Microsoft is steadily transitioning away from the traditional Control Panel in Windows 11, introducing a fresh wave of features designed to enhance the user experience. One of the upcoming updates is the introduction of a new settings page dubbed Advanced. This section is tailored primarily for developers, yet it promises to offer intriguing options for everyday users as well.
Revamping the Developer Experience
The changes are not as radical as one might expect; rather, Microsoft is refreshing the existing For developers section. The update includes a new name and additional features, signaling a thoughtful evolution rather than a complete redesign. A Windows enthusiast known as @phantomofearth shared insights on social media platform X, highlighting these noteworthy modifications:
Windows 11’s “For developers” settings page is getting a revamp, with a new name: “Advanced”! It’s the new home for several Dev Home features and bits, including the long paths toggle, virtual workspace options page and File Explorer source code integration. Also, layout updates. pic.twitter.com/5yK4zXZ2tS
— phantomofearth(@phantomofearth) May 1, 2025
This newly minted Advanced page is set to serve as a central hub for features that were previously scattered within the Dev Home environment. Among the functionalities users can anticipate are:
- A toggle for long file paths,
- A dedicated settings page for virtual workspaces,
- Integration of the File Explorer source code, allowing users to interact with the file manager’s underlying code.
These features are already present in the Windows Server 26403 build, although the Advanced page remains hidden by default. To access it, users will need to navigate through some internal system identifiers.
In addition to this update, Microsoft is also planning to migrate certain keyboard settings from the Control Panel to the contemporary Windows 11 Settings section, further diminishing reliance on legacy interface components.
The introduction of the Advanced section marks another stride toward modernizing Windows 11, streamlining access to advanced features while minimizing unnecessary complexity. Despite this progression, a significant number of users still hold a fondness for the classic Control Panel.
Moreover, this is just one of several exciting updates on the horizon for Windows 11. Microsoft is also exploring ways to enhance the operating system’s responsiveness to user language, including the ability to interpret swearing, alongside plans to phase out support for older versions of Windows 11.
