ViveTool Archives

Winsage

May 20, 2025

Microsoft is giving Windows 11 power users and developers new Advanced Windows Settings

Microsoft has introduced Advanced Windows Settings, replacing the previous For Developers segment, aimed at enhancing user control for developers and power users. This feature consolidates various options into a single interface, making it easier to access settings that were previously hidden or difficult to find. Key features include easy toggles for displaying file extensions, options to show folder paths in Explorer’s top bar, and a method to run software as a different user. The Advanced Windows Settings will allow users to customize their experience with powerful settings, such as enabling File Explorer with GitHub version control, currently available in the Windows Insider Program. To access these features, users must install the latest Beta or Dev build of Windows 11 and activate the new settings page using the command: vivetool /enable /id:56005157.

Winsage

April 19, 2025

Your Windows 11 Calendar flyout finally knows what time it is but only if you do this

Windows 11 has reintroduced the clock feature in the Calendar flyout, which was removed in a previous update. This feature is currently available only to users on Insider build 22635.5240 (23H2) within the Beta Channel, and is not accessible to those on stable versions of Windows 11. To enable the clock, users must use a tool called ViveTool, execute a command in the Command Prompt, and adjust settings in the Date & time settings page.

Winsage

April 9, 2025

Another blow to Windows 11’s Control Panel as Microsoft pushes more settings migrations

Microsoft is transitioning mouse settings from the Control Panel to the Settings app in Windows 11. Recent updates in the Dev and Beta builds have moved options like pointer trails and hiding the pointer while typing to the Accessibility page in the Settings app. This change simplifies access to mouse customization options for users. Similar features were previously available in the Windows Server Preview Build 26376. To enable these new mouse settings in the latest builds, users must use ViveTool to activate id:54273186 and restart their PC for the changes to take effect.

Winsage

March 20, 2025

Windows 11’s Hidden FAQ Could Tell You Why Your PC Is So Slow

Microsoft is testing a new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) feature in Windows 11 that aims to analyze system specifications and provide tailored advice on performance issues. This feature is located within the System tab of Settings and addresses common queries related to device specifications and performance. Examples of questions include the sufficiency of a GPU for high-end gaming and the impact of RAM on PC performance. The FAQ section aims to offer personalized information based on each user's specific system, making it a more accessible resource compared to the current basic list of system specs. However, the responses are currently somewhat generic, and Microsoft must ensure accuracy to avoid misleading users regarding potential performance improvements from upgrades.

Winsage

March 19, 2025

Windows 11 has a hidden FAQ page in testing that tells you why your PC is slow

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 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.