- Microsoft is shifting various mouse options (such as pointer trails and hiding while typing) from the Control Panel to the Settings app in the Windows 11 Dev and Beta releases.
- By default, the new options are concealed, and users must utilize ViveTool to activate feature ID 54273186.
- This indicates ongoing Control Panel migration, suggesting that these alterations might be included in an upcoming official Windows 11 update.
In the previous year, a Microsoft support document unveiled the company's dedication to Phasing out the use of the Control Panel To completely substitute it with the updated Settings app. Nonetheless, Microsoft promptly updated its support document. By omitting the part where it mentioned that the Control Panel might be phased out in favor of the Settings app. Despite keeping doubts about the future of the Control Panel, Microsoft has proceeded with moving key functionalities to the Settings app.
The firm’s transition initiative is prominently showcased in the most recent Windows 11 Dev release. 26200.5516 ) and Beta ( 26120.3653 ) Insider Preview releases indicate that Microsoft appears to be gradually shifting more of the mouse settings from the Control Panel into the Settings app.
Windows 11 receives additional mouse options within the Settings application.
You don’t have to go through the Control Panel or interact with the Control Panel dialog box within Accessibility settings to find essential mouse options such as customizing pointer images, enabling mouse pointer trails, hiding pointers during typing, and others. For individuals using the most recent Dev or Beta Channel builds, these adjustments can now be made directly via the Accessibility section in the Settings app. This suggests that Microsoft might soon incorporate these modifications into the official release of Windows 11.
This isn’t the first instance where we’ve encountered these mouse settings within the Settings app. Actually, Microsoft previously incorporated nearly identical options. Mouse settings within the Configuration section of Windows Server Last month’s Preview Build 26376 has now become accessible to consumers as well. Similar to before, renowned Windows enthusiast was among the first to identify these features within the most recent Windows 11 Dev and Beta releases, and provided guidance on how to activate them through the settings options.
Ways to Add More Mouse Options to the Settings App
The updated mouse settings are not accessible by default, even when using the most recent Windows Dev or Beta Channel releases, as these features are concealed. Similar to nearly all other obscured functionalities within the Windows 11 Insider previews, you must utilize ViveTool to unlock their availability. Should you be familiar with this process, simply follow through to activate them. id:54273186 Keep in mind, you will have to reboot your computer for the modifications to become active.