Hidden in Windows 11: Build Expiration in Settings, Jump lists in Start, and Spotlight UI

Windows 11 Build 22635.3785, the latest Beta channel build of version 23H2 released to insiders, comes with a few hidden features. For example, the build expiration date can now be visible in the Settings app, while earlier it was exclusively shown in the winver app. The Jump lists in Start and a new user interface for Desktop Spotlight are two officially announced features. But both are available to a limited number of Insiders, as Microsoft is collecting feedback before making them available to wider audience. Here's how to enable these features in your Windows 11 Build 22635.3785 Beta instance right now.

Build Expiration in Settings

In the near future, Insider builds will be able to show the build expiration date on the Settings > System > Page. Currently, this information could only be found in the "About Windows" dialog, that is winver.

Microsoft hasn't announced this change yet, but you can enable it with ViVeTool.

Enable Build Expiration Date on the Settings > System > About page

1. Download the ViVeTool utility  from its GitHub page.
2. Unpack all the files from the downloaded archive to the c:\vivetool folder.
3. Press Win+X and select Terminal (Admin) from the menu.
4. Type the following command, and press Enter to execute it: c:\vivetool\vivetool /enable /id:38738362.
5. Restart your computer, and open the Settings app (Win + I) to the System > About page. You'll see the build expiration date.

Jump lists in the Start Menu

Similar to Windows 7, the new Start menu of Windows 11 is finally capable to display jump lists when you right-click an app.

A jump list is an extended context menu that includes frequent actions, recent documents, and custom actions specific for the app. By default, jump lists aren't enabled for everyone in the Beta channel, but you can change that.

Enable Start menu Jump Lists

1. Download the ViVeTool utility  from its GitHub page.
2. Unpack all the files from the downloaded archive to the c:\vivetool folder.
3. Press Win+X and select Terminal (Admin) from the menu.
4. Type the following command, and press Enter to execute it: c:\vivetool\vivetool /enable /id:32222762.
5. Restart your computer, and right-click some app in the Start menu. If it supports jump lists, you will get them. 💡Try with some MS Office app or File Explorer.

New Look of Desktop Spotlight

Microsoft is testing new changes to how Windows Spotlight works on the desktop, making it easier for users to use the feature to change images, rate them, and more. Insiders will notice a few changes, which are outlined below.

Variant 1. If the user right-clicks on the Windows Spotlight icon, Spotlight will launch in full screen mode. Double-clicking on the icon will open a Bing page with a description of the image on your desktop.

Variant 2. If the user right-clicks on the Windows Spotlight icon, the Spotlight interface will launch. Double clicking on the icon will open Spotlight in full screen mode. A single click on the icon will open a Bing page with a description of the image on your desktop.

Enable the new Spotlight UI

1. Download the ViVeTool utility  from its GitHub page.
2. Unpack all the files from the downloaded archive to the c:\vivetool folder.
3. Press Win+X and select Terminal (Admin) from the menu.
4. Type the following command, and press Enter to execute it: c:\vivetool\vivetool /enable /id:49140016 /variant:1.
5. Restart your computer.

Credits for everything go to @PhantomOfEarth.

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