In a notable development for PC users, Microsoft appears poised to introduce haptic feedback features to Windows 11, reminiscent of the tactile sensations already enjoyed by mobile device users. This enhancement could bring a new layer of interactivity to the desktop experience, allowing the mouse or touchpad to vibrate in response to specific user interface actions, such as snapping windows into place.
As discovered by X user Phantomofearth, a hidden setting has emerged in the latest Beta and Dev builds of Windows (specifically build number 26220.7070). This feature enables users to activate haptic feedback for select UI functions and adjust the intensity of the vibrations. Although currently invisible by default and non-functional—even for those with haptic mice—the new controls can be found under Bluetooth & Devices -> Mouse in the Settings app.
Exploring the New Haptic Features
The interface for this upcoming feature includes a toggle switch and a slider, allowing users to regulate the strength of the buzz. The toggle, labeled “Haptic signals,” is accompanied by a subheading that states, “Feel subtle vibrations when you snap windows, align objects, and more.” While the mention of multiple actions triggering a buzz is intriguing, only the window snapping function is clearly defined at this stage.
When fully operational, using the Windows Snap feature—which divides the screen between two windows by dragging one to the side—would elicit a buzz, enhancing the user experience. However, the specifics of what Microsoft means by “align objects” or the additional actions that might trigger haptic feedback remain somewhat ambiguous.
It’s important to note that several Windows laptops, including models from Lenovo’s ThinkPad line, Dell’s XPS series, and Microsoft’s own Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Laptop Studio, already feature haptic touchpads that simulate clicks through vibrations. These devices are likely candidates for supporting Microsoft’s forthcoming “haptic signals” feature. Additionally, some standalone mice, such as the Logitech MX Master 4 and G Pro X2 Superstrike, are equipped with haptic technology.
While the concept of buzzing on a PC is not entirely new, integrating this feedback into the operating system as a response to specific UI actions marks a significant step forward in creating a more immersive computing environment. The timeline for when Microsoft will fully implement this capability remains uncertain.
How to Access the Hidden Haptic Signal Settings
Currently, the settings to enable and control the “haptic signals” feature are concealed, even from Windows Insiders. If you have Windows build 26220.7070 installed, you can reveal these settings using ViveTool, a utility designed to uncover hidden Windows features, although the functionality itself is not yet operational.
To access the settings, follow these steps:
- Download ViveTool and unzip it to a folder named C:vive.
- Open an administrative command prompt by searching for
cmd, right-clicking, and selecting “Run as Administrator.” - In the command prompt window, navigate to the C:vive directory by entering:
- Next, enter the following command to enable the hidden settings menu:
- Finally, reboot your computer. Upon logging in again, you should find the new settings under the mouse menu in Settings. While you can experiment with the toggle and slider, the feature will not yet provide any functional feedback, merely serving as a tantalizing glimpse of what’s to come.
cd c:vive
vivetool /enable /id:56784836,48433719,58536988,59100632
