Latest Microsoft Edge update breaks design visuals on Windows 11 — once you see it, you’ll hate it

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If you appreciate Microsoft Edge for its straightforward design aligned with Microsoft’s own design principles, you might be displeased to know that the latest version (138) no longer supports the “enable Windows 11 visuals” setting. This means that the visually appealing blur effects, which were designed exclusively for Windows 11, are now absent from the browser experience.

This significantly changes the browser’s appearance, making it less attractive than it previously was, and giving it a broken or incomplete look. However, other elements of Windows 11, such as first-party apps like File Explorer, Notepad, and the overall OS interface, continue to incorporate translucent blur effects. Unfortunately, Microsoft Edge is now lacking this key design aspect, causing it to stand out awkwardly and seem incomplete.

Originally, the acrylic and mica-based blur effects were incorporated in the Microsoft Edge title bar and context menus. These subtle design elements harmonized the app with the overall Windows 11 interface, significantly enhancing its aesthetic appeal. However, since these effects appear to be malfunctioning in version 138, the browser loses some of its visual charm and attractiveness.

If you’re not attuned to app design subtleties, you might overlook this alteration. However, if you’re particular about seamless design consistency and visual appeal, the absence of blur effects throughout the app will jump out at you right away.

It’s puzzling why such a crucial design aspect wasn’t rectified prior to the release of version 138. Let’s hope it’s merely broken and not one of those instances where Microsoft is phasing out one of Edge’s distinctive design features that sets it apart from other browsers in competition. It’s fortunate that very few other browsers are adopting designs compatible with Windows 11, let’s pray Edge doesn’t adopt a similar approach.

Over the course of the past year, Microsoft has stepped back from several daring and inventive adjustments in the user interface (UI) of its Edge browser. Initially, Microsoft intended to introduce a drastically different design for Edge, which showcased floating tabs and a greater level of transparency throughout the interface. However, this plan was eventually abandoned without disclosing the reasons behind it. As a result, Edge has remained remarkably similar to Chrome in its design.

I was disappointed to discover that, despite my daily use of Edge and my affection for the company’s effort to establish its unique identity, the new look of Edge still resembles Chrome. With the absence of the blur effects, it now appears bland and incongruous on Windows 11. It’s aggravating because Microsoft has yet to clarify in their version 138 changelog whether the elimination of blur effects in the browser is a bug or intentional design choice.

There’s a strong possibility that the blur effects might not be functioning correctly on Windows 10 devices as well, but unfortunately, we couldn’t verify this issue.

Lately, Microsoft Edge has been facing criticism for the excess features Microsoft has included in it. From Copilot integration to AI-generated themes and shopping helpers, these additions have slowed down the user experience so much that some users have written scripts to reduce clutter. Initially praised for its sleek Windows 11-inspired design, Microsoft Edge is now drawing flak due to these additional features.

you can go back to using Edge 137, or adapt to a less appealing design until a fix is developed.

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2025-07-03 14:39