Updated on November 7, 2026.
Current versions of Google Chrome have no setting to restore the full design from before the 2023 refresh. The old chrome://flags/#chrome-refresh-2023 switch was temporary. Chromium removed the refresh flags in 2024, so older tutorials that tell you to disable them no longer apply. See Chromium’s record of the flag removal.
You can still give desktop Chrome a more familiar look. Start with the part that bothers you, such as the color, a missing toolbar button, or a cluttered new tab page.
What you can change in desktop Chrome
| What you want | Where to go | What changes |
|---|---|---|
| Simpler colors or background | New tab > Customize Chrome | Theme, colors, and new tab background |
| Favorite buttons within reach | Three-dot menu > More tools > Customize Chrome > Toolbar | Which supported buttons are pinned and their order |
| Bookmarks below the address bar | Three-dot menu > Bookmarks and lists > Show bookmarks bar | Whether the bookmarks bar stays visible |
| A less cluttered new tab | New tab > Customize Chrome > Shortcuts or Cards | Which shortcuts and available cards appear |
Change the theme or reset it to default
- Open a new tab and select Customize Chrome at the bottom right.
- In the side panel, choose a color or select Change theme to try a background. Choose a simple color for fewer distractions.
- To remove an installed theme, open Settings > Appearance and select Reset to default next to Theme when it appears.
The default theme uses the design of your installed Chrome version. If the new tab controls look different on your device, check Google’s Chrome appearance instructions.
Bring back familiar toolbar buttons and bookmarks
Open the three-dot menu and choose More tools > Customize Chrome > Toolbar. Turn on the buttons you want and drag supported buttons on the toolbar to put them in a useful order. This is handy if you use Downloads or a side panel often. See Google’s toolbar customization guide.
For bookmarks, choose Bookmarks and lists > Show bookmarks bar in the three-dot menu. You can also toggle it with Ctrl+Shift+B on Windows and Linux or Command+Shift+B on Mac.
Make the new tab page easier to use
In Customize Chrome, open Shortcuts to choose your own shortcuts, use frequently visited sites, or hide shortcuts. If your new tab shows Cards, use that section to hide the ones you do not use. Some options vary by version, profile, and settings.
If you want the Home button or browser startup to open a specific website, change those settings separately. The steps are in our guide to setting a homepage in Chrome.
Frequently asked questions
Why can’t I find the Chrome Refresh 2023 flag?
Chromium removed the experiment. If you open an old flag link in a current version, the flags page may still open, but the old design setting is gone.
Does resetting the Chrome theme bring back the old tabs or menus?
Resetting the theme restores the default colors and background for your current Chrome version. The tab shape and menu layout come from that version’s interface.
Can I get the old Chrome look by installing a theme?
A theme can change colors and background images. The toolbar settings can help you rearrange supported buttons. Those options leave the current tab and menu design in place.
How do I hide the shortcuts under the search box on a new tab?
Open a new tab, select Customize Chrome > Shortcuts, and turn off Show shortcuts if it appears.