How to enable new moment update features on Windows 11 22H2

Here are the steps to try an early preview of File Explorer with tabs, Suggested actions, Taskbar Overflow, and Open With dialog on Windows 11 22H2.

Windows 11 22H2 moment features enabled
Windows 11 22H2 moment features enabled

Although Windows 11 22H2 became available on September 20, the new version doesn’t include every feature previously intended for this release, such as tabs for File Explore, Taskbar Overflow, and Suggested actions.  The reason is that Microsoft is reserving some of the features to test the first “moment” update scheduled to roll out as a preview in October and then to everyone in November.

However, the new features are already available in version 22H2, but they are in a dormant state as they’re not completely ready yet. If you have already upgraded your computer to the Windows 11 2022 Update, it’s possible to use a third-party “ViVeTool” tool created by Rafael Rivera and Lucas on GitHub to enable most of the new features, including tabs for File Explorer, Taskbar Overflow, Suggested actions, and even the new Open With dialog.

Microsoft is also planning to roll out a new version of the Photos app with a redesigned interface, but this will be an update expected to arrive through the Microsoft Store.

In the nutshell, a “moment” is a new type of non-security update that enables the company to roll out new features and improvements as soon as they are ready instead of waiting for major releases. You can think of it as “feature drop” updates, as we see today in mobile devices.

This guide will teach you the steps to turn on four hidden features on Windows 11 22H2.

Enable hidden features coming in October on Windows 11 22H2

After upgrading to Windows 11 22H2, you can use the ViveTool to enable at least four new hidden features, including tabs for File Explorer, Taskbar Overflow, Suggested actions, and the new Open With dialog.

1. Enable tabs for File Explorer

Tabs in File Explorer allows you to manage the file manager windows like you would manage tabs in the web browser. You can open multiple tabs for each section of File Explorer or folder. Also, you have an option to create new or close open tabs, and the feature works with dark mode.

File Explorer tabs (moment feature)
File Explorer tabs (moment feature)

File Explorer also comes with a redesigned layout for the left navigation pane that provides easy access to pinned and frequently used folders and OneDrive cloud profiles.

To enable tabs in File Explorer on Windows 11, use these steps:

  1. Open GitHub website.

  2. Download the ViveTool-vx.x.x.zip file to enable the tabs feature.

  3. Double-click the zip folder to open it with File Explorer.

  4. Click the Extract all button.

    Extract ViveTool files

  5. Click the Extract button.

  6. Copy the path to the folder.

  7. Open Start.

  8. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.

  9. Type the following command to navigate to the ViveTool folder and press Enter:

    cd c:\folder\path\ViveTool-v0.3.1

    In the command, remember to change the path to the folder with your path.

  10. Type the following command to enable File Explorer tabs on Windows 11 22H2 and press Enter:

    vivetool /enable /id:37634385
    vivetool /enable /id:39145991
  11. Type the following command to enable File Explorer’s new navigation pane and press Enter:

    vivetool /enable /id:36354489
  12. Restart the computer.

Once you complete the steps, the tabs feature will enable in File Explorer and the new navigation pane design.

You can always revert the changes with the same instructions, but on step No. 10, make sure to use these commands: vivetool /disable /id:37634385, vivetool /enable /id:39145991 and vivetool /disable /id:36354489 and then restart the device.

2. Enable Suggested actions

“Suggested actions” is a feature that brings up an inline menu to create a calendar event or make a phone call when you copy a date, time, or phone number to the clipboard.

Suggested actions moment feature
Suggested actions (moment feature)

To enable Suggested actions on Windows 11, use these steps:

  1. Open Start.

  2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.

  3. Type the following command to navigate to the ViveTool folder and press Enter:

    cd c:\folder\path\ViveTool-v0.3.1

    In the command, remember to change the path to the folder with your path.

  4. Type the following command to enable Suggested Actions on Windows 11 22H2 and press Enter:

    vivetool /enable /id:39145991
    vivetool /enable /id:34592303
  5. Restart the computer.

Once you complete the steps, Suggested actions will enable on your computer.

You can revert the changes with the same instructions, but on step No. 4, make sure to use these commands: vivetool /disable /id:34592303 and then restart the device.

3. Enable Taskbar Overflow

The Overflow feature makes switching and launching apps easier when you don’t have any more space in the Taskbar. While in the mode, Taskbar will offer an entry point to an overflow menu that allows viewing the apps in one space. 

Taskbar Overflow
Taskbar Overflow (Source: Microsoft)

To enable the Taskbar Overflow, use these steps:

  1. Open Start.

  2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.

  3. Type the following command to navigate to the ViveTool folder and press Enter:

    cd c:\folder\path\ViveTool-v0.3.1

    In the command, remember to change the path to the folder with your path.

  4. Type the following command to enable the Taskbar Overflow on Windows 11 22H2 and press Enter:

    vivetool /enable /id:39145991
    vivetool /enable /id:35620393
    vivetool /enable /id:35620394
  5. Restart the computer.

Once you complete the steps, the Overflow menu will activate automatically then the Taskbar can no longer show more items on the screen.

You can revert the changes with the same instructions, but on step No. 4, make sure to use these commands: vivetool /disable /id:35620393 and vivetool /disable /id:35620394 and then restart the device.

4. Enable new ‘Open With’ dialog

The new Open With interface replaces the old design when right-clicking a file and selecting the “Choose another app” option from the “Open with” dialog. The updated interface follows the same style as the rest of Windows 11, with rounded corners and semi-transparent material.

Windows 11 22H2 Open With UI
Windows 11 22H2 Open With UI

To enable the new Open With dialog on Windows 11, use these steps:

  1. Open Start.

  2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.

  3. Type the following command to navigate to the Vivetool folder and press Enter:

    Cd C:\FOLDER\PATH\ViveTool-v0.3.1

    In the command, change the path to the folder with your path.

  4. Type the following command to enable the new “Open With” dialog interface on Windows 11 and press Enter:

    vivetool /enable /id:39145991
    Vivetool /enable /id:36302090
  5. Restart the computer.

Once you complete the steps, when you right-click a file and select the “Open with” option, the new modern dialog interface with rounded corners, mica material, and acrylic style will appear.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].