Unlock Advanced Camera Settings in Windows 11 with ViveTool

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Ever felt like your Windows Camera app isn't quite living up to its potential? For years, the default camera app on Windows has been a bit... well, basic. Sure, you can tweak the privacy settings, decide which apps can use your webcam, and maybe switch between cameras if you're lucky. But beyond that? Not much. If you've ever wished for more control over your camera settings on Windows 11, you're in for a treat.
Microsoft has been working under the hood to bring more advanced features to its operating system, and the camera app is no exception. If you're part of the Windows Insider Program's Dev or Canary channels, your wait is almost over. Here's how you can manually enable additional camera settings right now using an open-source tool called ViveTool.

A Peek Under the Hood: What’s New in Windows 11 Camera Settings?​

Let’s first clarify what makes these upcoming camera settings exciting. With this new feature rollout, users can:
  • Manage Multiple Cameras: If you have multiple webcams connected (professional streamers, rejoice!), managing them just got simpler.
  • Advanced Features: Configure settings for a basic or advanced camera setup, making it easier to use cameras tailored for specific apps or scenarios.
  • Media-Type Adjustments: Adjust how the camera interacts with apps, potentially offering better compatibility and customizability for video streams or image capture.
But here's the kicker—these nifty advanced features aren't fully rolled out yet unless you’re tinkering with the Developer or Canary builds of Windows 11. Let’s explore how you can get ahead of the curve.

What is ViveTool?​

In a quest to be more experimental with your Windows PC, you’ll need a Swiss Army knife of functionality—and that’s where ViveTool takes the stage. ViveTool is a free-to-use open-source utility that allows you to unlock, enable, or disable hidden features in test builds of Windows (Dev/Canary). Think of it as activating a cheat code for discovering Windows’ unreleased goodies.
Here’s what makes ViveTool indispensable for a Windows tinkerer:
  • Feature Unlocks: Enable features currently only in development.
  • Reversible Changes: Easily roll back tweaks by disabling features with the same tool.
  • Reliability: Built for enthusiasts, ViveTool has developed a solid reputation for delivering results safely.
Sounds like a power-user dream, doesn’t it? Let’s walk through how you can get and use this tool.

Step-by-Step Guide: Enabling Additional Camera Settings Using ViveTool​

Step 1: Download and Extract ViveTool​

  • Head over to the official ViveTool GitHub page.
  • Download the ZIP file containing the tool.
  • Extract the contents to a folder in a location you’ll easily find later (Desktop works great).
Make sure that the extracted files include ViveTool.exe—this is the magic wand you’ll wield for unlocking features.

Step 2: Open Command Prompt with Administrative Privileges​

Now, we need to enable those experimental camera settings:
  • In the Windows search bar, type cmd.
  • Right-click on Command Prompt and choose Run as Administrator. Admin privileges are crucial for ViveTool to function properly.

Step 3: Navigate to the ViveTool Folder​

Inside Command Prompt:
  • Use the cd command to change to the directory where you’ve extracted ViveTool. For example:
Bash:
cd Desktop\ViveTool
Replace Desktop\ViveTool with the exact path to your ViveTool folder.

Step 4: Enable Hidden Camera Settings​

Time to show your Windows install who’s boss. Run these three commands, one at a time:
Bash:
vivetool /enable /id:49575624
vivetool /enable /id:50292326
vivetool /enable /id:48433719
These codes enable the hidden camera features embedded within the Windows Dev or Canary build you're using.

Step 5: Reboot Your PC​

Changes made via ViveTool take effect only after a reboot. Go ahead and restart your PC.

Step 6: Access the Advanced Camera Options​

Once rebooted, navigate to the new settings:
  • Settings AppBluetooth & DevicesCamera.
  • Under your connected camera(s), you’ll notice a new Advanced Camera Options section.
  • Click Edit Settings. Voilà! You’ll now see options for enabling the camera for multiple apps and toggling features such as Basic or Advanced Camera Modes.

The Bigger Picture: Is This Useful for Everyone?​

Before rushing to unlock these features, it’s important to understand that they are primarily experimental. Advanced camera settings can benefit:
  • Content Creators: Simplified workflows for toggling their stream setups.
  • IT Admins & Tinkerers: Easier remote management for cameras in professional environments.
  • Everyday Users: Improve compatibility or tweak finer settings on advanced USB or network-connected cameras.
It’s also worth noting that because these features are part of the Windows Insider Program, there’s no guarantee they’ll make it into the stable builds of Windows 11.
So, should you try it? If you’re running a stable install of Windows or prefer a risk-free approach, you might want to wait for the official release. But for enthusiasts who live for that cutting-edge thrill, enabling these features offers a glimpse into the near future of Windows.

Final Thoughts: Is This the Start of a Camera Renaissance?​

Windows 11 is shaping up to be a very forward-looking OS with its feature-packed updates, but the camera settings revamp is especially intriguing. Our devices’ cameras have become increasingly central to our daily lives, from Zoom meetings to content creation, and Microsoft finally seems to recognize this.
Will this be enough to rival the deep camera customizations of macOS or third-party apps? Time will tell. But one thing’s for sure—ViveTool opens the door for us to play with these developments ahead of time.
What do you think? Are these camera enhancements a game-changer or just minor upgrades? Would you use ViveTool to unlock features waiting in the backstage for public release? Let us know in the comments!
Keep tinkering, and remember—never stop exploring what your Windows PC can do!

Recommended for You:
  • 10 Customization Tools Every Windows 11 User Should Know
  • How to Extract Text from Images on Windows 11
  • How to Enable Notepad Rewrite AI Feature in Windows 11

Source: YTECHB How to Enable Additional Camera Settings in Windows 11
 


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