In late 2023, Google rolled out a massive visual overhaul to the Chrome browser known as the “Chrome UI Refresh.” This update fundamentally changed the look of the browser, introducing rounded corners on tabs, thicker menus, completely redesigned icons, and dynamically changing color palettes based on your current theme.
For many users, this new design feels bloated. The increased padding in the bookmark menus means less information fits on the screen, and the bubbly, rounded aesthetic clashes with the sharp, professional design of Windows or older macOS versions. If you prefer the classic, compact, and highly efficient interface that Chrome utilized for years, you can temporarily force the browser to revert to its old design.
How to Restore the Old Google Chrome Design
You can disable the visual overhaul by modifying Chrome’s hidden developer flags.
- Open the Google Chrome browser.
- Click on the address bar at the top of the window, type
chrome://flags, and press Enter. - In the “Search flags” search box at the top of the screen, type Chrome Refresh 2023.
- Look for the specific flag labelled Chrome Refresh 2023 (and any associated flags like Chrome WebUI Refresh 2023).
- Click the drop-down menu next to these entries (which are likely set to “Default”).
- Select Disabled from the drop-down menus.
- A prompt will appear at the bottom of the screen stating “Your changes will take effect the next time you relaunch Chrome.” Click the blue Relaunch button.
Chrome will restart. The rounded corners, thick menus, and dynamic colors will be stripped away, instantly restoring the classic, compact interface. Note: Google frequently removes legacy code, so this flag may eventually disappear in future versions of Chrome.