features.md

Introduction | Download + Installation Guide | Features | Discussions |Hybrid Mode vs Console Mode | Guide to Restoring BCD | Tweak Paradise | Policy Privacy

⚠️ Deprecated Descriptions

This page descriptions is no longer updated.

For the latest news, updates, and documentation, please visit and click below the official website:

HandleOS

• Older information here is kept only for historical reference.

Features

Overview

HandleOS is not just a fast operating system, optimized with debloating techniques or designed with unique wallpapers and icons to stand out from other projects. HandleOS aims to develop open-source tools to enhance the user experience on handheld consoles/PCs, and it is also suitable for tablets or traditional PCs. My goal is to continue advancing the development of handheld computing, making HandleOS a benchmark in the market. While Microsoft focuses on adding AI features and bloated functionalities to their OS, neglecting this important segment for enthusiasts, HandleOS steps in to fill that gap.

This is where Console2Desk and its companions come into play. In this section, I will outline what we have till now. Additional features and future improvements will be detailed in their respective sections.

Console2Desk v4.1.0

Quick Menu

1. Dynamic ON/OFF Icon for Windows Defender:

Windows Defender dynamic icon, Defender can be manually disabled anytime .

ℹ️This working only if you have Tamper Protection - disabled:

Tamper Protection security it is the service that prevents software from turning off the antivirus. I intentionally made in this light way to disable only if you turn off manually the Tamper Protection, because I didn't want the C2D software to be too invasive in this regard.

2. Tweak Paradise:

Starting from C2D ver 3.8.0, a new button has been introduced with a dedicated section for HandleOS users called Tweak Paradise. This is where we'll push the hardware to its limits, offering an array of switches and options to optimize performance (more switches will be added in future updates).

For more details on the available switches, please visit below page: Tweak Paradise.

3. Fix Touch Keyboard:

If you frequently switch between Desktop Mode and Hybrid Mode / Console Mode in quick succession, Windows may sometimes encounter a bug that causes the Touch Keyboard to pop up every time you interact with the system using your XBOX controller.

What This Button Does

The Fix Touch Keyboard button provides a solution by resetting the Touch Keyboard service. When you press this button, a prompt will appear with three options:

• Yes: This resets the Touch Keyboard service. A small countdown (approximately 5 seconds) will appear while the reset is in progress.

  • No: This completely disables the Touch Keyboard, preventing it from appearing if the bug persists.
  • Cancel: This does nothing and simply closes the prompt.

  Additional Steps if the Issue Persists:

  If the Touch Keyboard still appears after selecting Yes, try the following steps:
  -- Close the Virtual Touch Keyboard Manually:

• If the keyboard still appears, close it by clicking the X button in the window to prevent further interruptions.

  -- Run the Fix Touch Keyboard Function Again:

  • Press the Fix Touch Keyboard button once more to ensure the service is fully reset.

  -- Use the Controller While Resetting:

• Move the D-Pad left and right and press some buttons while the Fix Touch Keyboard function is running (for about 5 seconds) to verify that input is being registered correctly.

  This feature ensures to correct if the bug appears in the Touch Keyboard and behaves correctly.

PS:Close the Keyboard Again after reset with Yes or No choice , if necessary, because could pop-up the Touch Keyboard again for just a time , and press the X on the main window of the Keyboard to close it manually, and the bug should disappear. This process should address the issue and prevent the keyboard from reappearing.

4. GPU Center:

The AMD, Intel, and NVIDIA buttons are designed to open their respective GPU control panels for quick access to graphics settings.

• If any of these buttons do not work on your device, please let me know. Some Handled installations may differ, which can prevent the GPU settings panel from opening / appear. In such cases, we can add the necessary configuration to ensure compatibility.

5. Custom Apps:

Quick Access to your Favourite Applications in Console2Desk

A new feature has been added to Console2Desk (C2D), allowing you to register up to three favourites applications for quick access directly from the main UI.

Three cross-shaped boxes are now available for adding your preferred apps, supporting both mouse and touch screen interaction:

🔹 Using a Mouse

• Right-click on one of the three cross icons to open a pop-up window where you can browse and select your favorite application.
• Left-click on an added application icon to launch the app
• To remove an app from its box, double-click the icon with the left mouse button—a confirmation message will appear before deletion.

🔹 Using a Touch Screen

• Press and hold on one of the adding cross icons for at least 3 seconds to open the pop-up window and select your app.
• One tap on an added application icon will launch the app.
• To remove an app, double-tap the icon, and a confirmation message will appear before deletion.

This feature makes launching frequently used applications faster and more intuitive, whether you're using a mouse or a touchscreen device.

6. VRAM+ Configuration – When and How to Use It:

⚠️ Important: Those Switches should not be used frequently. It should be set once or at most twice, as repeatedly changing it may cause excessive fragmentation of your SSD/NVMe, potentially reducing its performance over time.

Primarily it's useful to use it at the beginning of your OS installation or after upgrading your RAM.

Below is a breakdown of when to use this menu and what each VRAM+ switch does:

Default HandleOS VRAM Management

The latest version of HandleOS includes optimizations for memory management, making it sufficient for most scenarios.
For example, if you have 16GB of physical RAM, the pre-configured HandleOS 8GB of virtual RAM (for an APU scenario) is typically enough for both the System and GPU.

However, for specific cases, you may need to adjust VRAM settings manually using the available three switches:

1️⃣ VRAM OFF (First Switch - Left)

• Enable this switch if you have 32GB or more of RAM.
• This disables extra VRAM allocation, ensuring your system relies on its physical RAM without unnecessary virtual memory usage.

2️⃣ Standard HandleOS VRAM (Second Switch - Middle)

• This it's default HandleOS settings, or this switch should only be used in two specific cases:
  • If your system has less than 2GB of RAM.
  • If your system has exactly 24GB of RAM.

3️⃣ VRAM+ for limited RAM and run AAA Games (Third Switch - Right)

• This switch is essential for handheld devices with limited RAM (the range it's 4GB to 16GB).
• Activating VRAM+ ensures that demanding AAA games—such as Hellblade 2 or Alan Wake 2—can run without encountering GPU memory errors.
• Some first-generation handheld devices cannot launch these games on stock Windows due to insufficient physical GPU memory, but VRAM+ helps this limitation.

Final Recommendation

The "Not-Ready to Defrag!" button is a dynamic control designed to optimize disk defragmentation by ensuring a clean VRAM configuration before the process begins. It is recommended to use this feature when you want apply the defragmentation to your system with your preferred Defragmentation Software, approximately should be every six months for normal user , to maintain disk health and prevent excessive data fragmentation.

Before starting the defragmentation, first set VRAM to "OFF", then press the "Not-Ready to Defrag!" button to switch it to "Ready to Defrag!" mode. This step resets any previously applied VRAM settings, ensuring a thorough and efficient defragmentation process for your disk health.

After rebooting your system, temporarily disabling any your antivirus software, and proceed with SSD/HDD defragmentation. Once the process is complete, you can reapply your preferred VRAM configuration and then press the "Ready to Defrag!" button again to return it to its default "Not-Ready to Defrag!" state.

By following this procedure, you ensure that your system remains responsive while preventing long-term data fragmentation, keeping your storage optimized for better performance.

7. HandleOS NEWS:

A small window that keeps us updated on different HandleOS news!

• Dynamic icon: Displays and alerts users on how many controllers are connected. New feature from 3.0.0 now C2D support up to 4 Controllers.

• PayPal: As you might guess, this is the donation section where you can donate directly to me and support the HandleOS / C2D project if you enjoyed it.

8. Info controller Connected

Displays how many controllers are currently connected to the PC. This is useful to verify whether the system detects the controllers and whether Console2Desk (C2D) recognizes them as well, allowing their use as mouse and keyboard input.

You can disable this controller check and the Mouse/Keyboard simulator while C2D is running by using Tweak Paradise, through the Input2Desk switch found on the second page of the Microsoft section.

9. Settings Menu

Animated button, to open the Settings Menu, which will be discussed later below.

10. Button New Version

This button appears only when a new version of C2D and its components is available on the GitHub site. When clicked, it starts a download progress circle animation, and once the download is complete, the installation procedure will appear.

If no new version is available, the button will not be shown on the main screen.

11. Commands Info:

The Info button will display a window, as shown in the image below, indicating the Mouse/Keyboard commands that your XBOX controller takes over while Console2Desk is active. From version 3.0.0 C2D it supports up to 4 Controllers simultaneously to get mouse and Keyboard behaviour .This feature helps users navigate seamlessly without needing to use a mouse or keyboard, making it easier to control the system purely with a game controller.

⚠️ If you need to browse through folders or perform various operations in system menus, it's recommended to keep C2D minimized during these tasks, as leaving the window normal may interfere with smooth navigation in the system.

12. About:

Button About to check the software version or click the icon to visit my account with some general info about C2D.

13. Desktop Mode:

Button Desktop Mode to switch from Hybrid Mode or Console Mode back to Desktop Mode , in case you need to do something temporary or use your handheld or PC as Desktop in the classic Windows Environment.

14. Hybrid Mode:

Hybrid Mode offers a unique and advanced functionality that differs from Console Mode. In this mode, you gain the ability to run any application or system function that would typically cause errors or be inaccessible the UWP Windows apps in Console Mode—such as Windows Settings, Microsoft Store, GamePass, Asus Armoury Crate for Handled and more.

In Hybrid Mode, the Windows UI is suppressed. This means that Windows operates as if it's running normally, but without displaying its default UI. This creates a seamless integration, allowing for system-level functionality while giving us the flexibility to manipulate the user interface.

One of the key features of Hybrid Mode is the custom context menu called HandleOS Touch Menu that replace Windows context menu and appears when navigating through folders. This menu is specifically designed for Handled Touch Screen devices as below picture.

This approach unlocks a wealth of possibilities for us. You can maintain a fully functional Windows environment while manipulating and even replacing its UI with something new, custom interface, all while keeping the underlying Windows operations intact.

15. Desktop Temporary Mode:

This button helps you switch to Desktop Mode temporarily without making the change permanent after a reboot. It is especially useful when you need to perform temporary tasks in Desktop Mode, such as system configurations or working with desktop-specific applications.

Once you reboot the device, it will automatically return to Hybrid Mode or Console Mode (depending on which mode was active from Desktop Mode previously).

16. Console Mode:

Console Mode is a more legacy method that differs significantly from Hybrid Mode. It is ideal for users who do not require Windows' full UI services and are focused primarily on running classic .exe applications, which do not rely on the Windows graphical interface and services.

This mode is highly suitable for those who want to maximize system performance by limiting unnecessary background processes and services associated with the UI. If you are one of these users and your applications don't require advanced UI Modern features/ services, switching to Console Mode is a great option to free up some system resources and improve overall performance.

17. Animated Audio sidebar:

Animated audio sidebar to control system volume.

18. Animated Brightness sidebar:

Animated sidebar to control system brightness.

19. Animated Arrow Button:

This button expands or collapses the control panel with animated effects.

20. Minimize/Restore/Open - Heroic/Steam/Playnite:

This button maximizes, minimizes, and re-opens (if mistakenly closed) the pre-configured program for Hybrid Mode and Console Mode, but specially it's coded to work with the 3 most famous launchers.

21. Animated SSD Temperature Monitoring:

Animated monitoring of the SSD temperature for the primary disk, with visual alerts when temperature thresholds are exceeded — essential for handheld devices or small form factor barebone PCs.

22. Wifi Settings:

Desktop Mode: As shown in the image below, this buttons it open the classic Windows Menu for managing WiFi networks.

Hybrid Mode /Console Mode: In these two modes, I have redesigned the WiFi interface from the ground up to work seamlessly within C2D. This mode offers an experience closely mirroring Windows, directly integrated into C2D. A preview is shown in the image below:

23. Power System Menu:

Provides quick access to power options, including system shutdown, restart, reboot to BIOS, and monitor power-off, all integrated into the C2D interface.

---

Menu Settings

1. Restore the Pause Windows Upgrades
   As the name suggests, if you want to pause updates again (after reactivated by Windows Settings) to limit background services, this button will pause the updates, until the year 3000.

2. File Explorer As Admin
   As the name implies, this opens File Explorer with full Administration privileges in case you're in Console Mode .

3. Touch Screen Enable / Disable
   For some games, this allows you to disable/re-enable the device touchscreen, as there are some games where the touchscreen messes up with the controls. This function enables/disables the touchscreen.

4. Xinput Test
   As shown in the picture below, this is an interactive section where you can test your buttons to ensure they are calibrated correctly and also test if the speakers or other hardware components are working properly.

5. HandleOS Launcher Settings:

This section allows you to configure how HandleOS launches your preferred programs, games, or launchers instead of Windows UI. You can choose between Console Mode and Hybrid Mode, each offering different levels of Windows UI integration (here it's the guide of these 2 options Hybrid Mode vs Console Mode). Below are the five key features available in this settings window:

1️⃣. Console Mode Launcher
This option allows you to set a launcher, game, or application to start in Console Mode, replacing the Windows UI. Console Mode is a more restrictive, legacy-friendly environment that disables most Windows UI elements to free up system resources. Before enabling this mode, click the link above to understand the differences between Hybrid Mode and Console Mode.

2️⃣. Preconfigured Launcher Selection
In this section, you can select from three popular preconfigured launchers: Playnite, Heroic, or Steam (Steam must be installed separately). Once you choose one and only in this section, a confirmation window will appear, as shown in the image below to understand if you want set only for Hybrid Mode or Console Mode:

In this second window, you can specify whether you want your selected launcher to start in Hybrid Mode or Console Mode. If you're unsure which to choose, refer to this guide: [Hybrid Mode vs Console Mode]. After making your choice, click Save (see point 5).

Once saved, your chosen launcher will automatically start every time HandleOS boots, as long as you have selected the corresponding mode in the main settings window (Hybrid Mode or Console Mode). If you select Console Mode, the Windows UI will be completely disappear, creating a console-like experience.
To return to the standard Windows Desktop, use the Console2Desk shortcut keys combination (explained in another section of the guide or in the main page project) and switch back to Desktop Mode.

3️⃣. Clear Hybrid Mode Button
This button is specifically for Hybrid Mode users. Since Hybrid Mode allows full compatibility with standard Windows applications, this button lets you clear any previously set programs for Hybrid Mode (configured in points 2 or 4) as otherwise when you switch back to Hybrid Mode will launch the software already set previously.

Why is this needed? Some Microsoft Store apps, UWP programs, or applications in restricted directories (such as Asus Armoury Crate for ROG Ally or Game Pass) may be configured to launch automatically at system startup. In these cases, there’s no need to manually set them as startup applications within HandleOS. Instead, Hybrid Mode simply removes the Windows UI while letting these applications launch on their own. Anyway, this button provides users with greater flexibility by allowing them to clear any previously set launchers if needed.

4️⃣. Hybrid Mode Launcher
Similar to the Console Mode Launcher option, this setting allows you to specify a Custom launcher, game, or application to start in Hybrid Mode instead of Windows UI. Hybrid Mode maintains full Windows compatibility while removing completely the Windows UI.

5️⃣. Barebone Mode
The Barebone Mode is an optional feature available in the Launcher Settings, designed to offer a minimalist, console-like startup experience by hiding all branding elements typically shown during boot — such as the PC or handheld manufacturer logos. This mode is particularly useful when paired with Console Mode or Hybrid Mode, to maintain visual immersion from power-on to full interface.

• When you click the button, if Barebone Mode is active, the text will turn BLUE and the Windows logo will appear crossed out. Clicking it again while in Barebone Mode will revert the icon to the regular Windows logo (not crossed out), and the text will turn GREEN with the label Normal Boot.

IMPORTANT: "Barebone Mode is applied instantly — no need to press the Save button."

​ ⚙️ Please note:

• The Barebone Mode only removes software-level branding and overlays. If you wish to hide the pre-boot hardware/BIOS manufacturer logo (e.g., ASUS, GPD), this must be done manually from the device's BIOS settings, usually under options like “Splash Screen” or “Boot Animation.” However, most handheld devices do not expose such settings.
• I avoided disabling those BIOS logos through unofficial methods, as it would require modifying signed BIOS files, disabling Secure Boot, and could lead to system instability or reduced security for the user — which is strongly discouraged for safety reasons. However, if you disable the logo manually from the BIOS settings, that’s perfectly fine.

6️⃣. Save Button
After configuring your preferred launcher, game, or application, in one of the above points you must click the Save button to store your settings. If you do not save your changes, your configurations will not take effect when switching to Hybrid Mode or Console Mode.

6. Install/Uninstall MS Store (the button it's dynamic, and changes the words on base if the MS Store it's installed or not)
   This button installs and uninstalls the MS Store. Unlike other projects out there, an external downloaded package is not used; instead, I use a restore technique for the original MS Store from the official Windows ISO to increase data security. The words and function, are dynamically animated on base if you have installed or uninstalled the MS Store in your system.

7. HandleOS Benchmark

   

   From Version of 2.7.0, C2D has a new companion for our handhelds: the new HandleOS Benchmark. This tool, revived from the past and completely redesigned and rebuilt from the ground up, offers more consistent scores based on averages directly from Windows 7.

8. HandleOS Restore Boost:

   

   Exclusively for HandleOS users, designed to maintain system performance and prevent slowdowns after Windows updates.

   This page is one of the most important features of HandleOS and will continue to evolve over time. Here, you will find several buttons, but the main one is "Start Restore". The other options provide additional functionalities or useful information. Let's go through them one by one:

   1. Informative List
      This list highlights what Microsoft may attempt to reinstall or modify silently after a Windows update. It helps you decide whether you need to reapply HandleOS settings to block unwanted changes—like AI or background services—and preserve both privacy and performance.

   2. Disable Edge, OneDrive & all AI Services Reinstallation (Checkbox)
      Keep this checkbox enabled if you do not use Edge or OneDrive (strongly recommended not to use them), and want to block both visible and hidden AI services like Copilot, Recall, and others that Microsoft silently installs in the background. Even if you manually uninstall these components, Microsoft often reinstalls them during system updates or adds background services that collect user data. Over time, update after update, these elements may gradually be restored without your consent.

      Auto Fix WiFi
      This Checkbox, auto-restores WiFi functionality in case the icon it disappears from the Windows taskbar after Restored the Boost, If you have or need Wifi keep this Checkbox, checked.

   3. Rockstar Launcher Fix & EA Games Performance Fix (Checkbox)

      • Rockstar Launcher Fix: HandleOS applies strict privacy rules to keep all data local and prevent outbound telemetry. However, the Rockstar Launcher depends on certain Windows services to function properly, which may involve limited outbound connectivity. Enabling this fix restores the necessary components for Rockstar to launch and operate correctly—without weakening HandleOS's overall privacy model.

      • EA Games Performance Fix: Some EA games (like FC25 or others using both Steam + EA Desktop) can suffer from severe performance issues on ultra-optimized systems. This is due to how multiple anti-cheat engines, dual launcher overlays, and EA telemetry interfere with proper power distribution to the GPU, causing stuttering, delayed rendering, or low GPU usage. Enabling this fix adjusts system behavior to correct power allocation and improve stability and performance in affected EA titles.

        IMPORTANT: "Rockstar Launcher Fix & EA Games Performance Fix is applied instantly — no need to press the Start Boost button."

   4. Start Boost (Main Button)
      This is the primary button for applying HandleOS system restoration settings. Once started, you must wait for the process to complete before closing this page.

9. HandleOS Hibernation / Sleep / Standby:

   

   Starting from C2D ver 3.8.0, this button opens a menu to fully reactivate the functionalities of Sleep Mode and Hibernate Mode. In the opened window, it explains the Pros and Cons of enabling these features, as HandleOS has them disabled by default. But let's dive in here below:

• Pros to Re-enable

  1. Energy Efficiency: Re-enabling hibernation or hybrid sleep allows you to put your Handled/PC in a Low-Power State, reducing energy consumption.
  2. Fast Resume: Hybrid sleep combines the benefits of sleep and hibernation, allowing faster resume times compared to a full shutdown.
  3. Data Safety: Preventing data loss if it's in Sleep Mode, avoid system corruption on resume stage.
  4. Convenience: It provides the ability to quickly resume work without rebooting.

• Cons to Re-enable

  1. Increased Disk Writes: Enabling these features increases continuous disk writes, typically consuming around 75% of your system's RAM in disk space.
  2. Performance Degradation: Continuous background operations like disk writes increase the workload on the CPU and other components. Potentially causing a slight degradation in performance and keep stressing the SSD.
  3. SSD Lifespan: With frequent disk writes, SSDs experience reduced lifespan compared to systems with hibernation and hybrid sleep disabled.
  4. BIOS Configuration: If C-States (power-saving states) were previously disabled in the BIOS, they need to be re-enabled for proper energy savings.

10. Windows Defender Settings: In Desktop Mode and Hybrid Mode (but not in Console Mode), clicking this button will open the Windows Defender settings.

11. Task Manager: Clicking this button will open the Windows Task Manager, providing quick access regardless of the mode you're in.

12. Coming Soon...

13. HandleOS ISO Creator:

    Clicking this button downloads the HandleOS ISO Creator, a portable tool that allows you to build a custom, legal HandleOS installation ISO using official Microsoft ISO files.

    📌 Key Features:

    • Replaces tools like Rufus in the HandleOS workflow.
    • Works on both Windows and Linux (Wine, not deep tested).
    • Supports 10 languages (including English, Italian, Spanish, German, French, Japanese, Chinese, Arabic, Russian, Hindi).
    • Allows you to:
      • Create just the ISO,
      • Create a bootable USB,
      • Or do both in one process.

    📂 Extras:

    • Includes the “MyApps” feature: you can add your own folder containing drivers or software, which will be embedded into the final ISO or USB stick.

    ℹ️ Notes:

    • A built-in guide provides basic steps for creating your own ISO. However, no support is offered for advanced custom ISOs due to the complexity of coordination required.
    • Ideal for users who want to stay aligned with the official HandleOS format and avoid inconsistencies caused by manual script editing.

14. Join our server family!:

    Clicking this button will take you directly to the HandleOS community page, where you can connect with other users, share experiences, and get support.

---

HandleOS Pointer Design from:

(The work on the pointer design is thanks to by_rosea92)

From HandleOS 23H2v2 New Icons and Playnite Forwarder

• New File Explorer Icon: Redesigned for better consistency of style.

  Reference image:

• New Playnite Forwarder: Quickly access the Tools folder for frequently used system utilities.

  Reference image:

- What are Forwarders?

Forwarders are small helper tools for the Playnite UI. They allow Playnite to open system components, like File Explorer, and then go into the background, letting you perform your tasks without Playnite's limitations. These forwarders are simple floating buttons; when clicked, they close the forwarder and components and return Playnite to full-screen mode, ready for use again.

​

HotKeys4Console2Desk

Above looking Version 4.1.0

HotKeys4Console2Desk is the lightweight assistant and it's so much important for Console2Desk, and from version 3.0.0 it supports up to 4 Controllers simultaneously. It's an application/service that runs in the background without a graphical interface, except for its presence in the System Tray and it's Menu tools. Above, you can see images showing its appearance in the system tray, where we have an icon, and right-clicking on it reveals other secondary options.

The Autorun CMD service of HotKeys4Console2Desk it's as the picture below:

This service better to don't turn OFF otherwise will not work some of the C2D components including all the shortcuts:

• Keyboard

  • CTRL+SHIFT+F7 = Opens Console2Desk
  • CTRL+SHIFT+F5 = Default call to open HandleOS TabView

• Controller/Gamepad

  • SELECT+START = Opens Console2Desk (with a small vibration)
  • SELECT+LB+RB = Default call to open HandleOS TabView. You can change this setting through the menu in the System Tray.

Now, as we can see above in the image of HotKeys4Console2Desk Menu, there are 14 voice options:

• Project site for Updates / Donate
  This option allows you to visit the HandleOS page for updates or to check out various sections.

• Show Version
  As the name suggests, it will show you the current version installed on your system.

• Change Computer Icon
  A utility that lets you change the desktop icon of your handheld. More icons for other devices on the market will be added in the future. If your device's icon is missing, please write to me in the Discussions section of the HandleOS project.

  

• Cursor Theme Dark/Light Switch Mouse Pointer theme between Light Mode and Dark Mode when using Desktop Mode.

• Handheld Mode ON/OFF

  When enabled, this mode increases the size of all UI elements in Windows, making them more suitable for small screens. It enhances readability and accessibility, ensuring a more comfortable experience on handheld devices.

• TaskBar Tablet Mode ON/OFF Button to transform the Windows messages and Taskbar into Tablet Mode, perfect feature for handheld devices. (Thanks to @alcopsy)

  

• Clipboard history ON/OFF

  Since HandleOS disables it by default, to minimize background services, users who need this feature can now reactivate it via the HotKeys4Console2Desk menu. (Thanks to @alcopsy)

• Microsoft using your Webcam ON/OFF No one knows exactly what this service does, but it is called Device Census or devicecensus.exe. It is a legitimate Microsoft application that helps determine which build of Windows 10/11 you can upgrade to without encountering issues. Device Census is believed to have appeared during the Windows 10 2004 May Update, which was delayed for months due to hardware incompatibility. This service is also related to your webcam and its functionality. Since there is no clear documentation available on its exact role, I have included this switch in HandleOS. This allows you to enable or disable it in case you experience problems with your camera after installation. After ON or OFF better to restart the system to apply the changes.

• Print Service ON/OFF
  To limit Windows background services, the print services have been disabled. If you need a printer, you can enable or disable these background services with a simple click.

• Update Service ON/OFF
  This usually doesn't need to be touched, as the services should work manually by default if you want to update the operating system. However, if something goes wrong, this option reactivates the background services automatically, and you can disable them again once finished to keep the system lightweight.

• Splash Video ON/OFF
  This option disables the HandleOS splash video that plays at every first launch of Playnite in Desktop Mode. Alternatively, you can keep it active or change the boot/waiting video that plays while Playnite loads.

• Microsoft Defender Auto-Disable ON/OFF

  

  To ensure a non-intrusive approach, Tamper Protection must be disabled (as the picture above) for this feature to work properly. Instead of forcing deep system modifications, this function automatically disables Windows Defender at every startup in a less invasive way.

  When Microsoft Defender Auto-Disable ON/OFF it's enabled, Windows Defender remains permanently disabled, helping to improve gaming performance by freeing up system resources. If you wish to re-enable the antivirus, simply disable this function, and Windows Defender will function as usual again.

• **Configure Switch Buttons to open HandleOS TabView **
  This option it's to customize controller/handled buttons for switching between active system windows.

  

  Below, you'll find the list of button combinations. Additionally, in an emergency, you can call up Console2Desk from anywhere on your computer if needed.

  About Configure Switch Buttons, the key combinations are as follows:

  • SELECT+LB+RB = As Default, switch between applications (with a small vibration).
  • Configure Switch Buttons = Customize your own buttons to open HandleOS TabView (with a small vibration).

  NOTE: SELECT button which means BACK button on XBOX controller - and the switch function has two methods. We learned that Lenovo Legion Go uses combinations with SELECT+LB or RB, which can cause conflicts with switch application buttons. Therefore, if you have this problem with default configurations SELECT+LB+RB , now you can Configure Switch Buttons.

• Exit

  If you experience issues with the program/service or encounter problems with anti-cheats—such as in Apex Legends, which restricts background applications that use shortcut keys—you may need to temporarily exit HotKeys4Console2Desk to run the game without interference.

  However, this is not recommended, as HotKeys4Console2Desk provides several useful functions that we will explore shortly. If you are in game in Hybrid Mode or Console Mode, for now the unique way it's to use Windows Terminal to run Console2Desk if needed.

HotKeys4Console2Desk doesn't just stop there. When you plug in or unplug the charger, respective sounds will play along with a charging icon appearing. If you're gaming and don't notice the battery level, from 20% battery onward, you'll be notified every 5% with the respective icon, so you can save your gaming sessions in time.

AudioCCMode Volume Control for Console Mode (Version 2.2.0 and later)

With version 2.2.0, HandleOS introduces a new feature for managing physical volume buttons in Console Mode. Previously, volume adjustments using physical buttons were not supported in this mode.

Now, thanks to the new AudioCCMode service, HandleOS can handle all physical volume buttons while in Console Mode. This enhancement allows you to adjust the volume directly using the hardware buttons on your device, providing greater convenience and control over your audio settings without needing to navigate through on-screen menus.

HandleOS TabView from v4.0.0 – Rewritten from scratch in C

In response to user feedback, I have completely rewritten the code for **HandleOS TabView** from scratch in **C**, starting with **version 4.1.0**. This update allows for more reliable interaction with the operating system and introduces new effects in it.

You can now invoke HandleOS TabView not only with a controller by using BACK+LB+RB but also via keyboard using the default shortcut CTRL+SHIFT+F5 that can be changed from the Configuration window by the small Menu from the System Tray icon HotKeys4Console2Desk please have a look on a voice Configure Switch Buttons to open HandleOS TabView .

• CTRL+SHIFT+F5 (From Keyboard ) = open HandleOS TabView move with arrows Left and Right and press ENTER to select the Background App.

• It provides two modes for interacting with your Background applications:

  • Informational View:
    Shows a preview of the windows you're switching in between and will automatically close after about five seconds if no selection is made.

  • Interactive View:
    Navigate through apps using the D-Pad Left or Right Arrows on your controller to move between applications and press A to select an app.

In addition to these improvements, you can still utilize multitasking features to switch between apps when running a scaling application alongside your game.
This dual functionality streamlines the process of managing multiple windows efficiently.

---

Deprecated old HandleOS Tab View Version from 2.2.0 to 3.8.9

You can also use the multitasking function to switch between apps if you're running a scaling app in parallel with your game.

Starting from version 2.2.0, HandleOS Tab View is an enhanced window switching experience in Console Mode.

You can use HandleOS Tab View in two ways:

1. Informational View: This mode displays a preview of the windows you're switching between. The view will automatically close after approximately 5 seconds if no selection is made.
2. Interactive View: Use BACK+LB and then press RB to move between apps.
   • OR as second option, use the D-Pad on your controller to navigate/jump through the available apps. And then press A button, to select the app and close the Tab View .

This dual functionality makes it easier to manage your switch between windows more efficiently.