Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central
What you need to know
- Some Insider builds of Windows 11 contain disabled features that Microsoft hasn't commented on publicly.
- A Windows enthusiast discovered options for stickers on the desktop, hiding the taskbar when using a PC as a tablet, and customizing a device for sustainability.
- Microsoft explained in a recent blog post that it only publicly discusses enabled features.
Update 2:40 p.m. ET 2/8/2022: Albacore has revealed more changes, features, and updates, including a new system requirements reminder for Windows 11. Full details can be found at the bottom of this article.
Windows 11 has several hidden features that have recently been discovered. Windows enthusiast Albacore found options for stickers for desktop wallpapers, hiding the taskbar when using a device as a tablet, and improving a PC's sustainability when running Microsoft's OS. It also appears that Microsoft has plans to rename Focus Assist and to make it easier to prioritize notifications, based on screenshots shared by Albacore.
Of course, finding hidden features in Windows is nothing new. Insiders and experts have looked for disabled or half-finished bits within Microsoft's operating system for years. As always, uncovered features may not represent the form in which those options ship. Microsoft often tests things internally and changes its plans or refines its approach.
Stickers will persist across wallpapers, according to Albacore. This allows PC users to keep certain designs on their desktop while still being able to customize their background image. Stickers will reportedly be configurable through a new Sticker Editor app.
While Windows 11 doesn't have a dedicated tablet mode, some tablet-friendly features may make their way to the OS. Albacore found a setting labeled "Automatically hide the taskbar when using your device as a tablet." Windows 10 had a similar option in its Tablet Mode.
New sustainability options also seem like they're in the works, including an option to enable "Eco recommendation."
Last week, Microsoft announced that it would begin testing more experimental features through the Dev Channel of Windows 11. The company also clarified that some Insiders have discovered disabled features in Windows 11 builds but that it will only discuss options that have been enabled.
Update: Albacore has shared more information, including that future Windows 11 builds will remind you if you don't meet system requirements. There is also the news that "an improved taskbar app list overflow experience is in the works."
Stay tuned for more updates as they crop up.
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