How to enable hidden features using flags on Windows 11

• Windows 11 introduces a new Feature flags page inside Settings for Insider builds.
• Users can enable select experimental features directly without third-party tools.
• The feature targets the Experimental channel, while Beta typically has features enabled by default.
• Some hidden features still require tools like ViveTool or may not be toggleable at all.

On Windows 11, you can use the “Feature flags” settings page to enable a hidden feature for a specific preview build, and in this guide, I’ll show you the steps to complete this task.

Thus far, users with devices enrolled in the Windows Insider Program have relied on unofficial tools like ViveTool to unlock hidden features in preview builds. However, Microsoft now exposes experimental features directly in the Settings app via the Feature flags page.

This new approach brings transparency and control into the operating system itself. Non-technical users benefit from a safer and more accessible way to test upcoming capabilities. Advanced users gain precision without having to reverse-engineer feature IDs.

It’s worth noting that the Feature flags experience is meant for computers enrolled in the “Experimental” channel since devices in the “Beta” channel come with announced features enabled by default.

In this guide, I’ll outline the steps to force-enable features that Microsoft is working on through the new Feature flags page on Windows 11.

Enable hidden features using Feature flags on Windows 11

To enable hidden features from the Windows 11 Experimental channel, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings on Windows 11.

2. Click on Windows Update.

3. Click the Windows Insider Program page.

4. Click the Feature flags setting.

   

5. Select the Enabled option under the specific hidden feature in the “Available Flags” section.

   

   Quick note: You may need to repeat this step to enable other features in the operating system.

6. Click the Apply Changes button.

7. Click the Restart button.

Once you complete the steps, the features will now be availble on your setup of Windows 11.

If you want to undo the changes, use the same instructions outlined above, but in step 5, choose the “No override” option, then restart the computer.

Although Microsoft is introducing the “Feature flags” page, it doesn’t mean you’ll be able to turn on every work-in-progress feature. The page only lists features the company has officially announced for a specific build.

For other hidden or unannounced features, you may still need tools like ViveTool to enable them on Insider preview builds.

It’s also worth noting that some changes included in preview builds aren’t tied to feature flags at all, meaning they can’t be enabled through the Feature flags page or ViveTool.

These settings are available starting on Windows 11 build 26300.8289 through the Experimental channel.

Pureinfotech’s Take

The introduction of the “Feature flags” page is a welcome move for the Insider community. For years, we’ve had to rely on unofficial tools like ViveTool to peek behind the curtain of Windows 11 development. By bringing this functionality directly into the Settings app, Microsoft is finally offering a safer, more transparent way for enthusiasts to participate in testing without risking system stability with third-party scripts.

However, it’s worth noting that this isn’t a total replacement for ViveTool just yet. The Settings page only lists features that Microsoft is officially ready to show off in a specific build. If you’re looking for the truly unannounced features that enthusiasts often discover deep in the system, you’ll still need third-party tools to bring them into the open.

Ultimately, this is a step toward making the Windows Insider Program feel more professional and less “hacky” for those who want to see what’s next for Windows 11.