Every release of the Windows Insider Preview Build introduces a plethora of new productivity features, user interface enhancements, and system tweaks. However, many of these new additions come in an experimental stage, often remaining disabled by default. By utilizing ViVeTool, you can unlock these hidden capabilities and start exploring exciting features long before they are officially released.
What is ViVeTool?
ViVeTool is a powerful open-source utility created by Lucas that enables the activation and deactivation of experimental feature flags that Windows conceals. Specifically, each feature flagged for testing within Windows is assigned a unique identifier, managed by the Windows Feature Store. ViVeTool interacts directly with this control system, enabling you to manipulate specific feature IDs.
While ViVeTool provides exciting access to new potential functionality, it is critical to understand the risks involved. The experimental nature of these features can lead to unforeseen bugs, system crashes, and overall instability. Additionally, some flags depend on backend services that may not be fully operational, leading to a broken user experience. For safety, it is highly advisable to back up your data or use a virtual machine for testing.
ViVeTool is available in two variants: the command-line interface (CLI) and a graphical user interface (GUI).This tutorial focuses on the CLI version, as it is the most current iteration and provides comprehensive controls over the feature management process. The graphical interface, while user-friendly, is outdated and relies on deprecated components.
How to Install ViVeTool in Windows 11
Before diving into the exciting world of feature flags, you need to install ViVeTool. Fortunately, the installation process is straightforward and accessible.
Head over to the official GitHub page for ViVeTool and download the latest version (currently v0.3.3).Unzip the downloaded file to a convenient location on your system.
Next, launch the Command Prompt as Administrator: Search for cmd in the Windows Start Menu, right-click it, and select Run as Administrator.
Within the Command Prompt, navigate to the folder containing the extracted ViVeTool files. For demonstration purposes, if your extracted files are located at D:\ViVeTool-v0.3.3, type the following command:
cd /d D:\ViVeTool-v0.3.3
Make sure to include the /d switch to change directories across drives effectively.
To confirm the installation, simply type vivetool and press Enter to view the available commands.
How to Enable a Feature ID
Once ViVeTool is installed successfully, you can start enabling feature IDs. To find specific feature IDs, check forums such as PhantomOfEarth or TheBobPony or explore relevant online communities for up-to-date information.
To activate a feature ID, input the following command in the Command Prompt (still within the ViVeTool directory):
vivetool /enable /id:<feature-id>
For example, if you want to enable feature ID 53250194 (which unlocks new enhancements for the Windows Snipping Tool), you would input:
Upon executing the command, you should see a success message. Don’t forget to restart your computer to see the newly activated features in action!
How to Disable a Feature ID
If you encounter any issues like bugs or broken elements after enabling a feature, or if you simply wish to revert back to the original settings, disabling the feature is easy. Return to the ViVeTool directory in Command Prompt and input the following command:
vivetool /disable /id:<feature-id>
After executing the /disable command, restart your system again for the changes to take effect. To verify the status of any feature ID, you can use:
vivetool /query /id:<feature-id>
This will provide you with information regarding the feature status, which can be classified as follows:
- Default (0): The feature remains in its default state.
- Enabled (2): The feature is activated beyond its default configuration.
- Disabled (1): The feature is turned off.
With ViVeTool, you gain unprecedented access to beta features. However, always proceed with caution due to the tentative nature of these options. Regularly backing up your information ensures you won’t lose critical data while experimenting with new features.
Image credit: Unsplash. All screenshots by Jay Kakade.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the risks of enabling experimental features using ViVeTool?
Enabling experimental features can lead to system instability, unexpected bugs, and crashes. These features are in testing phases, and they may not operate as intended as they rely on backend changes that are not fully deployed.
2. Do I need technical knowledge to use ViVeTool?
While using ViVeTool requires some familiarity with the command prompt and basic coding, this tutorial provides step-by-step guidance to help you navigate through the process effectively.
3. Can I revert changes made with ViVeTool?
Yes, you can easily disable any feature you have enabled by using the /disable command in ViVeTool. Always remember to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
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