Microsoft leaks tool unlocking Windows 11 hidden features

Microsoft has accidentally reveals link to tool that was leaked all over the internet and can unlock hidden features


Tech Desk August 04, 2023
A Microsoft logo is seen on an office building in New York City in this July 28, 2015. PHOTO: REUTERS

A recent Microsoft leak revealed an internal tool that will allow access to hidden Windows 11 features exactly the way Microsoft engineers test unreleased software.

According to Windows Central, the StagingTool can activate or disable features that are hidden and unannounced within Windows 11 Insider Preview software. Though there are other third-party apps that achieve the same purpose, this is Microsoft's own official version.

Not intended for public use, the tool was discovered during the “bug bash” event where the company had asked several people to complete tasks and share feedback via Windows Feedback Hub.

A link for StagingTool was included in the bug bash quest that was meant for internal users only for the event.

Read: X social media looking to build a trading hub inside app

Microsoft has since closed the bug bash quest but failed to stop the link to the StagingTool being circulated all over the internet. Users who have had access to the tool, have described it as a “command line interface".

Microsoft often rolls out features to its Windows Insider Preview program that don’t make it to the final build of operating systems, but now users can override the system to find and enable whatever hidden features they want.

COMMENTS

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ