Change Window Border Size in Windows 8 - Easy Guide

Customizing Window Border Thickness in Windows 8

By default, Windows 8 features relatively prominent window borders on the desktop. However, these borders are adjustable, allowing users to personalize their visual experience.

The size of window borders can be modified through either a dedicated application or a direct edit within the Windows Registry.

Reducing Window Border Size

It’s possible to reduce the window borders to a slimmer profile, reminiscent of those found in earlier Windows iterations.

This adjustment can create a more streamlined appearance and potentially maximize screen real estate.

Increasing Window Border Size

Conversely, users also have the option to enlarge the window borders, making them significantly more substantial.

This can be beneficial for users who prefer a more visually distinct separation between windows or those with visual impairments.

Methods for Adjustment

• Application-Based Customization: Several user-friendly applications are available that simplify the process of altering window border thickness.
• Registry Tweak: Experienced users can directly modify the Windows Registry to achieve the desired border size. This method requires caution and a thorough understanding of the Registry.

Ultimately, the ability to customize window borders in Windows 8 provides a degree of personalization that caters to individual preferences and usability needs.

Adjusting Window Border Dimensions

Users seeking to modify window border sizes in Windows 8 without directly altering the system registry can utilize the Tiny Window Borders application, available for download from WinAero. This tool is designed for simplicity, requiring no formal installation process.

Execution is straightforward; simply locate and double-click the executable (.exe) file contained within the downloaded archive to initiate the program.

Modifying Border Size

Decreasing the size of window borders is achieved by reducing both the border width and padding. This adjustment is performed by sliding the corresponding controls to the left.

Upon clicking the 'Apply' button, the changes are implemented immediately, resulting in visibly smaller borders.

Expanding Border Size

Conversely, the application also allows for substantial enlargement of the window borders, catering to user preference.

This functionality provides flexibility in customizing the visual appearance of windows.

Restoring Default Settings

To revert to the original window border dimensions, the Border Width should be set to 1, and the Border Padding adjusted to 4.

These values represent the standard settings for Windows 8, ensuring a return to the default aesthetic.

Registry Edit

Altering window border width and padding is achievable through registry modifications, bypassing the need for external software. Initiate the Registry Editor by pressing the Windows key, then typing "regedit" and confirming with Enter.

Within the Registry Editor, navigate to the following key:

Registry Key Location

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\WindowMetrics

Two specific values within the right pane require adjustment: BorderWidth and PaddedBorderWidth.

To minimize window borders to their smallest possible size, a double-click on BorderWidth followed by setting its value to 0 is necessary. Subsequently, repeat this process for PaddedBorderWidth, also assigning it a value of 0.

A system sign-out and subsequent sign-in are required for these changes to take effect and reflect the new window border width.

Should you wish to revert to the default window border dimensions, set BorderWidth to -15 and PaddedBorderWidth to -60.

Customization of window border color can be accomplished via the Color and Appearance control panel. Access this panel by pressing the Windows key, typing "Window borders," selecting the "Settings" category, and then pressing Enter.