How to Restore Mica Effect in Microsoft Edge 138 on Windows 11

Microsoft Edge version 138 has introduced a significant change by removing the Mica material integration, a design element that many Windows 11 users have come to appreciate for its aesthetic appeal. This alteration has led to a more utilitarian appearance in the browser's interface, prompting users to seek methods to restore the previous visual experience.
Understanding Mica in Windows 11
Mica is a design material introduced with Windows 11, characterized by its subtle transparency and dynamic color adaptation based on the desktop wallpaper. It enhances the visual depth and cohesiveness of applications, contributing to a more immersive user experience. In earlier versions of Microsoft Edge, Mica was applied to elements like the title bar and toolbar, aligning the browser's appearance with the overall Windows 11 aesthetic.
The Removal in Edge 138
With the release of Edge 138, the option to enable Windows 11 visual effects, including Mica, has been removed. This change has resulted in a more plain interface, which some users find less appealing. The removal appears to be a deliberate decision by Microsoft, as indicated by the absence of Mica-related options in the browser's settings and flags.
Restoring Mica: A Workaround
Despite the official removal, users have discovered a method to partially restore the Mica effect in Edge 138 by modifying the browser's shortcut properties. Here's how you can implement this workaround:

• Disable Startup Boost: Navigate to Settings > System and Performance > System in Edge and turn off the "Startup Boost" feature if it's enabled.
• Close Microsoft Edge: Ensure that the browser is completely closed before proceeding.
• Modify the Shortcut:
• Right-click on the Microsoft Edge shortcut on your desktop or taskbar and select "Properties."
• In the "Target" field, add a space at the end of the existing path, followed by the command:
  --enable-features=Windows11MicaTitlebar
• Click "OK" to save the changes.
• Launch Edge: Open Microsoft Edge using the modified shortcut.

This method leverages a basic Mica implementation from Chromium, which was previously experimented with in browsers like Google Chrome but remains disabled by default. It's important to note that this workaround primarily affects the tab strip and may not fully replicate the original Mica experience. Additionally, users employing vertical tabs should be cautious, as this method can cause interface issues when the title bar is turned off.
Community Response and Future Outlook
The removal of Mica in Edge 138 has sparked discussions among users, with many expressing dissatisfaction over the change. Some have resorted to downgrading to previous versions of Edge to retain the Mica effect, though this approach is not recommended due to potential security vulnerabilities associated with outdated software.
Microsoft has not provided an official statement regarding the removal of Mica in Edge 138. It's unclear whether this change is permanent or if future updates will reintroduce the feature. Users who value the Mica aesthetic are encouraged to provide feedback to Microsoft through official channels, as user input can influence the development and design decisions of the browser.
Conclusion
While the removal of Mica in Microsoft Edge 138 has altered the visual experience for Windows 11 users, the outlined workaround offers a temporary solution to restore some of the previous aesthetics. Users should weigh the benefits of this method against potential interface issues, especially if using features like vertical tabs. Staying informed about future updates and providing feedback to Microsoft can also contribute to the evolution of Edge's design in alignment with user preferences.

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Source: Neowin Microsoft removed Mica from Edge, but you can still enable it