Microsoft Prepares to Rebrand Developer Settings to ‘Advanced Settings’ with Powerful New Features

Microsoft is quietly reshaping how users interact with some of Windows’ more technical capabilities, and the shift may begin with a simple name change: from ‘For Developers’ to ‘Advanced Settings’. But this isn’t just a cosmetic update—it’s part of a broader move to bring formerly niche developer tools into the hands of everyday power users.

This transformation was spotted in a recent Windows Server build where a new ‘Advanced Settings’ page has replaced the long-standing ‘For Developers’ tab. This page introduces new toggles like “Long Path” support, which eliminates the archaic 260-character file path limit in File Explorer, a feature that has long frustrated Windows users.

What’s striking is Microsoft’s intention to democratize advanced features that were once siloed for developers or IT professionals. Features like “End Task” from the taskbar, Virtual Workspaces, Hyper-V toggles, and support tools for WSL2 and Docker are now being packaged for broader accessibility—possibly even standard builds of Windows 11.

This move signals an evolution in how Windows empowers users. With the retirement of the Dev Home app, Microsoft appears to be integrating its key utilities directly into the operating system, streamlining workflows and offering greater system control natively.

Everything You Need to Know About Microsoft’s Upcoming ‘Advanced Settings’ in Windows 11

Microsoft is planning to rename the “For Developers” settings page to “Advanced Settings”.
This change is already visible in recent Windows Server builds and is expected to come to Windows 11, likely in the 24H2 update.
The current ‘For Developers’ page includes features like “End Task” for the taskbar, which are useful beyond developer audiences.
The new Advanced Settings page adds a toggle for “Long Path”, allowing files and folders to exceed Windows’ default 260-character path limit.
The traditional limit includes all folder names, slashes, and the file name, making it easy to hit that limit in deep directory structures.
Enabling the new MAX_PATH toggle removes this restriction, which has been a common issue when moving large folder trees or backing up complex projects.
This MAX_PATH setting was once available via the now-discontinued Dev Home app, suggesting Microsoft is integrating its features into the core system settings.
Virtual Workspaces are another addition, helping users create isolated environments for virtual machines, containers, and sandboxes.
These tools allow users to safely run apps or test software without affecting their main system.
Advanced virtualization options like Virtual Machine Platform and Windows Hypervisor Platform are included, supporting tools like WSL2 and Docker.
Microsoft appears to be streamlining virtualization and developer tools within Windows 11’s system settings.
This suggests a shift away from relying on external apps or complex installations for power-user features.
The Advanced Settings page is currently limited to Windows Server, but is expected to become a standard part of Windows 11 soon.
Given the wide applicability of these tools, there’s no technical reason to restrict them to enterprise or server users.
Microsoft has not officially confirmed the rollout timeline, but sources suggest it may debut with the Windows 11 24H2 update.
The company seems focused on making powerful tools more discoverable and accessible to average users and professionals alike.
This is in line with broader trends in tech where operating systems are becoming more modular and customizable.
Microsoft is clearly listening to user feedback, aiming to eliminate frustrating legacy limitations like the file path cap.
By embedding these settings in the OS, users can now tweak advanced options without third-party tools or registry edits.
It also ensures a smoother experience for developers, IT administrators, and advanced users on standard Windows editions.
The replacement of ‘For Developers’ helps shed the exclusive branding, encouraging non-developers to explore system capabilities.
More features from Dev Home are likely to appear in the Advanced Settings menu over time.
This may include dashboards, automation tools, and telemetry controls once tied to developer environments.
Integration of virtualization tools in native settings could drive higher adoption of containers and sandboxing for security-conscious users.
The inclusion of “Long Path” support is especially relevant in enterprise environments where deep directory structures are common.
Power users and developers stand to benefit from less friction and better productivity.
End users gain a cleaner, centralized place to access tools without needing to dig into arcane menus or command lines.
Ultimately, Microsoft’s move could bridge the gap between basic users and advanced workflows, enhancing customization and control.

What Undercode Say:

The renaming of the ‘For Developers’ settings to ‘Advanced Settings’ is a small but symbolic move that reflects a much larger shift in Microsoft’s philosophy. Rather than keeping powerful tools hidden behind developer-only labels or tucked into external applications like Dev Home, Microsoft is acknowledging that modern users—whether they’re hobbyists, professionals, or enterprise users—expect more from their OS.

This change isn’t just about accessibility, but also about intentional design. Microsoft is signaling that advanced functionality should no longer be exclusive or intimidating. With toggles like “Long Path”, even a non-technical user dealing with large file systems can resolve issues that previously required registry hacks or group policy edits.

By removing the MAX_PATH limitation directly through a settings toggle, Microsoft is modernizing Windows to reflect today’s file management needs, particularly as cloud storage and deep directory nesting become the norm. Similarly, embedding virtual environment tools into the settings interface makes powerful backend technologies like Hyper-V and WSL2 more user-friendly and widely usable.

The phase-out of Dev Home marks a consolidation of features that were once spread across disparate locations. Centralizing them under the new Advanced Settings umbrella could also improve system discoverability and reduce the learning curve for those unfamiliar with developer jargon or processes.

There’s also a subtle shift in trust happening here. Microsoft is trusting users more—trusting that they know what they’re doing, or at least want to learn. That’s a far cry from earlier versions of Windows that tried to insulate users from complexity at all costs.

It’s worth noting that many of these tools—containers, sandboxing, long file path handling—are also security-focused. With rising cybersecurity threats, giving users easier ways to isolate apps and manage complex file environments is not just a usability improvement, but also a strategic defense enhancement.

This approach may also be an effort to future-proof Windows. As users become more technically savvy and demand more control, operating systems that respond with flexibility and openness are more likely to retain loyalty and satisfaction.

In essence, ‘Advanced Settings’ is a gateway—not just to more features, but to a more empowered user base. It represents a new chapter in Windows evolution where powerful tools are no longer hidden—they’re front and center, ready for everyone to use.

Fact Checker Results:

The “Advanced Settings” feature has been confirmed in Windows Server builds.
The MAX_PATH toggle aligns with previous Dev Home functionality.
The expected release for Windows 11 24H2 includes integration of these features.

Prediction:

Microsoft’s integration of Advanced Settings into Windows 11 will likely set a precedent for future updates. Expect to see more Dev Home features reappear in native settings, as Microsoft emphasizes modular design and user empowerment. The shift could make Windows 11 a more appealing platform for developers, professionals, and advanced users—without alienating casual users.