Windows 11 comes with many hidden options that Microsoft has already constructed into the system, however hasn’t but activated for normal use. With the ViVeTool program, you’ll be able to activate these hidden capabilities your self. This small command-line software allows you to check new system parts weeks or months earlier than their official rollout date and customise the interface to suit your wants.
The software works on all present builds of Windows 10 and Windows 11 and makes use of the identical inside A/B check logic that Microsoft makes use of for inside characteristic distributions. The particular factor about it’s that you need to use it to unlock actual system capabilities, not apply unofficial hacks.
Microsoft integrates many new options into Windows prematurely, however holds them again through so-called characteristic flags. ViVeTool addresses these flags straight.
You can activate or deactivate particular person capabilities or examine the standing with out having to intervene within the system recordsdata. In this manner, the system often stays secure and you keep full management over the practical scope of your laptop.
Thomas Joos
Caution: ViVeTool intervenes deeply in inside system mechanisms and is subsequently falsely acknowledged as probably harmful by some safety packages. This just isn’t a sign of malicious code, however a consequence of the truth that the software makes use of the identical inside interfaces that Windows makes use of to manage experimental capabilities.
Incorrect or incompatible characteristic IDs can result in system instability, show errors, or crashes. Not each perform will be activated, as Microsoft deactivates some switches in sure builds. Before making intensive modifications, you need to create a backup or a restore level to be able to simply reset the system within the occasion of an issue.
Create a restore level earlier than utilizing ViVeTool
A restore level will be created in PowerShell with a single command, so long as laptop safety is activated for the system drive. To do that, run PowerShell as an administrator and enter the next:
Checkpoint-Computer -Description “Before ViVeTool activation” -RestorePointType “MODIFY_SETTINGS”
This command creates a system restore level with the outline “Before ViVeTool activation.” If the error message “System Protection is not enabled” seems, you could allow laptop safety. This will be accomplished through the basic Control Panel:
- Open sysdm.cpl
- Select the “Computer protection” tab
- Highlight drive C: and click on on “Configure”
- Select “Activate computer protection” and make sure
By default, Windows solely permits one restore level each 24 hours. If you wish to power one other level instantly, use:
Checkpoint-Computer -Description “Previous point overwritten” -RestorePointType “MODIFY_SETTINGS” -Verbose
After profitable execution, you’ll be able to reset the system to this state at any time utilizing the system restore perform.
How it really works
After unpacking the downloaded archive, the file “vivetool.exe” is positioned within the goal folder, for instance in “C:vive.” Open the command immediate with administrator rights (through the context menu) and alter to the listing utilizing “cd C:vive.” From right here you’ll be able to management the software with easy instructions.
The fundamental command is “vivetool/allow/id:XXXXX,” the place the ID denotes the respective perform. You can deactivate it once more with “vivetool /disable /id:XXXXX.” The command “vivetool /question” exhibits which options are at the moment energetic and “vivetool /fullreset” resets all switches.
A restart is required after every change in order that Windows masses the brand new elements.
Thomas Joos
The command line work sounds technical at first, however is uncomplicated in follow. The command immediate confirms every profitable activation with “Successfully set feature configuration(s).” This implies that the perform is out there instantly after the restart.
A contemporary tackle File Explorer
One of probably the most fascinating checks issues the brand new File Explorer, which is predicated on WinUI elements. Use the next command to activate the revised interface:
vivetool/allow /id:40950262
Afterward, File Explorer responds noticeably extra easily, the context menu is clearly structured, and entry to community drives or OneDrive makes use of standardized interfaces. AI-supported options are additionally already built-in and visual.
Thomas Joos
You can achieve preliminary expertise with the upcoming Windows interface and straight evaluate the variations to the usual model. If crucial, deactivate the brand new Explorer once more with the next command:
vivetool/disable /id:40950262
Animated video backgrounds
A spotlight for visually customers is the return of animated backgrounds. Use the next command to activate the video wallpaper perform, which is paying homage to Dreamscene from Windows Vista:
vivetool/allow /id:57645315
Next, open the Settings, go to “Personalization” > “Background,” and set the sort to “Image.” You can now choose an MP4 or MKV file that Windows will play as a shifting wallpaper. The clip begins robotically as quickly because the desktop is seen.
This choice is fascinating for presentation programs or info screens as a result of it could actually show dynamic scenes in a company design or delicate ambient movies within the background. If you wish to swap off the perform later, use “/disable” once more. This will revert the desktop to a static background.
New begin menu and search capabilities
The ViVeTool may also be activated within the person interface. Use the next instructions to allow experimental variations of the Start menu and taskbar search:
vivetool/allow /id:38937525
vivetool/allow /id:40887771
After restarting, the search responds quicker, the outcomes seem grouped and simpler to filter, and Windows might show context-related options, equivalent to system settings or not too long ago opened paperwork.
Users who rely closely on search will profit from the smoother interface and extra classes, whereas builders can check how API calls behave within the new search system.
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Activating characteristic packages
Microsoft usually bundles main improvements in month-to-month safety or perform updates, however releases them in phases. This delay will be prevented with the ViVeTool. After putting in the October replace, activate the brand new capabilities with the next command:
vivetool/allow /id:57048226
Additional choices will now seem within the system settings, together with a revised {hardware} show, new AI areas within the “Settings” app, and an prolonged sharing menu that means that you can pin your favourite functions.
These modifications will solely seem on chosen units, however are already obtainable within the system. By activating them manually, you’ll be able to check the brand new options earlier than Microsoft opens them as much as all customers.
Advanced use and troubleshooting
Use the next command to examine which options are at the moment activated:
vivetool/question
This means that you can preserve an outline in case you change a number of IDs on the identical time. If an activated characteristic causes issues, equivalent to show errors or instability, you need to use the next command:
vivetool/disable /id:XXXXX
or, if wanted,
vivetool/fullreset
This will reset all customizations. ViVeTool doesn’t modify any system recordsdata, so modifications are reversible. If a command has no impact, that is often attributable to an incompatible Windows construct. Updating Windows sometimes fixes this.
Benefits for customers and IT
With the ViVeTool, personal customers can get an early take a look at upcoming options and customise their system, whereas builders and IT directors can check the compatibility of their functions with new Windows elements. The profit for each teams is that modifications will be examined with minimal danger.
As the software works straight with the characteristic administration built-in in Windows, the system typically stays secure and may return to its authentic state at any time. Nevertheless, making a backup is advisable to make sure you can restore the PC if any points come up.
In company environments, ViVeTool is right for evaluating experimental capabilities in check environments. It means that you can examine prematurely whether or not new working parts, interfaces, or safety choices are helpful in your units. If you handle a number of programs in parallel, you’ll be able to combine the instructions into scripts and roll them out robotically.