ViveTool Archives

Winsage

February 5, 2025

Microsoft finally allows customizing Windows 11 lock screen widgets, here is how to do that

Microsoft has released a new preview build of Windows 11, designated as 22635.4870 (KB5050087), in the Beta Channel. This build introduces the ability to customize lock screen widgets, allowing users to select which widgets are displayed when their PC is locked. The customizable feature is currently being rolled out to Windows Insiders using this build. To enable it manually, users need to download ViVeTool, run specific commands in Command Prompt, and restart their computer. The customization requires an activated Windows installation.

Winsage

February 5, 2025

Windows 11 lock screen widgets get a much-needed boost, while desktop pinning remains ignored

Users can now customize lock screen widgets in Windows 11 with the latest Insider update on the Beta Channel, allowing them to select, reorder, and remove specific widgets. This feature is part of the Windows 11 23H2 Beta Channel build 22635.4870 (KB5050087). IT administrators can disable lock screen widgets through the Local Group Policy Editor without affecting their availability elsewhere. Currently, this feature is available only to Beta Channel Insiders in the European Economic Area (EEA), with plans for broader access in other regions. Users have requested additional features, such as the ability to pin widgets to the desktop, but Microsoft has not provided a timeline for these enhancements.

Winsage

December 14, 2024

Windows 11 introduces a hidden system tray feature nobody asked for – could it actually be useful?

Microsoft is rolling out the Windows 11 24H2 update, which includes a new battery indicator and an emoji panel feature integrated into the system tray. This feature, discovered in beta build 22635.4655, allows users to access an emoji panel with a single click from the taskbar. To enable the emoji panel, users must use ViveTool with the command for id:48504539, as it is not visible by default and is still in testing.

Winsage

December 8, 2024

Windows 11 battery indicator revamp delivers color coding and more pixels

Windows 11 is set to receive a redesigned battery indicator that features a more vibrant color palette and improved pixelation for better clarity. The new icons, available in Insider build 26120.2510, will glow orange when energy saver mode is activated and shift to green while charging. This update addresses criticisms of the existing monochromatic and small battery icon, aiming to provide a more intuitive representation of battery status. Users can access the new icons by using the ViVeTool app and following specific command line instructions. Feedback on the redesign has been positive, with about 75% of survey respondents favoring the new battery indicator.

Winsage

December 8, 2024

Microsoft brings big change to Windows 11’s battery indicator making it even more useful

The battery indicator in Windows 11 will soon feature a dynamic color-changing design, displaying a green icon while charging and an orange icon when battery saver mode is activated. This enhancement is currently exclusive to the Dev build and can be accessed through a utility like ViVeTool. The feature was discovered by a user named Phantom of Earth, and instructions for activation include specific commands for enabling the updated battery icon and section labels for the battery usage graph. The timeline for broader rollout beyond the Dev build is currently uncertain.

Winsage

December 8, 2024

Windows 11’s new hidden feature finally makes the battery indicator useful

Windows 11 is set to receive an updated battery indicator featuring a new color palette and functionalities. When energy saver mode is activated, the battery bar will turn yellow, and a chart will track battery usage over time. Users can enable these features by downloading the Windows Dev build and using specific ViveTool commands: to update the battery icon, use "vivetool /enable /id:48822452"; for section labels on the battery usage graph, use "vivetool /enable /id:53092139"; and if needed, enable "vivetool /enable /id:48433719" and reboot. These updates will eventually be rolled out to all users in the testing branch.

Winsage

December 7, 2024

Windows 11 is finally getting a redesigned battery indicator

Windows 11 build 26120.2510 introduces a redesigned battery indicator that features a larger size for a more precise display of the current charge level. The new design includes a vibrant green glow when charging and a warm yellow hue in energy saver mode, replacing the previous monochromatic interface. The updated indicator is currently available on the taskbar, while the lock screen still uses the old version. To enable the new battery indicator, users must update to build 26120.2510 and follow specific instructions involving the use of ViveTool. Additionally, this build introduces AI-powered features for Copilot+ PCs, available for users with the latest Intel and AMD processors equipped with neural processing units.

Winsage

December 5, 2024

Windows 11 will make it easier to change your webcam resolution

Recent iterations of Windows 11 allow users to personalize webcam settings through Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Cameras, enabling adjustments for brightness, contrast, and sharpness. Upcoming updates will expand these customization options. A hidden feature in the latest Windows 11 Canary builds (ID 52142480) enables users to modify webcam image resolution, allowing for automatic or manual selection of preferred resolution and frame rate. This feature can be enabled on Windows 11 build 27744 or newer using the ViVeTool app. Additionally, the Canary builds include an advanced camera option for selecting specific camera resolutions and improvements in File Explorer, Task Manager, and the taskbar, along with updates to the Microsoft Store for easier Win32 application updates.

Winsage

November 26, 2024

Windows 11 File Explorer will soon let you turn off OneDrive Backup notifications

In late 2023, Microsoft released the "Moment 4" update for Windows 11, which included a redesigned address bar in File Explorer and persistent OneDrive backup notifications for various folders. The update introduced a hidden feature in Windows 11 build 22635.4515 that allows users to disable these notifications or snooze them for one month. Users can disable the "Start backup" button in File Explorer by right-clicking it and selecting options from a context menu. Disabling notifications replaces the flashing icon with a simple PC icon, while snoozing reduces the size of the OneDrive button. To enable this feature, users must download the ViVeTool app, run specific commands in Command Prompt, and restart their computer.

Winsage

November 25, 2024

Windows 11: Microsoft is finally adding an option to turn off one of the most annoying things

Users of Windows 11 have expressed frustration with the "start backup" option in File Explorer, which prompts backing up files to OneDrive. For those not using OneDrive, this reminder can be annoying. Uninstalling OneDrive removes the prompt, but many users are linked to it through their Microsoft accounts. A recent beta build has introduced a feature allowing users to disable backup reminders in File Explorer. Users can choose to temporarily hide the prompt for one month or permanently turn it off. Once disabled, the prompt is replaced with a generic PC icon, although a small popup still informs users that the backup reminder is off and provides instructions for re-enabling it through OneDrive settings. This feature is disabled by default, and users can enable it by downloading ViVeTool, running a command in the command prompt, and restarting their PC.