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Why is Microsoft so out of touch with it's customers?

Bernie 26 Reputation points
2025-12-04T20:25:50.03+00:00

Years ago Microsoft suddenly changed the Edge folders to minimalist icons that looked like they were drawn by a kindergarten student. However, there was an option to change this on the command line which I've been using for years:

--disable-features=msFavoritesMonolineFolder

Suddenly, even that doesn't work. We have no choice but to use these childish looking icons. Between the plethora of software bugs and the out of touch designs, it's no wonder Microsoft is going down the tubes.

AI:

"The folder icons in Microsoft Edge have changed from yellow to a transparent, minimalist design following a recent update. This change has frustrated some users who preferred the original yellow icons, and currently, there is no official option to revert to the old design."

Microsoft Edge | Other | Windows 11

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  1. Q&A Assist
    2025-12-04T20:26:06.5533333+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    The recent changes to the folder icons in Microsoft Edge, which have shifted to a minimalist design, have indeed caused frustration among users who preferred the previous style. This design choice is part of a broader effort by Microsoft to modernize its products, but it has not resonated well with all users. Currently, there is no official option available to revert to the old design, and the command line option you mentioned may no longer be effective due to updates in the software.

    This situation reflects a common challenge in software development where user preferences may not always align with design decisions made by the company. While Microsoft aims for a cohesive and modern look, it can sometimes lead to dissatisfaction among users who have different aesthetic preferences.

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  2. Lucky Charm Espinosa 4,540 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-12-04T21:05:08.11+00:00

    Hi Bernie, ou’re right—this wasn’t just a cosmetic tweak it impacts usability. Microsoft removed the choice without offering a toggle which feels tone deaf.

    To address the Edge favorites icon issue you can freeze an older Edge build that still supports the old icons and block updates enhance visibility by adding emoji prefixes and enabling text labels automate flag reapplication with a scheduled task if it still works or switch to another Chromium browser like Chrome or Brave that retains colored folder icons.

    Is your main goal to restore the classic yellow folder icons for aesthetic consistency or to improve visibility and usability so you can quickly identify folders even if the icons stay minimalist?

    Best regards

    Lucky Charm

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