Microsoft is bringing Windows 11's design to Edge's scrollbar
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Key notes
- Before they release Windows 11, Microsoft is trying to address some of the design consistency issues for the new OS.
- The plan is to bring this much-desired Windows 11-inspired look to several core apps, among which is the Edge browser.
- Via an update to the 365 Roadmap, the tech giant confirmed that overlay scrollbar flags have been restored due to Insider demand.
- If you also want to use these new and improved scrollbars, the main thing is you need to be running the Canary build of Edge.
Just two months ahead of Windows 11’s October release, Microsoft is constantly trying to address some of the design consistency issues that some parts of the OS still struggle with.
And as part of this visual revamp, the Redmond-based tech company is testing a Windows 11-inspired look for several core apps, such as Chromium-based Edge, Microsoft Teams, Snipping Tool, MS Paint, and more.
The Edge browser is receiving some visual tweaks
Here is some good news for Microsoft Edge users everywhere. Microsoft plans to switch to a new scrollbar design called overlay scrollbars.
In an update to the roadmap page, the tech giant confirmed that overlay scrollbar flags have been restored due to Insider demand.
Developers are confident that this new design will match the look and feel of Windows 11 apps, such as File Explorer and Settings.
So, in order to use these new and improved scrollbars, you need to be running the Canary build of Edge.
You are most likely already aware that Edge canary receives updates on a daily basis and these updated scrollbars are included in today’s update.
If by any chance you still don’t have access to the new scrollbar design, just make sure your Edge Canary is up-to-date.
Also, another important criterion in testing all the new Edge features is being an Edge Insider. If you’re not familiar with the Edge Insider program, you can sign up on Microsoft’s website.
If you want to force enable these overlay scrollbars, all you have to do is follow these simple steps:
- Open Edge’s flag menu by typing edge://flags in the search bar.
- Search for Overlay scrollbars.
- Select the flag and make sure it’s enabled.
What else is in store for Edge?
Well, for Windows 11, Microsoft implemented a flag called Enable Windows 11 Visual Updates to Edge Canary and it lets users enable the operating system’s Mica theme for the title bar.
Thus, the title bar icons for minimizing, maximize, and close are also aligned in the middle which brings the browser in line with the design seen in Windows 11.
This flag also enables Fluent Design’s acrylic effect for various context and browser menus including the main menu.
All the other UI changes include brighter texts and improved font size, and rounded corners are now visible when users hover over various browser items.
And before it’s all said and done, the Chromium-based Edge is also expected to get new PDF features, support for improved sleeping tabs, immersive reader improvements, and more.
Lots to look forward to so all we can do now is just wait and let Microsoft work its magic on these apps.
Are you excited about these new browser changes? Tell us all about it in the comments section below.
