Mica for Everyone!

Starting with build 22523, Windows 11 included extra features that allow you to customize the System Backdrop Types. Simply put, you now have three options to customize the title bar, namely Acrylic, Mica and Tabbed. Unfortunately, the new customizations are not being applied to all potential apps and especially win32 apps.

Mica for Everyone! is a lightweight utility that enables you to add the backdrop effect on the title bar for win32 applications on Windows 11.

The program does not have an interface per se, but rather you can access it from the System Tray to customize the looks and feels of win32 apps. According to the developer, the customization is possible directly via the options provided in the app or via the configuration file. Moreover, because it employs DwmSetWindowAttribute, the backdrop effect is going to be visible on all open windows.

The Extend Frame Into Client Area is an option whose role is to extend the window frame so that Mica becomes visible on the entire app’s background. Unfortunately, since the applications in general draw their own background on top of the window, it does not work. As the developer points out, the feature is mostly there for testing purposes and, while you can play around with it, it is not recommended as daily use.

It is important to note that the application requires you have Windows 11 build 22000+ to work properly, although admittedly it should work well with version 22523 and newer. Mica for Everyone! is an easy to use utility that enables you to add the backdrop design and feel to win32 apps on the title bar and border areas.