Users can always expect better performance with every new Chrome or Firefox browser update. However, the most recent updates to these two browsers have left users wondering how to get the old look of Google Chrome and how to restore the old theme in Firefox.
In fairness, the new browser updates certainly offer better performance.
Firefox Quantum is now a proper multi-process browser which also has support for WebVR, a feature that lets websites utilize VR headsets. Google Chrome version 69 can now auto-generate strong passwords linked to your Google account, and the search bar called Omnibox enables you to search for specific tabs.
So, the issue is merely the look. Here’s how you can get the old look back.
Why People Dislike the New Chrome and Firefox Look
Well, some people just like what they are used to. Moreover, it’s undoubtedly irritating to try to adapt to new changes now and then, especially if you have more important things to do.
That said, the new Firefox look is flat, blocky, and has some unwanted empty spaces, like the areas on both sides of the URL bar. On the other hand, it seems Chrome took the opposite route. Its new version traded the angles and squares for softer, rounded corners with circular icons. Plus, it has a lighter color scheme.
It makes you wonder-perhaps, those who dislike the new Firefox should go for the new Chrome, and those who hate the new Chrome should go for the new Firefox. However, a bad look isn’t usually enough reason to abandon one browser for another.
So, here’s how you can get back the old look you love in your browser (remember, these methods can change at any time).
How to Restore Google Chrome’s Classic Theme
Restoring Google Chrome’s classic look is pretty straightforward. You’ll use a Chrome flag.
Follow these steps:
- In the Chrome address bar, type chrome://flags
- Enter #top-chrome-md in the search bar that appears at the top of the page.
- You’ll get the flag UI Layout for the browser’s top chrome
- Change the option from Default to Normal
- Click on the prompt that appears at the bottom of the screen to re-launch Chrome.
Once Chrome restarts, you’ll have the old look of your browser.
How to Restore Mozilla Firefox’s Classic Look
With Firefox, the process is a bit more complicated. Initially, you could change the theme using a powerful extension. That’s no longer possible with Firefox Quantum. The new Firefox doesn’t allow extensions which make profound changes to the browser. Such extensions are potentially dangerous.
That leaves you with two options:
- Using CSS tweaks: You can get a bit of the old look of Firefox. Unfortunately, this isn’t recommended for the average user. You can quickly ruin your browser if you don’t know what you’re doing.
- Customizing Firefox: Various features can be customized merely by right-clicking or dragging and dropping them. You can even install another theme that you like.
Important Note
As much as you may dislike the new browser look, remember that the most important thing is the performance of your browser. Browser performance can affect your computer’s performance too. If you make any changes and end up with computer performance issues, you can use Auslogics BoostSpeed to check and identify the problem areas. The bundle of software utilities will fix Registry errors, remove unneeded files and entries, improve Internet performance, and also defragment the disks and Registry, tuning up your PC for peak performance.
