hidden feature

Winsage
January 12, 2026
Windows 11 introduces a feature called Resume, or Cross Device Resume (XDR), which allows users to switch from an app on their phone to their Windows PC. The feature currently has limited app support, mainly functioning with Spotify and Microsoft 365. Microsoft is working to enhance this feature by allowing a broader range of Android applications to utilize Windows Resume. An update has introduced an alternative method for developers to connect their applications to Resume using the Windows Push Notification Service (WNS), addressing previous limitations. Developers must submit a request to Microsoft to enable Resume for their applications, and the app must be available on both Windows and Android for the feature to work effectively.
AppWizard
October 29, 2025
The Android 16-based One UI 8 update introduces a feature called "seamless app updates," which minimizes app downtime during updates to mere milliseconds. This allows users to continue using applications without interruption, even when multiple apps are being updated. The optimization processes for app code, previously conducted during the app's freeze period, now occur earlier in the update cycle, resulting in faster reopening of large applications and improved responsiveness of system apps. This feature is compatible with all devices running Android 16, including Galaxy phones with One UI 8.
AppWizard
October 20, 2025
Google has updated its Linux Terminal app on Android, specifically for the Pixel 10, with the Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3 release. This update introduces GPU acceleration for graphical Linux applications by integrating Gfxstream, a technology that forwards graphics API calls from the Linux virtual machine to the Android device’s GPU. Users have reported successful activation of GPU acceleration, with evidence of the new “Graphics Acceleration” menu in the Terminal app settings. The Gfxstream feature is currently exclusive to the Pixel 10 due to a specific overlay file, and while it allows the device to utilize its GPU for better performance in running graphical desktop Linux apps, only a limited number of Vulkan extensions are accessible, leading to potential performance issues with some applications.
AppWizard
October 12, 2025
Google Calendar offers five viewing options: Schedule, Day, 3 Day, Week, and Month. The 3 Day view is favored for balancing detailed hour slots with broader day views, but it can feel too immediate for long-term planning, necessitating a switch to the Month view. A hidden feature allows users to access a month overview while in other views by tapping or pulling down on the month’s name. However, when in Month view, the number of displayed hours is limited, requiring users to swipe up to create events, which collapses the month view. A proposed improvement is a button next to the month’s name to lock the calendar in place, allowing for easier navigation without losing the month view.
Winsage
June 18, 2025
Microsoft is encouraging users to transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 as support for Windows 10 ends. They are introducing a new tool called Windows Migration, which will enhance the existing Backup app to help users transfer data to new PCs. This tool will allow users to connect their old and new PCs to the same network for an easier data transfer process. Although not fully operational yet, early previews indicate a user-friendly interface. The tool aims to simplify the migration experience for those upgrading to Windows 11.
Winsage
June 15, 2025
The Energy Saver mode on Windows 11 helps extend battery life but has limited customization options. Microsoft is currently beta testing a new Adaptive Energy Saver mode that adapts to user behavior and device usage patterns. This feature, discovered by a user named PhantomOfEarth, is functional and reportedly reduces battery usage effectively in the Dev and Beta environments. It suggests that Microsoft may roll out this feature in future updates, enhancing users' control over energy management.
Winsage
March 26, 2025
Microsoft has released an optional update for Windows 11, known as KB5053657, currently in its preview phase. This update includes significant accessibility enhancements in File Explorer, ensuring uniform text scaling across all elements. It introduces PC spec cards in the Settings app, providing insights into CPU, RAM, storage, and graphics card. A new gamepad keyboard layout allows typing via an Xbox controller, and a new emoji button has been added to the taskbar for emojis, GIFs, and clipboard access. Voice Access now supports Simplified and Traditional Chinese. The full release of these features is expected on April 8 as part of the April cumulative update.
Winsage
March 19, 2025
Windows 11 will introduce a new FAQ page in its Settings app to help users identify potential limitations of their PCs. This feature, currently hidden in Dev Channel builds, will answer questions about the OS version and evaluate GPU adequacy for gaming and video tasks. It will also analyze the impact of having 4-8GB of RAM on performance. The feature can be activated using the third-party utility ViVeTool with ID “5530588,” but its effectiveness may vary across systems. Microsoft has faced criticism for Windows 11's strict minimum hardware requirements, which may prevent many PCs from upgrading from Windows 10. This situation may force users to upgrade hardware or consider alternatives like ChromeOS. Microsoft aims to enhance user experience with Windows 11, which may lead to increased hardware sales and user satisfaction.
Winsage
February 3, 2025
Microsoft is developing several enhancements for Windows 11, with some features currently available in preview builds or requiring activation. 1. Improved Auto HDR: Available to all Windows Insiders, this feature will enable automatic HDR streaming for HDR-capable displays. 2. Small Taskbar Buttons: Code snippets indicate that Microsoft is exploring the return of smaller taskbar buttons, though it is not yet functional. 3. Gamepad Keyboard: Available to Windows Insiders, this feature allows typing using standard gamepad controls. 4. New Start Menu Layouts: Requires activation of hidden feature IDs; new "Category" and "Grid" views are in development. 5. 6 GHz Hotspots: Requires activation of hidden feature IDs; laptops with Wi-Fi 7 support will soon be able to create 6 GHz hotspots. 6. Redesigned Battery Indicator: Available to Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel, this redesign will include battery percentage in the tray area. 7. File Explorer Improvements: Currently turned off, this will allow users to open links in new tabs instead of new windows. 8. New PC Spec Cards: Available for testing in the Insider Program, this feature consolidates essential PC specifications into one location. 9. New Share UI: Requires activation of hidden feature IDs; this will allow users to drag files to a dedicated tray for easy sharing. 10. AI-Powered Windows Search: Available for testing in the Insider Program and requires dedicated hardware, this feature will use natural language processing for easier file searches.
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