Windows 10: Hidden Windows 11 feature will make navigating easier

For many users, navigating the bustling streets of the Windows Start menu can feel somewhat akin to navigating a new city without a map. But with a newly proposed tweak for Windows 11, it seems Microsoft aims to make your journey easier.

The modification, designed to help users distinguish core apps within the operating system, was identified in preview build 23493 by PhantomOfEarth. They used ViVeTool, a Windows configuration utility, to discover this hidden gem waiting in the wings. With this update, Microsoft takes a step towards decluttering the Windows user interface by making it clear which apps are fundamental to the system's function.


Image courtesy of PhantomOfEarth

Traditionally, Windows has marked its native apps with a ‘Microsoft’ badge, signalling these are the in-house applications for Windows 11, already installed upon getting the system. However, this indicator has now evolved to a ‘System’ tag.

Good for beginner PC users


This updated moniker helps users identify the foundational apps that come pre-packaged with the system, such as Settings, Tips, Windows Security, Xbox Game Bar, Calculator, and many more. You might never tap into all these apps, but having a clear demarcation for which ones are integral to the system can be useful, especially for users new to the Microsoft ecosystem.

Granted, Windows veterans, who are well-acquainted with the interface, will likely recognize Microsoft’s software anyway, having engaged with them over years of use. However, for those venturing into the computing landscape or those unfamiliar with Windows 11, this label could serve as a helpful compass. It could guide them through the labyrinth of apps listed on the Start menu, ensuring they know what's what.

Despite the potential advantages, it's important to note that this feature is still in its infancy. Consequently, it hasn’t been enabled in the preview build yet, and not all system apps have been labeled as they should be. Assuming this modification passes the test stage (which seems highly probable), these hiccups should be ironed out before the final roll-out.

The recent build 23493 has also unveiled Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to make snap layouts more user-friendly. This underrated feature, aimed at making multitasking easier, has been a pain point for many users. But with continuous refinement and intuitive design, Microsoft hopes to lure more Windows 11 users to experiment with it. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance the overall user experience, enabling users to navigate their digital workspace with ease and efficiency.

• Read also: Windows 11 Development: overview of the June 2023 changes

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Hide or Show User Profile's Personal Folders in Navigation Pane

Thank you in advance to everyone for your help and time. Hopefully this write-up is succinct.
I believe there has to be additional registry modifications to solve this issue.


Problem:
In the Navigation Pane, specifically regarding the Current User folder tree, a Personal Folder (i.e. 3D Objects, Contacts, Desktop, etc... ) continues to show even after making active the Hidden property for that Personal Folder.

Expected Results:
Any Personal Folder that is marked "Hidden" in the File/Folder Listings Area should also be hidden in the Navigation Pane specifically within the Current User folder tree.

Steps to recreate the issue: (the following steps assume that the option is deactivated to see hidden folders.)

1. Open File Explorer
2. Within Navigation Pane, Right-click over any blank area
3. Select menu-option "Show All Folders"
4. Select and Expand the Current User folder tree which is listed as a child object to the "Desktop" folder
5. Within the File/Folder Listings Area, Right-click on a Personal Folder
6. Select menu-option "Properties"
7. Within the new Dialogue window, Select the "General" tab, Select to Activate the Attribute "Hidden", Select the "OK" button
8. Close File Explorer and then Open File Explorer
9. Select the Current User folder in the Navigation Pane
10. Notice the recently-hidden folder is still showing in the Navigation Pane even though it is hidden in the File/Folder Listings Area.

System Specs:

• Edition: Windows 10 Home 64bit
• Version: 1709
• OS Build: 16299.371
• Hard Drives: 2 (SSD & Mechanical)
• C:\ = SSD
• D:\ = Mechanical

Current Modifications of System:

• The %UserProfile% system folder was successfully transferred to D:\ by using Sysprep during Windows Setup. This is the only system folder moved to another drive.

Current Modifications of File Explorer in Navigation Pane: (using Regedit)

• Hidden = Quick Access
• Hidden = Libraries
• Hidden = OneDrive
• Hidden = Homegroup
• Hidden = This PC user personal folders

Current Modifications of File Explorer in Folder/File Listing Area:

• Each unwanted Personal Folder was changed to "Hidden" by Right-clicking the folder and Checking the Attribute checkbox marked "Hidden".

3rd-Party Software Installed:

• Classic Shell
• Mozilla Firefox
• IObit Driver Booster
• Macrium Reflect

 

Introducing a big update to Windows 11 making the everyday easier including bringing the new AI-powered Bing to the taskbar

Introducing a big update to Windows 11 making the everyday easier including bringing the new AI-powered Bing to the taskbar | Windows Experience Blog

The following notes coincide with the Windows 11 22H2 update released on Feb 28th, 2023.

• New AI-powered Bing to the taskbar: A major update to Windows 11 that adds the new Bing in the taskbar and other features that make the PC more relevant and useful in the age of AI.
  

• Additional new Windows 11 features in the update, designed to make your everyday easier: More new features from across the team that aim to simplify and enhance various aspects of using Windows 11, such as connecting with phones, video calling, getting help and accessing widgets.
  

• Introducing Phone Link for iOS in preview: A preview of Phone Link for iOS that allows iPhone users to link their devices to their Windows 11 PCs and receive calls and texts without interruption.
  

• Android phone users get an even richer experience: Some improvements for Android users who use Phone Link, such as activating personal hotspot, transferring browser sessions and accessing recent websites from their phones on their PCs.
  

• Broadcast your best self, right when you need to with advanced AI: Windows Studio Effects, a collection of audio and video effects powered by advanced AI that enable users to customize their video calling experience with features like eye contact, background blur and voice focus. It also mentions some new devices that support these features.
  

• Connect in more ways with a simple click: Chat with Microsoft Teams integration that makes it easier for users to communicate with their contacts from their desktops on the taskbar. It also mentions a revamped signature experience that allows users to preview their video and jump straight into a call or share a call link through any app.
  

• Providing help is easier than ever with the redesigned Quick Assist app: Quick Assist app that helps users provide technical assistance to family and friends remotely. It also mentions some new capabilities like switching between screen sharing and full control and using a laser pointer to highlight things on screen.
  

• More of the news and information you care about is just a swipe away: Some new Widgets that deliver important information at a glance, such as Phone Link, Xbox Game Pass, Meta and Spotify. It also provides information on developer tools to create widgets for Windows customers.
  

• Enhancing your touch experience: Some enhancements for touch experiences on Windows 11 devices, such as touch controls for Snap, haptics feedback for virtual keyboard and voice typing with auto punctuation.
  

 

All hidden files turned Un-hidden

Hi,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community and being part of Windows 10.

I suggest you to re-add them to the hidden items list and check.

Steps:

• Right click on the folders to hide, select Properties.
• Go to General tab, under Attributes check mark the option
  Hidden.
• Click on Apply and on Ok.

I suggest you not to use any third party anti-virus software. Try to use Windows Defender.

Refer: Using Windows Defender

Hope it helps. Feel free to contact us for further assistance on Windows Operating System, we will be happy to help you.