Microsoft has introduced a new feature flags page in the Windows 11 Insider Program. This update allows users to enable or disable announced experimental features directly through Windows Settings, removing the need for third-party tools like ViveTool. This feature only applies to officially announced features, while those that are hidden or not tested may still require ViveTool to enable.
The controlled feature rollout system, which Microsoft previously used to conduct A/B testing with a limited number of users, has been turned off for features announced in the beta channel. Insiders in the beta experience now receive these announced features by default.
How to access and use the new feature flags page in Windows 11
The Feature Flags page can be found in the Experimental Experience section of the Windows Insider Program. To access it, open Settings, then go to Windows Update.
(Source: WindowsCentral)
- Select the Windows Insider Program option.
- Make sure the device is set to Experimental experience under “Choose your experience.”
- Next, open Advanced options and verify the operating system version, such as 25H2.
- From there, open the Feature Flags page.
For each experimental feature listed, you have three options: enabling the feature will turn it on regardless of CFR status, no override lets Windows manage its availability, and disabling turns the feature off on the device.
After adjusting the options, click Apply Changes and then Restart Now to apply the new settings.
What Windows 11 Feature Flags Can and Can’t Control
The Feature Flags page lists experimental features that Microsoft has officially announced. Multiple features can be turned on at the same time. Features that are present in the build but not announced by Microsoft are not listed and require a tool like ViveTool to enable them.
This update addresses a long-standing issue where Windows Insiders could install preview builds but some advertised features were still unavailable due to CFR throttling.
The Feature Flags page is now available to users enrolled in the Windows 11 Insider Program who are running version 25H2 in the experimental experience. Microsoft has not indicated whether the page will eventually be available in the beta channel or stable Windows 11 release.
