If you use Windows 11 daily and think it's only good for opening Chrome, using Chrome's incognito mode, moving files, and little else, you're missing out on half the system's potential. Beneath its clean interface lie... a lot of hidden features, tricks and advanced modes that Microsoft has been gradually introducing, often without much warning.
In this guide you will learn, step by step and without strange technical jargon, how to take advantage of these options: from the typical visual incognito mode (dark, clean desktops, hidden icons…) to experimental tools such as ViVeTool or StagingTool that unlock secret features of Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 before they're released to everyone. Get comfortable because there's a lot to unpack.
Visual incognito mode in Windows 11: Start menu, themes, and organization
A very effective way to work "in incognito mode" in Windows 11 is to adapt the interface to be more discreet, clean and distraction-free, starting with the Start menu and the taskbar.
Move the Start menu to the left
By default, Windows 11 places the Start button in the center, giving it a very macOS-like feel. If you find this odd or prefer a more discreet look, you can Return to the classic design with Home aligned to the left..
- Open the app Configuration of Windows.
- Go to section Personalization..
- Sign in Taskbar.
- Unfolds Taskbar behavior.
- En Taskbar alignment, change of centered a Left.
With this change, the desktop becomes more familiar to those coming from Windows 10 And the Home button is also less noticeable in recordings, video calls, or screenshots.
Customize your Start screen: pinned apps, hidden index, and folders
In Windows 11 the "tiles" have disappeared and now the Start menu works with Pinned apps and a list of all applicationswhich you should organize well if you want to go fast and have everything under control.
To keep only what you're interested in on the main Home screen, right-click on any pinned app and select “Unanchor from Start”To add programs:
- Open Start and tap on All applications.
- Locate the app, right-click, and choose Pin to Start.
When you have a lot of apps installed, navigating through the list can be a hassle. One little-known trick is... index hidden by letters in the all apps view: Click on the letter that appears as a heading (A, B, C…) and a grid will open with the entire alphabet to jump directly to the initial you want.
Additionally, the Start menu lets you add shortcuts to key folders next to the power button, in the bottom right corner:
- Go to Settings > Personalization > Home.
- Sign in Folders.
- Activate the ones that interest you (Downloads, Documents, Music, Images, Network, etc.).
If you don't want Windows to "tell" you about your recent activity, you can also disable recommendations that appear on the Home page from that same section of Personalization > Home, removing recently used documents and suggested apps.
Dark mode, themes and desktop backgrounds
When people talk about "incognito mode," many immediately think of the Windows 11 dark modeIdeal for working at night, reducing eye strain, or simply going a little more unnoticed.
- Opens Configuration and enters Personalization..
- Accede to Colours.
- En Choose your mode Choose Dark o Clearor use custom mode.
- From there you can activate or deactivate transparencies and change the accent color that is used in the taskbar and other elements.
If you want to go a step further, Windows 11 has a system of complete themes that include backgrounds, colors, sounds, and pointers. In Personalization> Themes you can:
- Try the themes that come pre-installed.
- Modify colors, sounds, cursor or background and save your own theme.
- Open Microsoft Store with Explore topics to download others, free or paid.
To further separate your "work self" from your "leisure self," virtual desktops allow you to have a different background on each desktop:
- Balance Windows + Tab to see the desks.
- Create several, name them, and switch with Ctrl + Windows + Left/Right Arrow.
- On each desktop, right-click on the background, enter Personalization. and choose a different tapestry.
This way you can distinguish at a glance what context you are in and maintain windows, apps, and environments are well separated, almost as if you had several PCs in one.
Silent productivity: multitasking, dictation, and shortcuts
An important part of that "incognito mode" in Windows 11 has to do with being able to Doing many things quietly, without windows obstructing the view, and without wasting time., leveraging multitasking and accessibility features.
Advanced split screen with Snap Layouts
Windows 11 greatly improves the classic split-screen feature. Now, when you hover the mouse over a window's maximize button, a small panel appears with Different layouts to organize 2, 3 or 4 apps at once.
Simply hover your cursor over the full-screen icon, choose your preferred layout, and click where you want the current window to appear. Windows will then suggest apps to fill the remaining space, achieving very tidy desktops without manually dragging.
Shake to leave only one window
If you work with a thousand things at once, the function known as Aero Shake It can save your sanity: by "shaking" a window with the mouse, all the others are minimized at once.
- Go to Settings > System > Multitasking.
- Activate the option Shake title bar in windows.
From there, take the window you're interested in, and move it. quickly from one side to the other And the rest will be hidden. Perfect for regaining focus when your desktop is a mess.
Well-organized virtual desktops
Virtual desktop management in Windows 11 is controlled with Windows + TabAt the bottom you will see the active desktops, with the option to create new ones.
You could have, for example, one desktop just for office applications and email, another for design programs, and a third for leisure with games or personal apps. The keys Ctrl + Windows + Left/Right Arrow They allow you to jump from one to the other instantly, and in view of Windows + Tab can drag windows from one desktop to another without closing them.
Voice dictation with automatic punctuation
When you don't feel like typing or you need to write long texts, Windows 11 includes a integrated dictation system with automatic punctuation.
- Balance Windows+H to open the dictation bar.
- Click on the microphone and start talking.
- In the dictation settings you can activate the automatic scoring so that Windows adds periods and commas according to your pauses.
It works in almost any text box and is ideal for quick emails, notes, or simple documents when you feel more like talking than typing.
Screen recording and smart cropping
Windows 11 retains the Xbox Game Bar as an internal screen recorder, useful for recording specific windows of apps or games without installing anything.
- Balance Windows + G to open the Game Bar.
- Activate the widget Capture to record what happens in the active window.
By default, the key Print Screen It takes a full screenshot and saves it to the clipboard, but you can change that behavior so that it directly opens the Snipping Tool:
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard.
- Active Use the Print Screen button to open the screenshot.
This way, every time you press that key you will be able to define the exact area to captureThis is very useful if you want to share only part of a window or "hide" sensitive elements.
Quick shortcuts worth memorizing
Windows 11 includes a good collection of shortcuts using the Windows key that help you move around the system discreetly and quickly. without opening menus with the mouse all the time:
- Windows+W: opens the widgets panel.
- Windows+N: opens the notification center.
- Windows+A: displays quick settings (WiFi, brightness, Bluetooth…).
- Windows+Z: shows the split-screen designs.
- Windows +.: opens the emoji selector.
- Windows + V: opens the clipboard history.
In addition, the Start search bar serves as a calculator or quick translator: type in a mathematical operation and You'll see the result instantly.Or type something like "hello in English" to see the basic translation without opening your browser.
Clipboard, sharing, and smart connectivity
To work "behind closed doors" with multiple computers and devices, Windows 11 includes tools that make it easier share files, synchronize copied text, and even lock your PC with your mobile phone..
History and clipboard synchronization
By default you can only paste the last thing you copied, but Windows 11's clipboard history lets you do more. Browse several recent items and choose which one to paste..
Instead of Ctrl + V, press Windows + VThe first time you'll have to activate the feature, and from then on you'll see a kind of floating list with recent texts and images ready to paste.
If you're also going to Settings > System > Clipboard you will be able to activate the sync between devicesThis allows you to copy content from one PC to another using the same Microsoft account. You can even combine it with Mobile Link to share your clipboard with Android.
Proximity sharing between PCs
Another highly underrated function is the Sharing in proximitydesigned to send files and links between Windows computers wirelessly:
- Opens Settings > System > Nearby Sharing.
- Activate the feature and choose Only my devices for added security
Then, by right-clicking on a file or link and choosing Share o Send toYou can then select the other nearby compatible device. It's a quick and discreet way to transfer content without using USB drives or cloud services.
Share your internet connection as if it were a router
If you're out and about with your laptop and need to share internet access with other devices, Windows 11 lets you turn your computer into a mobile hotspot. a WiFi access point:
- Go to Settings> Network and Internet.
- Sign in Mobile wireless coverage area.
- En Properties, press Edit to customize the network name and password.
- Activate the Mobile Wireless Zone option.
From there, other devices will connect to that new WiFi as if it were a router, taking advantage of the connection of the laptop itself.
Dynamic locking with your mobile phone
El Dynamic lock It's a very useful feature if you often get up from your desk and don't want to leave your PC "unprotected" in plain sight.
- Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
- Scroll to Dynamic lock and brand Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you're away.
After connecting your mobile phone via Bluetooth, Windows will be able to lock the device when the phone moves away too much and unlock it as soon as you're nearby again.
Control of notifications, widgets, and focus
To prevent your incognito mode from being ruined by constant messages and pop-ups, Windows 11 has options to master notifications and widgets at your whim.
Which apps can notify you and how
From Settings > System > Notifications You will see a list of all the apps with permission to notify youUpon entering each one, you can decide:
- If it displays banners on screen.
- If you set notifications in the notification center.
- Whether or not it sounds when the alert arrives.
- Its priority over the rest.
Additionally, upon receiving a specific notification, the three dots in the corner allow you to mute that app, quickly adjust it, or prioritize it without having to go to the general settings.
Some notifications are interactive; for example, in messaging apps you can reply from the notification box itselfand in email, archive or mark messages without opening the entire client.
Concentration assistant for uninterrupted work
Focus Assist is the official way to tell Windows, "Don't bother me now." It allows Filter or block notifications at certain times:
- Off: All notifications are displayed.
- Priority only: only apps marked as important are shown.
- Alarms only: nothing interrupts except system alarms.
In its settings you can also schedule times (for example, work hours) or have it automatically activate when you open certain applications, such as a game or a video conferencing app, and then receive a summary of what you missed.
Custom Widget Panel
The Windows 11 widgets panel opens with the corresponding icon in the taskbar or with Windows+WIt displays news, weather, calendar, and other modules.
You can customize it to your liking by pressing “Add widgets” to include new blocks and using the settings button for each one to adjust fonts or themes. In the case of the news widget, it is possible interact with stories, marking what interests you or what doesn't.
Performance management: tasks, startup, night light, and storage
So that your "incognito mode" is also a Smooth, fast, and crash-free modeIt's worth reviewing how Windows 11 uses resources, what opens at startup, and how it cleans the disk without external apps.
Task Manager: detect what's consuming your PC's resources
When your computer is slow, the first thing to check is the Task ManagerLog in with Ctrl + Alt + Delete and enter that option (if you see the compact view, tap on More details).
In the Processes tab, you'll see all running applications and services, along with their CPU, RAM, disk, and network usage percentages. Entries with very high percentages are likely to be problematic. slowing down the system.
Recently, you can also add an "End task" button to the taskbar context menu:
- Go to Settings > System > Advanced options > Taskbar (or a similar path depending on the build).
- Activate the option Finish tasks from the bar.
Thus, by right-clicking on an app icon in the bottom bar you will be able to force close it without opening Task Manager.
Control what starts with Windows
In the same Task Manager there is a tab Home which lists the applications that open automatically when logging in, showing the impact they have on the start.
From there you can disable the automatic startup of anything you don't need. The fewer things that open automatically, The faster the system will be ready and you'll have fewer processes running in the background.
Night light to protect your eyesight
The function Night light It changes the screen's color temperature to warmer tones, reducing the blue light that often makes it difficult to sleep.
- Go to Settings > System > Display.
- Press on Night light.
- Configure the intensity and program the times at which it activates automatically.
Combined with dark mode and moderate brightness, it's a simple way to work at night without straining your eyes.
Advanced storage and cleaning sensor
To avoid accumulating “digital garbage”, Windows 11 includes the Storage sensor, which automatically deletes temporary files, old downloads, or items from the Recycle Bin.
- Sign in Configuración> Sistema> Almacenamiento.
- Activate Storage sensor and configure how often it cleans and which folders it manages.
In that same section you'll see how much space the applications take up and you'll be able to access Applications and features to sort by size, locate the ones that take up the most space and uninstall the ones you no longer use.
You will also find the section on Temporary filesFrom there you can select different types of data (caches, update remnants, etc.) and delete them with the button Remove files.
Reset apps that are causing problems
If an app is misbehaving but you don't want to uninstall it, you can restore it to its newly installed state:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
- Find the app, tap the three dots, and enter. Advanced.
- Use the buttons Repair o Resetting as it suits you.
This is especially useful with apps from the Microsoft Store, which usually include these options. clean corrupted data and configuration errors.
File explorer, PDFs, and hidden shortcuts
The File Explorer hides several tricks that allow you to work faster and with fewer clicksAnd there are also native functions to generate PDFs without installing anything extra.
Quick access and hidden app menu
In the left column of the Explorer you have a section of Quick access at the top, where you can pin your favorite folders.
To pin a folder to Quick Access, right-click on it (in the main list or in the sidebar) and select Pin to Quick AccessBe careful not to accumulate too many or You'll lose the advantage of having everything at hand..
If you'd like to delve a little deeper, write Shell: AppsFolder in the Explorer's address bar. You will access a internal menu with all installed applications, without subfolders, from which you can create shortcuts or simply explore what's on the system.
Return to the classic context menu
Windows 11 introduced a simplified context menu (right-click) where many classic options are hidden. If you need the full, traditional menu, right-click on any file or folder. “Show more options” within the modern menu.
That will bring up the Windows 10-style menu, with all the advanced actions and the extensions that some programs add.
Save any website as a PDF without software
To capture a web page in a readable and easy-to-share PDF file, You don't need to install virtual printers or anything similar:
- Open the page in your browser.
- Balance Ctrl + P to open the print screen.
- En Destination choose Save as PDF.
- Click on Save and choose a location.
It's a clean way to archive important pages, online invoices, or tutorials, preserving the content in a format browser independent.
Permissions, privacy, and updates under control
Another key aspect of that “incognito mode” is deciding what data can apps use, when is the system updated and what sounds each Windows action reveals.
Application permissions
Within Settings > Privacy and security you will find a section called App permissions with categories like location, camera, microphone, contacts, etc., which is useful if you need programs to activate parental controls.
By accessing each permission, you'll see which apps are using it and can disable it for those you don't want. This way you can prevent, for example, apps from... a certain application accesses your location or to the microphone, maintaining a much more discreet profile.
Schedule restarts and pause Windows Update
To prevent Windows from deciding to restart at the worst possible time, in Settings > Windows Update you can:
- Pause updates for between one and five weeks.
- Walk into Advanced Options > Active Hours and define zones in which Automatic restarts are not allowed.
This ensures that the system Do not interrupt important meetings, games, or work to apply a patch.
System sounds completely customized to your liking
Windows 11 even brings back the classic startup sound, but you decide what you hear. Settings> Personalization> Themes, Click on Sounds to open the classic panel.
There you can change or deactivate the sounds associated with each event (minimize window, error, notification, etc.), use included sound packs, or assign your own .wav files. You can then save that configuration as part of a theme and switch between different sound profiles as needed.
Special features and advanced accessibility
In addition to the visible options, Windows 11 hides utilities designed for both advanced users and accessibility, which fit very well with its use. more personalized and discreet.
Eye control to operate the PC with your gaze
En Settings > Accessibility > Eye Control There is an option to control the device with your eyes using compatible eye-tracking hardware.
When you have a supported device, you can move the cursor, click, and type simply by looking at specific areas of the screen, which is a huge help for people with reduced mobility and also a very interesting experiment for anyone who wants to go a step further.
Remote diagnostic device portal
En Settings > System > Advanced options > For developers You can activate the device portal, a developer-oriented tool that allows you to manage and diagnose your PC from another device on the local network.
It's not something you'll use every day, but if you ever need to analyze the network or the behavior of a remote team within your LAN, it can be very useful without installing third-party tools.
It's not something you'll use every day, but if you ever need to analyze the network or the behavior of a remote device within your LAN, it can be very useful without installing third-party tools.
Performance-prioritizing game mode
If video games are your thing, in Settings > Games > Game Mode You can activate a profile that makes Windows 11 Close unnecessary background processes and prioritize resources for games.
This reduces minor interruptions, performance drops, and "noisy" tasks that might interfere with the gaming experience.
Hide all desktop icons in one click
When your desktop is full of files, screen sharing can be a hassle. Luckily, you can Hide all icons without deleting them:
- Right-click on the desktop background.
- Go to View.
- Uncheck Show desktop icons.
Repeat the process to display them again. It's perfect for keep your mess safe from prying eyes in meetings or captures.
Real hidden features: ViVeTool and StagingTool
So far we've seen features that are visible or semi-hidden in Settings, but in Windows 11 there are also hidden features that Microsoft is gradually rolling out only to some users of each version. That's where two key tools come into play: ViVeTool and StagingTool.
How the hidden features system works in Windows
In recent builds of Windows 10 and, especially, Windows 11, Microsoft uses an internal mechanism of "flags" or feature identifiers. Each new feature that isn't yet ready for everyone has a flag. a numeric ID that indicates whether it is activated or deactivated on your team.
This allows the company to run A/B tests: some users see a new feature (for example, a redesigned Start menu), while others with the same version and build don't. Updates download the code, but the feature itself doesn't appear. She falls asleep until her flag is activated..
ViVeTool: the key to activating hidden functions
ViVeTool It's an open-source, command-line tool that interacts with that flag system. It doesn't install anything new: it simply changes the state of existing features in your Windows build.
It works from Windows 10 build 18963 onwards, although it is most commonly used in Windows 11, especially versions 24H2 and 25H2. For basic use:
- Download the latest version from its official repository on GitHub.
- Choose the right ZIP file for your architecture: IntelAmd.zip for most PCs or SnapdragonArm64.zip for ARM devices.
- Extract the content to a simple path, for example C:\ViVeTool.
- Make sure that the following appear inside ViVeTool.exe y ViVe.dll.
Then open a console with elevated privileges:
- Press the Windows key, type Symbol of the system and run as administrator.
- Write cd C:\ViVeTool and press Enter to navigate to that folder.
- Write vivetool and press Enter to see the available parameters.
The basic structure for activating a feature is:
- vivetool /enable /id:NUMBER
the modifier /enable It means you want to force the ignition and /id: It is followed by one or more comma-separated identifiers. For example, to activate a function with ID 12345678 you would use vivetool /enable /id:12345678And if it requires multiple IDs, something like vivetool /enable /id:11111111,22222222.
After running the commands you want to test, it is essential Restart your PC for the changes to take effect.
Some known ViVeTool IDs for Windows 11
The IDs change over time and depend heavily on the installed build, but some recent examples that have been used are:
- 47205210New Home menu with a single-page design and no "Recommended" feed.
- 56328729: Refreshed battery icon with percentage and colors.
- 54792954,55345819: New AI actions in File Explorer.
- 57048231: administrator protection and emoji button in the taskbar.
- 59162732,55994763: redesign of the widget area.
- 41356296: new automatic hiding option in the taskbar.
- 4569026: Search for files in the cloud directly from the Explorer.
- 57882334: option to share any window from the taskbar.
- 57048226: package of new features linked to patch KB5065789 and October 2025 updates (improvements to controls, on-screen hardware indicators, Explorer context menus, changes from Control Panel to Settings, opening the notification center from the secondary monitor, etc.).
To revert changes, simply use other modifiers:
- vivetool /reset /id:ID returns the feature to its default state (enabled or not as decided by Microsoft).
- vivetool /disable /id:ID forces its deactivation.
This is how you can go testing experimental functions and going back if something doesn't convince you or creates instability.
Safety tips when using ViVeTool
Modifying hidden features involves risks, as many are still under development and haven't passed all testing. To minimize problems, it's advisable to:
- Having backups and a restore point before starting.
- Make sure the IDs you use They are compatible with your version and build of Windows.
- Activate features one by one and always restart between changes.
- Save the commands reset o disable of each function in case you need to deactivate it quickly.
- Keep ViVeTool updated Downloading new versions when Microsoft changes the internal feature engine.
If you do this wisely, you can enjoy many new features "today" that Microsoft won't release en masse for months, without leaving your system stranded along the way.
StagingTool: Microsoft's leaked internal tool
In addition to third-party solutions like ViVeTool, there is an internal Microsoft tool called Staging Tool which was leaked by mistake and which essentially serves the same purpose: activate or deactivate hidden functions using IDs in test builds and Insider versions.
For a time it was pre-installed and accessible in Windows 11, although later Microsoft hid it again and now it is usually detected as potentially dangerous by Windows Defender (a false positive according to recognized researchers, although it is always advisable to analyze any binary on your own).
Its basic operation is similar:
- You need to log in with administrator permission.
- You open a window of Symbol of the system with high rights.
- You execute StagingTool.exe /? to see full help.
To activate a function, you usually use:
- StagingTool.exe /enable 111111 (replacing 111111 with the actual ID).
And to deactivate it:
- StagingTool.exe /disable 111111.
It also has a command /query to list available IDs, although without much description, so you will still depend on external sources (forums, specialized accounts like XenoPanther, tools like ViVeTool GUI Feature Scanner…) to know what each one does.
Although it's tempting to play around with StagingTool, it's even more delicate than ViVeTool because many of the things it uncovers They're not even designed for end usersbut rather for Microsoft engineers in test environments. If you're not sure what you're doing, you could end up forcing a Windows reinstallation or crashing the system.
Other useful features and Windows 11 "free" as an Insider
Beyond all of the above, there are small tricks that complement this advanced and silent use of Windows 11 very well, and which are worth keeping in mind.
Open multiple instances of the same app
If you need to have the same application open twice independently, for example two Explorer windows or windows of a specific editor, simply do Middle-click (wheel) on its icon in the taskbar.
Almost all modern apps respect this behavior, allowing you to working with separate configurations without duplicating profiles or sessions.
Get Windows 11 for free as a beta tester with the Insider program
If you don't have a Windows license but want to use it legally and like trying new things, you can sign up for Windows Insider programIn exchange for installing beta builds and putting up with occasional bugs, Microsoft lets you use Windows 11 and collect error data.
- Go to Settings > Windows Update.
- Sign in Windows Insider Program.
- Sign up with your Microsoft account and choose your preferred channel (more stable or more experimental).
It's not the ideal option for a critical work PC, but it can be a good way to have Windows 11 on a secondary computer while you help polish future versions.
As you can see, Windows 11 is much more than its modern appearance: between multitasking features, cleaning, advanced clipboard, tamed notifications, deep customization and tools like ViVeTool or StagingTool, you have at your disposal a true "incognito mode" capable of hiding distractions, keeping your information under control and getting ahead of official news without losing stability if you follow a few basic precautions. Share this information and help others use Incognito Mode in Windows.