Google forces a new look for Chrome – but you can get rid of it if you hate it
Google’s design refresh for its web browser has passed testing and is now rolling out to users of the release version of Chrome – and if you’re not excited about it, there is something that can be done.
The revamped Chrome design, which you may already have (or be coming to your browser soon) offers a typically modernized, contemporary look with rounded corners (everywhere from the app window to all core interface elements). Icons such as pictograms have also been updated.
While that’s all well and good, there are other adaptations that were less well received, shall we say.
That includes increased spacing between buttons for a more touch-friendly interface – which means larger overall menus, an annoyance for those who don’t use a touchscreen and don’t want magnification (eating up space that could be used to display the web page).
Analysis: Reversal of course
Google has taken steps to better accommodate touchscreens before, but this is a much bigger step, and as noted, one that has left Chrome users confused.
If you have the new design, and you are one of the people who are not happy with it, like Windows Latest – who noticed the rollout – points out that it’s not difficult to adjust some settings and get the old Chrome interface back. All you have to do is disable four flags in the browser.
To do that, open the list of flags by typing the following in the Chrome address bar and pressing Enter:
Chrome://flagsNow in the ‘Search Flags’ box at the top, type the following:
Refresh 2023This will display the four flags bearing this label, the flags you need to disable. Namely: Chrome Refresh 2023, Chrome WebUI Refresh 2023, Chrome Refresh 2023 New Tab Button and Chrome Refresh 2023 Top Chrome Font Style.
Next to each one you’ll see a drop-down list, and you’ll need to select that and choose ‘Disabled’ for all of them.
Once that task is completed, close Chrome (all instances of it) and then restart the browser. You should then have the old interface back – which may prevent you from switching to one of our best web browsers!