• Forums
  • Shop
  • Best Laptops
  • Best Graphics Cards
  • Best Motherboards
  • Best Antivirus
  • Best VPN
  • Xbox Series X
  1. Home
  2. /
  3. News
  4. /
  5. Windows
Take a look

Hidden Windows 11 features uncovered, including tablet improvements and desktop stickers

Microsoft could bring back some popular tablet-centric features to Windows.
Sean Endicott
7 Feb 2022

Surface Pro 8 Studio ModeSource: 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.

There's an interesting personalization feature coming to Windows 11 - Stickers for your wallpaper.
You'll be able to configure them using a new Sticker Editor app, they'll persist across wallpaper changes as long as you don't use a slideshow, use Fill fit & have only 1 monitor. pic.twitter.com/KIVtVxw3BC

— Albacore (@thebookisclosed) February 5, 2022

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.

Looks like tiny semblances of tablet mode may be coming back to Windows 11, a taskbar setting labeled "Automatically hide the taskbar when using your device as a tablet" is in the works.

— Albacore (@thebookisclosed) February 5, 2022

New sustainability options also seem like they're in the works, including an option to enable "Eco recommendation."

A few more improvements coming to Windows 11 🍃
• Sustainability: better energy consumption and device recycling awareness
• Focus Assist is becoming Focus, now schedulable through Outlook & sporting more granular options
• Notification priorities no longer tucked away in UI pic.twitter.com/5V6t51rDP4

— Albacore (@thebookisclosed) February 5, 2022

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."

Upcoming Windows 11 builds will include a small reminder about system requirements atop System Settings in case your device doesn't meet them. pic.twitter.com/KZ4NkqB7wq

— Albacore (@thebookisclosed) February 8, 2022

Stay tuned for more updates as they crop up.

The must-play Xbox games releasing in 2022 and beyond
Release radar

The must-play Xbox games releasing in 2022 and beyond

What's coming to Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Xbox One in the future? Here are the biggest and brightest games we're looking forward to.

All the Xbox Game Pass games coming and leaving soon
New Game Pass

All the Xbox Game Pass games coming and leaving soon

Xbox Game Pass is constantly evolving with new games joining the service all the time. Keep track of everything coming and going from Xbox Game Pass with our comprehensive guide.

Grab one of these great CPUs for your next custom PC build or upgrade
Buyer's guide

Grab one of these great CPUs for your next custom PC build or upgrade

No matter what level of performance you're looking for, there's no doubt a processor (CPU) out there for your custom PC. And we've rounded up the best options right here.

Should your next computer be a mini PC? These are your best options.
Space savers

Should your next computer be a mini PC? These are your best options.

Windows PCs come in all shapes and sizes, and whatever your needs, there's a computer out there to suit you. Here are the best to choose from if you're looking for a new mini PC.

Keep in Touch

Sign up now to get the latest news, deals & more from Windows Central!

I would like to receive news and offers from other Future brands.

I would like to receive mail from Future partners.

No spam, we promise. You can unsubscribe at any time and we'll never share your details without your permission.

  • News
  • Windows 11
  • Windows 11
  • Windows 10
  • Laptops
  • Surface
  • Reviews
  • Gaming & Xbox
  • How To
  • Forums
  • Deals
  • PC Components

Other Categories

  • About Us
  • Licensing and Reprints
  • Advertise
  • Newsletter
  • Windows Central Merch
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Android Central
  • iMore
  • Thrifter
  • TechnoBuffalo
  • MrMobile
Log in or Sign up
  • t
  • f
  • p
  • i
  • r

Brightness

  • © Future US, Inc.
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Licensing
  • External Links Disclosure
  • Accessibility Statement
  • © Future US, Inc.
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Licensing
  • External Links Disclosure
  • Accessibility Statement