Don't worry, rounded corners won't slow down PCs running Windows 11

Microsoft explains how rounded corners and the Mica effect won't bog down PCs running Windows 11.

What you need to know

• Microsoft's Kevin Gallo explains that Windows 11 design elements such as rounded corners won't negatively affect PC performance.
• Gallo also discusses how the Mica effect differs from the Acrylic effect seen on Windows 10.
• In the video, Gallo explains that Microsoft is not copying Apple's design concepts.

Windows 11 brings a fresh look to PCs, including a new Start menu and several design elements. Many aspects of the operating system, as well as the best apps that run on Windows 11, follow Microsoft's Fluent design system and WinUI. In a discussion on the Windows Developer YouTube channel, Microsoft's head of developer platform, Kevin Gallo, discusses refreshing apps for Windows 11.

In the second half of the video, Kevin Gallo answers questions from viewers about Windows 11. Specifically, at the 17:33 mark in the video, Gallo answers a question about if Mica, rounded corners, and other effects will "tank" the performance of a PC running Windows 11.

"Performance is really a top priority for us, and we want to ensure that all these fun new functionalities are super fast and don't impact the OS," says Gallo. "For example, Mica was specifically designed for higher performance when compared to things like Acrylic."

Gallo explains that the Mica effect doesn't sample the desktop wallpaper in each frame. Instead, it only blurs it once. As a result, performance doesn't drop when Mica is used.

"For rounded corners, we optimized our rendering performance, so you shouldn't notice any difference compared to square corners," says Gallo.

Later in the video, Gallo explains that Microsoft is not copying Apple when it comes to design, "Good design tends to be similar we learn from each other, but Fluent has been around a long time, and we're evolving with how people use our device," adding "they may look familiar, but our goal is that they feel natural and normal."