In a recent update to Microsoft Edge Canary, the company from Redmond has reintroduced the Mica visual effects for Windows 11 users. This decision follows widespread user feedback expressing dissatisfaction with the removal of these design elements in the stable release. The updated Edge Canary again allows full activation of Mica through a feature flag and a settings. When enabled, the UI looks more integrated and aesthetically consistent experience across the operating system.
The Mica effect returns transparency and depth to key interface components such as tab bars and context menus, making them visually match the rest of Windows 11. While the option remains unavailable in the Dev, Beta, and Stable channels even when enabling the flag, Insider users on the Canary build can now enjoy the restored visuals immediately.
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How to Enable Mica Visual Effects in Microsoft Edge
Follow this step-by-step guide to activate Mica in your browser.
- Ensure your Microsoft Edge browser is updated to the latest Canary available version. As of this writing, it is Microsoft Edge Canary 140.0.3437.0.
- Type edge://flags into the address bar and press Enter.
- Search for the option labeled Show Windows 11 visual effects in the browser.
- Set the dropdown list value next to this option to Enabled.
- Restart the browser to apply the changes.
- Visit the Edge's settings, head over to Settings > Appearance, and enable the option for Windows 11 visual effects.
- Restart the browser one more time to apply the changes.
That's it!
After completing these steps, Mica will enhance several UI elements throughout Edge. To disable it later, go to Settings > Appearance, and toggle off the option for Windows 11 visual effects. Restart the browser again to finalize the change.
Additional Notes
Microsoft also discontinued support for rounded tabs earlier this year due to reported instability and affected performance. Some users noted issues with both rounded tabs and Mica effects enabled together in certain releases of the browser. However, the integration of WebUI 2.0 into Edge settings has improved overall responsiveness and performance. So there is a little chance that both visual candies will return to us in the future.
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