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Unlocking Deeper Customization and Developer Controls in Windows 11
Microsoft just took Windows 11 personalization to a new level. At the Build 2025 developer conference, the tech giant revealed a fresh addition aimed at both casual users and developers: a powerful ‘Advanced Settings’ panel. This new feature gives unprecedented control over how Windows behaves, merging user-friendly tools with development-focused tweaks — all packed into a streamlined UI. It’s more than just a settings update. It’s a shift in how people interact with the OS, with an emphasis on transparency, customization, and version control integration.
Windows 11s Advanced
The newly introduced Advanced Settings in Windows 11 represents a comprehensive upgrade to what was previously known as the For Developers tab. This enhanced settings page, now accessible via Settings > System > Advanced, retains existing developer functionalities but adds much more — including powerful File Explorer and version control options.
Users now have granular control over their file management experience. Key options at the top of the panel include:
Show file extensions: A toggle to reveal extensions like .txt, .docx, or .png next to filenames, boosting transparency.
Show hidden and system files: Allows users to uncover system-level files typically hidden for safety.
Show full path in title bar: Displays complete directory paths in File Explorer, improving navigation.
Show “Run as different user” option: Adds flexibility for IT professionals and shared PC environments.
Show empty drives: Enables visibility of drives with no current data, such as freshly connected USBs.
Perhaps the most developer-centric addition lies in the File Explorer + version control section. This lets users link specific folders as Git repositories, allowing them to manage code versions right inside File Explorer. Example folders like D:\GitHub\WSL and D:\GitHub\PowerToys can be directly connected using a “Choose folder” button. This Git integration streamlines workflows and reduces reliance on external tools for basic version control tasks.
Additionally, Microsoft confirmed that the new Advanced Settings interface has been open-sourced on GitHub, with ongoing updates distributed via the Windows Store, ensuring real-time improvements and community collaboration.
What Undercode Say:
The rollout of the Advanced Settings page marks a clear turning point in how Microsoft approaches its user base — especially developers, power users, and systems administrators. This isn’t just a UI change. It’s an architectural rethink of user empowerment in a traditionally locked-down OS environment.
First, the ability to see file extensions and hidden files may seem minor, but it reinforces Windows’ commitment to transparency. For years, these features were buried or required knowledge of manual toggles. Now, Microsoft is actively encouraging visibility, which also improves cybersecurity hygiene by helping users identify potentially malicious files with misleading icons or extensions.
More significantly, the version control integration is a bold move. By letting users bind Git folders directly into File Explorer, Microsoft eliminates the need for heavy IDEs or third-party tools for everyday Git tasks. This is a huge win for developers who want seamless integration between their OS and coding environments — particularly in enterprise or hybrid setups where lightweight tooling is preferred.
Also notable is the rebranding from For Developers to Advanced. This subtle shift expands the audience from strictly coders to include IT pros, digital creators, and power users who want more control without necessarily writing code. It’s a smart, inclusive naming strategy.
On the backend, the decision to open-source the page on GitHub and push updates via the Windows Store signals a transition toward community-driven development. This is in line with Microsoft’s broader embrace of open-source, seen with tools like VS Code and PowerToys. Not only does this create a more agile update model, but it invites public contribution — a major trust-building move in the developer community.
From a UX perspective, placing everything under a single ‘Advanced’ tab makes navigation simpler. Users no longer need to hunt down obscure settings. And since these features often intersect — for example, version control and hidden file visibility — it makes sense to house them together.
In terms of future potential, this panel could be a springboard for even deeper system-level customizations, like registry settings or advanced user profile controls. Imagine a future where power tweaks are all GUI-accessible without touching RegEdit or Group Policy.
To sum it up: this update isn’t flashy, but it’s foundational. It gives users agency, streamlines developer workflows, and showcases Microsoft’s evolving attitude toward openness, integration, and usability. This is Windows being shaped not just by engineers in Redmond, but by the people who rely on it every day.
Fact Checker Results ✅
Microsoft did announce the ‘Advanced Settings’ at Build 2025.
The Git integration into File Explorer has been confirmed.
Open-sourcing and Windows Store updates are officially documented. 🧾🔍🔧
Prediction 🔮
Expect Microsoft to expand the ‘Advanced Settings’ suite in upcoming Windows updates, possibly adding more development and automation tools like PowerShell shortcuts, GitHub Actions integration, or even containerized testing environments. With the open-source route, community feature requests may soon drive the roadmap, creating a new standard for OS customization.
References:
Reported By: www.bleepingcomputer.com
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