Author Topic: Mach2 - Windows 10 search for new functions and apply [Update]  (Read 109 times)

Offline javajolt

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The Windows 10 Insider versions often or even always come with hidden functions and switches that we never get to see. Rafael Rivera developed Mach2 for this, which he has been working on for a few months, and has now made it available on GitHub.

The Windows Feature Control is integrated in the system so that unfinished functions are not displayed to the user. So the code is already integrated, the developers can continue working, but we don't see it yet. That saves development costs. This is where Mach2 comes into play. It scans the functions in the system and these can then be activated or deactivated. As an example, Rafael found a function in the Contacts app in Build 16184. See picture 2 (just enlarge).



“Mach2 works with feature IDs for the majority of its operations. But finding interesting features to turn it on and off can be a tedious task, so it includes a scanning feature. This function scans Microsoft Program Database (PDB) files for feature symbols and collects them for review. A user can then review the results and the selection of features that warrant further investigation. "

“With a feature ID in hand, Mach2 can activate or deactivate a feature on the local system. Both actions generate the configuration status for the feature and set the feature to activated or deactivated. The user can also choose whether he would like to restore the standard configuration, ie whether he would like to switch the feature on or off himself. "

“While the tool can manipulate feature states, the feature itself ensures that the status is maintained. That means it can ignore its configured state. Various factors, including what is known internally as the staging configuration, can determine whether a feature respects its configurable state or not. "

It's an interesting story. So we will certainly be able to try out hidden features more often in the future that shouldn't actually be accessible to the public yet. Whether these functions will eventually come is a different story. The only important thing is: “Switching on unfinished functions can completely destroy your Windows installation. This is not Fast Ring Code - this is pure developer stuff. "

Start Mach2 and try it out

[Update]: A quick update. I downloaded the current 0.0.3.0 once under the tab releases and unzipped it. Then open the File Explorer tab at the top with PowerShell (Administrator) and enter . \ Mach2.exe -help and press Enter. Now all the possibilities that Mach2 offers are displayed. Entering . \ Mach2.exe display shows the activated, deactivated and standard functions. So currently there doesn't seem to be any new features. If new functions are to be activated, enter. \ Mach2.exe enable string of numbers . To deactivate . \ Mach2.exe disable string of numbers .



More information about Mach2

github.com/riverar/mach2

github.com/riverar/mach2/ releases

source