working as expected. Using third-party applications is often the quickest and simplest route for those who aren't comfortable editing the registry or dealing with more complex system settings. So, if you're looking for a hassle-free way to bring back those square corners, this might be the perfect solution for you!

Method 2: Editing the Windows Registry (Advanced)

For those who are comfortable with a bit more technical tinkering, editing the Windows Registry provides a direct way to disable rounded corners in Windows 11. This method involves modifying system settings at a low level, so it’s crucial to proceed with caution and follow the instructions precisely. Incorrectly editing the registry can lead to system instability, so it's always a good idea to back up your registry before making any changes. To access the Registry Editor, press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter. Once the Registry Editor is open, you’ll need to navigate to the correct key. The specific key might vary depending on the exact aspect of the UI you want to modify, but a common area to look for corner settings is under HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\DWM. If you don’t see specific entries for corner radius or similar settings, you might need to create them. This usually involves creating new DWORD (32-bit) values and setting them to 0 to disable the rounded corners. For example, you might create a value named CornerRadius and set it to 0. After making the changes, you’ll likely need to restart your computer or the Windows Explorer process for the changes to take effect. While editing the registry offers a more direct and potentially comprehensive way to disable rounded corners, it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. Make sure you understand what you’re doing and always have a backup plan in case things go wrong. But if you're up for the challenge, this method can give you fine-grained control over your Windows 11 appearance.

Method 3: Using Windows 11 Customization Tools

Another approach to disable rounded corners in Windows 11 is to utilize built-in customization tools or other system settings that might indirectly affect the appearance of window corners. While Windows 11 doesn't offer a direct toggle to switch between rounded and square corners, exploring different visual settings and themes can sometimes yield surprising results. For example, changing the transparency effects or adjusting the accent colors might subtly alter the appearance of window borders and corners. You can access these settings by going to Settings > Personalization > Colors. Experimenting with different color modes (Light, Dark, Custom) and transparency effects might give you a look that's closer to your preference. Additionally, some advanced customization tools, like those available in the Microsoft Store or from third-party developers, might offer more granular control over the Windows 11 UI. These tools often provide options to modify various aspects of the system's appearance, including window borders, shadows, and other visual elements. While this method might not completely remove the rounded corners, it can help you achieve a more personalized and visually appealing desktop environment. It's all about finding the right combination of settings that works best for you. So, take some time to explore the customization options available in Windows 11 – you might be surprised at what you can achieve!

Method 4: Exploring Group Policy Editor (for Pro and Enterprise Editions)

If you're running Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, the Group Policy Editor offers yet another avenue for customization, though it might not directly disable rounded corners. However, Group Policy settings can influence various aspects of the user interface and system behavior, potentially impacting the overall look and feel of your desktop. To access the Group Policy Editor, press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter. Once the Group Policy Editor is open, you can navigate through the various policy settings to see if there are any options that might indirectly affect window corner styles or related visual elements. Keep in mind that Group Policy settings are primarily designed for managing systems in a corporate environment, so many of the options are geared towards security, network settings, and application management. However, it's worth exploring the User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Control Panel > Personalization section to see if there are any relevant settings. While it's unlikely you'll find a specific setting to disable rounded corners, you might discover other visual tweaks that can help you achieve your desired look. As with the Registry Editor, it’s important to exercise caution when using the Group Policy Editor, as incorrect settings can lead to unexpected system behavior. So, if you're not familiar with Group Policy settings, it's a good idea to research the options before making any changes. Nevertheless, for advanced users, the Group Policy Editor can be a powerful tool for customizing Windows 11.

Conclusion: Customizing Your Windows 11 Experience

In conclusion, while Windows 11's rounded corners might be a signature design element, they're not necessarily set in stone. There are several methods you can use to disable or minimize the rounded corners, depending on your technical comfort level and the degree of customization you desire. From user-friendly third-party applications like RoundedTB and ExplorerPatcher to the more advanced techniques of editing the Windows Registry, there's a solution for almost everyone. Remember to always proceed with caution when making system-level changes, and be sure to back up your data before diving into the more technical methods. While the Group Policy Editor might not directly address the rounded corners, it offers a wealth of other customization options for Pro and Enterprise users. And don't forget to explore the built-in personalization settings in Windows 11 – you might find some hidden gems that help you achieve your desired look. Ultimately, the goal is to create a Windows 11 experience that feels comfortable, efficient, and visually pleasing to you. So, go ahead and experiment, tweak those settings, and make Windows 11 truly your own! Whether you prefer the sharp lines of square corners or the softer curves of rounded ones, the power to customize is in your hands. Happy tweaking, guys!