Unlocking New Features in the Windows 11 July 2025 Update
To activate the new functionalities included in the July 2025 Update (build 26100.4484, KB5060829) of Windows 11, you will need to utilize the ViVeTool command-line tool. This guide will walk you through the manual process of enabling these features, which are being rolled out progressively by Microsoft.
Overview of the July 2025 Update
Scheduled for release on July 8, 2025, Microsoft’s July Security Update (build 26100.4484) will introduce a variety of enhancements, aesthetic updates, and security fixes. However, bear in mind that not all users will receive the new features immediately after conducting the update due to Microsoft’s staged rollout approach.
If you find that some features are absent after applying the update, you can manually enable them using ViveTool. Below are the explicit steps to achieve this.
Steps to Enable the July 2025 Features
Follow these step-by-step instructions to unlock the new features introduced in the Windows 11 July 2025 Security Update:
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Visit the GitHub page for ViveTool.
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Download the ViveTool-vx.x.x.zip file to enable the new features.
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Open the zip folder by double-clicking it in File Explorer.
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Click on the Extract all button to unpack the files.
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After extracting, hit the Extract button.
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Copy the path where the ViveTool folder is located.
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Access the Start menu.
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Search for Command Prompt, right-click its entry, and choose Run as administrator.
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Navigate to the ViveTool folder using the command below and press Enter:
cd c:\folder\path\ViveTool-v0.x.xEnsure you replace the path with your specific folder location.
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Execute the command below to activate the new features and hit Enter:
vivetool /enable /id:54238000 -
Restart your computer to apply the changes.
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(Optional) To enable the smaller icons on the Taskbar, run:
vivetool /enable /id:29785184 -
(Optional) To activate Windows Share file compression, enter:
vivetool /enable /id:55390938 -
(Optional) To enable Accessibility descriptions, execute:
vivetool /enable /id:56887328 -
Restart your computer once again.
Following these steps should unlock the significant features introduced in build 26100.4484 for Windows 11.
If you wish to reverse any enabled features, repeat the above steps but utilize the command vivetool /disable /id:54238000 in step 10. Alternatively, you can run vivetool /fullreset to return to the default settings.
Installing the Windows 11 July 2025 Security Update
If you have not yet updated your computer to build 26100.4484 (KB5060829), follow these simple steps:
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Open Settings on Windows 11.
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Choose Windows Update.
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(Optional) Enable the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” toggle.
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Click the “Check for updates” button.
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(Optional) Select the “Download and install” option to preemptively access upcoming updates.
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Click the Restart now button for the changes to take effect.
Once you complete these steps, the update will download and install automatically, enhancing your Windows 11 experience.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Windows 11 July 2025 Update
Will running ViveTool commands enable all features?
Not necessarily; some new features may not be available universally, even after using the ViveTool commands. Specific functionalities, such as allowing a different browser to be the system default, may only be accessible in certain regions, like Europe.
Why must I use ViveTool to enable new features?
Microsoft employs a gradual rollout strategy for new features — this allows them to identify and address issues without widespread impact, ensuring a smoother user experience.
What features and improvements can I expect from the July 2025 update?
The July 2025 update will bring numerous enhancements, including:
- Options for displaying smaller Taskbar icons.
- Improvements for setting web browsers as the system default.
- Descriptive Quick Settings for Accessibility features.
- A redesigned alert system in the Taskbar when an app requires attention.
- Windows Share with an option for file compression.
- Details regarding device setup regions in the “Language & region” settings.
- Introduction of a Screen Curtain feature in Windows Narrator.
- Preview functionality for Windows Backup with transfers to new PCs.
- Enhanced Microsoft 365 Copilot interaction for Click to Do on Copilot+ PCs.
This update also addresses multiple bugs and introduces several adjustments to enhance overall performance.
Do I really need to run ViveTool commands to access the new features?
If you’re patient, you may opt to wait until the new enhancements are automatically rolled out to your device without manual intervention.
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