Windows 11 Build 23506 Hidden Features: New Energy Recommendations, OOBE, and more

In addition to the officially announced features, Windows 11 Build 23506 includes a few hidden ones, and a number of user interface changes that weren't mentioned. Let's fill the gap and review all the remaining features.

Enable Hidden Features in Windows 11 Build 23506

Energy & battery

Microsoft has renamed Battery usage in Settings > Power to Energy & battery usage. Besides the new name, the page has got a new function. It will now show energy usage data, which can display the details per app. The new page appears on both mobile PCs and classic desktop devices. On a laptop, the user can switch between energy usage and battery saving. Finally, it shows total energy usage/emissions.

To enable the Energy & battery usage page, do the following.

1. Download the ViVeTool app from GitHub.
2. Extract the files to the c:\vivetool folder.
3. Now, right-click the Start button in the taskbar, and select Terminal(Admin) from the menu.
4. In Terminal, type c:\vivetool\vivetool /enable /id:44663396,44663406.
5. Restart you computer, and visit the System > Power section of the Settings app (Win + I) to see the changes.

Note: the undo command is c:\vivetool\vivetool /disable /id:44663396,44663406.

OOBE changes

Microsoft is testing new features that will be visible after the initial operating system setup (OOBE) is complete. There is a chance that after OOBE is completed, one of the following scenario will automatically run on your device:

• • If you select "Development Intent" in the "Let's Customize Your Experience" step, the Dev Home application will automatically launch after the first login.

• If you select "Development Intent" in the "Let's Customize Your Experience" step, the "Get Started" application will automatically launch after the first login. It will help you learn more about Dev Home and help you get the application up and running.
  https://winaero.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/scoobe2.mp4?_=2
• If you selected "Recovery" during the initial setup (OOBE) phase, the "Get Started" application will automatically launch the second time you log in. The app will tell you about key apps and settings, and let you know that Windows Restore is complete. You can also learn how to access restored applications from the Start menu or taskbar.

You can activate these scenarios while performing a clean install of this build. You need to place ViVeTool in some accessible location and execute the following commands before you see the OOBE.

vivetool /enable /id:43180950 /variant:X

Replace X with 0 or 1. The values are as follows:

• 0 enables the auto launch of Dev Home
• 1 enables the Get Started app.

Auto Color Management

Microsoft continues to roll-out the Auto Color Management feature, so it is now available in Build 23506.

If you don't see it, you can enable the feature using following ViVeTool command:

c:\vivetool\vivetool /enable /id:36371531

Don't forget to restart the OS to apply the change.

Phone Link settings update

Build 23506 includes a very slightly updated Phone Link option in Settings > Bluetooth & devices. The button to open it now requires a toggle for Phone Link to be switched to On (automatically launches when toggled on).

Here's the updated UI:

And this one is the current UI version.

The change is hidden, but you can enable it with the following ViVeTool command:

c:\vivetool\vivetool /enable /id:43729731

New Program Compatibility Assistant Dialog

Windows 11 build 23506 includes an updated Program Compatibility Assistant dialog. It finally ditches the Vista-like appearance and now matches the design of Windows 11.

It is enabled by default, so you don't need extra steps to activate it.

New Dynamic Lighting icon

Open the Settings app (Win + I), and go to Personalization. You will see a new icon for the Dynamic Lighting item.

Virtual Desktop switching animation and notification

When you switch between virtual desktops, Windows 11 will now play a neat transition effect. Also, you will see a notification that shows the current desktop's name.

Windows Copilot plugin support

Windows Copilot has got initial plugin support. The C:\Windows\SystemApps\MicrosoftWindows.Client.CBS_cw5n1h2txyewy folder includes the appropriate files:

• InboxPlugins.dll
• InboxPluginsHost.exe
• A folder called InboxPlugins with several .json files.

Some of the actions Copilot could be able to do with inbox plugins include launching/closing apps, 'boosting the user's PC', setting alarms/timers, viewing related files, configuring settings, showing and searching for relevant/related files, store/media suggestions. Hints of these actions do exist in the InboxPlugins folder.

Other changes

Microsoft 365/Office app is now pinned to the taskbar by default.

Thanks to @PhantomOfEarth for everything!