If you feel Windows 11 is a little light on features, here’s how to enable a few more.
Similar to its predecessors, Windows 11 comes with several "optional" features that you can install or uninstall. Some of these features are disabled by default, as they are intended for advanced and business users. However, if you want to enable or disable a specific optional feature, you can do so via the new Settings app.
There are multiple ways to add or remove all or specific optional features in Windows 11. And this guide shows you how.
You can add and remove Features on Demand (Optional Features) in Windows 11 and earlier editions of the Windows OS as often you need. It comprises language resources, .NET Framework, graphics tool, Microsoft WebDriver, and more. We had covered the use and working of optional features in Windows 10 as well. That said, depending on the edition of Windows 11 you are running, the availability of these features for your computer may vary.
Related: Windows 11 Home vs. Pro: Which Is Best for You?
Whether you want to add additional features or make the apps list less cluttered by removing additional components, there are a few ways to install and uninstall optional features in Windows 11.
Windows 11’s settings app is your gateway to access most system properties, including optional features. Here’s how to do it.
Related: Here's What's New in the Windows 11 Settings App
If you want to turn off the optional features again, here's how to do that:
Microsoft has migrated a lot of Control Panel features to the Windows 11 settings app, but the large-scale migration is yet to happen. As a result, some critical features, including a few optional features such as Hyper-V, are still only available in the classic Windows Features dialog.
To install optional features using the classic Windows Features dialog:
You can also access Windows features using the classic Control Panel. Here’s how to do it.
If you don’t see some components appear in the apps list despite a successful installation, try restarting your PC. Some features may require a system restart to start working.
To disable Windows optional features again:
DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) is a command-line utility primarily used to service Windows images. However, you can also use it to install and configure additional Windows features.
To install Windows 11 optional features using DISM:
Related: What Is the Difference Between CHKDSK, SFC, and DISM in Windows 10?
To get rid of optional features again:
You can use the Get-WindowsOptionalFeature command to install optional features using PowerShell. Here’s how to do it.
To remove Windows 11's optional features again:
Whether you want to enable Hyper-V for virtualization or .Net Framework to install third-party apps, Microsoft Windows 11 makes it easy to enable or disable features on demand. If the settings app is not working, opt for the classic Windows features dialog or use Windows Terminal to install optional features in Windows 11. While you can enable all the features, doing so can cause performance and security issues. If you don't know what features do what, leave them in their default state.
Is Windows 11 not your cup of tea just yet? Here’s how to downgrade from Windows 11 back to Windows 10.
Tashreef is a technology writer at MakeUseOf. With a bachelor’s degree in Computer Applications, He has over 5 years of writing experience and covers Microsoft Windows and everything around it. When not working, you can find him tinkering with his PC, trying some FPS titles or explore animated shows and movies.
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