Alex Ruben
How To Activate All New Windows 11 Dev/Beta Features: AI Actions, Updated Taskbar, and New Apps
So, here’s the deal. If you’re tired of missing out on those shiny new features in Windows 11 Dev or Beta builds — like AI tricks, slicker taskbars, whatever’s hot — you probably need to mess around with ViveTool. Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary. Basically, you snag it, run a few commands, and boom, features unlocked. Fair warning: some features might be flaky at first, especially on certain setups, but it’s usually worth it.
Step 1: Download and Set Up ViveTool
This tool is kinda weird but essential. Head over to the ViveTool Download Page. Make sure you grab the right version depending on your processor — Intel, AMD, or Snapdragon. No magic there.
Open the downloaded ZIP file with File Explorer, and click Extract All. Pick a folder in your C:\ drive that you won’t forget — maybe C:\HiddenFeatures. Just because navigating back is easier that way. After unzipping, copy the folder path — you’ll need it later. Something like C:\HiddenFeatures\vivetool.
Step 2: Open Command Prompt as Administrator
Most of the magic happens in a terminal with admin rights. Type cmd in the Windows search, then right-click and pick Run as Administrator. When UAC pops up, hit Yes. Not sure why this always feels like an extra step, but no way around it.
Step 3: Navigate to the ViveTool Directory
Once you’re in the command prompt, point it to the folder where ViveTool lives. Like this:
cd [Path], replacing [Path] with the location you copied earlier, e.g., cd C:\HiddenFeatures\vivetool. This tells the terminal where to find ViveTool so you can run commands from there.
Step 4: Enable New Features Using Commands
Now, here’s the nitty-gritty. To turn on a feature, you run commands like vivetool /enable /id:XXXXXX. You gotta get those IDs from community resources or the official docs. Typically, it looks like this:
- For AI actions in File Explorer:
vivetool /enable /id:123456- For the new taskbar stuff:
vivetool /enable /id:789012- And for other app features:
vivetool /enable /id:345678
Run each command separately, and watch for a success message. Usually, if you see something like “Successfully enabled feature,” it’s good. Sometimes on certain setups, it might fail or not seem to do anything right away. Just rerun it, or try a different ID.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer
After all the commands are run, just type exit to close the terminal, then reboot. Sometimes, features don’t appear until a restart. And, honestly, just do it. Can’t hurt, and it might fix weird glitches.
Step 6: Explore the New Features
When Windows wakes back up, check out those updates:
- File Explorer should have some AI-powered options now.
- The taskbar might look different or have new controls.
- Test the apps you saw teased in updates; they might be brighter, more functional.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Nothing’s perfect, so here’s some real-world stuff that might save a headache:
- Stop and check for Windows updates after enabling new features — sometimes, a missing update blocks things.
- If a feature isn’t showing, re-run the command. Or reboot again. Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary.
- It’s a good idea to back up important data before messing with system tools — just in case.
- If enabling doesn’t work, double-check the feature ID. Some IDs aren’t publicly documented, but community sites like this GitHub repo might have the latest.
- Sometimes, on one machine, it works right away — on another, it’s dead silent. Be patient, or try different IDs.
FAQs & Troubleshooting
Is Vivetool safe to use?
Generally, yeah. It’s just a tool to toggle hidden features, so it’s not malware or anything. Still, don’t go running shady scripts or messing with stuff you don’t understand.
What if a feature just won’t turn on?
Could be your build doesn’t support that ID. Or maybe you’re not on the right build version. Check your version with winver and confirm your Insider channel. Also, updates in forums or GitHub might give newer IDs or fixes.
Can I undo this?
Yep. Just replace /enable with /disable in the command, run it again, and reboot. Simple as that.
Summary
- Download ViveTool and extract to easy-to-remember spot.
- Run Command Prompt as admin.
- Navigate to ViveTool folder.
- Use specific IDs to turn features on or off.
- Reboot, then enjoy the new goodies.
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone. Because yeah, getting new features sometimes feels like trying to unlock secret levels in a game. Good luck!