Why Microsoft Hides Features

Microsoft no longer releases new Windows features to everyone at the same time. Instead, features are tested on small groups of users, then slowly enabled by region, hardware type, and usage. This is similar to how mobile apps like WhatsApp or Instagram roll out new features. Some users get them first, others receive them later. The key point is that these features already exist inside Windows. They are simply switched off.

What Is ViVeTool

ViVeTool is a small open source utility that allows you to turn hidden Windows feature switches on or off.

  • It uses Windows’ built-in feature management system
  • It does not modify system files
  • All changes can be reversed

ViVeTool is commonly used by Windows testers and power users to access features that Microsoft is rolling out slowly.

Official download link:
https://github.com/thebookisclosed/ViVe

How to Use ViVeTool (Step by Step)

Step 1: Download ViVeTool

Download the latest release from the GitHub link above. Extract the ZIP file to a simple location such as:

C:\ViveTool

Example: Navigating to ViVeTool Using the cd Command

Many users get confused when using the cd command, especially because Windows may store the Desktop in different locations depending on whether OneDrive is enabled or not.

Below are two common examples.

Example 1: Desktop Without OneDrive

If your Desktop is stored locally (OneDrive is not syncing your Desktop), and you extracted ViVeTool directly to the Desktop, your folder path will look like this:

C:\Users\JohnDoe\Desktop\ViveTool

In this case, open Command Prompt as Administrator and type:

cd C:\Users\JohnDoe\Desktop\ViveTool

Press Enter. You are now inside the ViVeTool folder and can run commands.

Example 2: Desktop Synced with OneDrive

If OneDrive is enabled, Windows stores your Desktop inside the OneDrive folder. This is very common on newer Windows installations.

In that case, the Desktop path usually looks like this:

C:\Users\JohnDoe\OneDrive\Desktop\ViveTool

To navigate there, use:

cd C:\Users\JohnDoe\OneDrive\Desktop\ViveTool

If your username or folder name contains spaces, wrap the path in quotes:

cd "C:\Users\John Doe\OneDrive\Desktop\ViveTool"

Once the command runs successfully, you are ready to use ViVeTool.

Tip: How to Confirm You Are in the Correct Folder

After running the cd command, type the following and press Enter:

dir

If you see vivetool.exe listed, you are in the correct folder.

Step 2: Open Command Prompt as Administrator

  1. Click Start
  2. Type cmd
  3. Right click on Command Prompt
  4. Select Run as administrator

Step 3: Go to the ViVeTool Folder

Use the cd command to move into the folder where ViVeTool is located.

cd C:\ViveTool

If your folder is in a different location, adjust the path accordingly. If the path contains spaces, use quotes.

Hidden Windows 11 Features Explained (25H2)

The following features are known to be present in Windows 11 version 25H2 but may not be enabled for everyone.

1. New Start Menu Layout

This feature introduces a larger and cleaner Start menu with better spacing and a scrollable layout.

vivetool /enable /id:47205210

Restart your PC after running the command.

2. Battery Percentage and New Battery Icon

This feature adds a battery percentage next to the taskbar icon and changes the icon color based on charge level.

vivetool /enable /id:48433719
vivetool /enable /id:56328729

Restart required.

3. Smarter Right Click Options in File Explorer

This improves File Explorer right click actions and introduces some AI assisted shortcuts. On older PCs, only the interface may appear.

vivetool /enable /id:54792954
vivetool /enable /id:55345819

Restart required.

4. Improved Security for Administrator Actions

Windows may ask for a PIN, fingerprint, or face authentication for admin level actions instead of traditional pop-ups.

vivetool /enable /id:57048231

Restart required.

5. Smoother Animations and Interface Polish

This includes smoother taskbar animations, improved widgets, and small visual refinements.

vivetool /enable /id:59162732
vivetool /enable /id:55994763
vivetool /enable /id:41356296

Restart required.

What You Cannot Unlock

Some Windows features depend on specific hardware and cannot be enabled using software tools:

  • Copilot Plus Recall
  • Snapdragon only AI features
  • Features requiring an NPU

No software tool can bypass hardware limitations.

How to Undo Changes

To disable a specific feature:

vivetool /reset /id:FEATURE_ID

To reset all changes made by ViVeTool:

vivetool /fullreset

Enable All Features at Once (Optional)

Advanced users who understand the risks can enable all features in one command:

vivetool /enable /id:47205210,48433719,56328729,54792954,55345819,57048231,59162732,55994763,41356296

Restart your PC after running this command.

Final Thoughts

Windows 11 is no longer a single, uniform experience. Features are rolled out gradually, tested silently, and enabled at different times for different users.

Understanding this helps avoid confusion when your Windows looks different from someone else’s.

Author:
Aash Gates
Explaining modern Windows clearly and calmly for everyday users.