How to Manage Optional Features in Windows 10?

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There are plethora of optional windows features which we can make use of. Like for instance, if you need to record your gameplay video then you need not to install any third party software. All you have to do is to enable the Game DVR feature and use it.

So, if you want to know how to manage optional features in Windows 10 then you are at the right place. This article will make you aware of the prerequisites for the same.

So, let;s start the process:

How to Manage Optional Features in Windows 10?

So, do you ever wanted to know that what are these optional features in Windows 10 are meant for? What are it’s basic functionality? So, in order to get the answer for this quest, you need to read the following text.

So, you know that there are n number of optional features which are available in Windows 10. So, basically many of these are meant for business or enterprise networks while some of them can be used by any user.

To make you aware of this fact that each and every feature takes up some space in your system and you have the privilege to turn them on or off. Also, it is not like that you should install every other feature that is available as this might make your system vulnerable to any mishappenings.

The availability of the features entirely depends upon the version of the Windows you are using. Like if you are using Windows 10 Enterprise version then you will have access to much more features as compared to the Windows 10 Home Edition.

So, here we are with some of the common features along with their respective works:

Internet Explorer 11: Despite the fact that with the advent of Windows 10, Microsoft has introduced a brand new browser called “Microsoft Edge” but it has continued the Internet Explorer 11 version along with. So, it is available as the optional feature in Windows 10. You can turn it on or off anytime you want.

Internet Information Services: It is useful for managing a server as it provides tools for the same along with Microsoft IIS web and FTP servers.

Isolated User Mode: This mode allows any application to run in a secluded, dedicated space if ever it is programmed to do the mentioned.

Media Features: These features include Windows media player and you can enable or disable it any time.

Microsft Print to PDF: This is quite a useful tool. You can print a document to PDF by using this feature. Like all other features, you can disable and enable it.

Game DVR: All the game enthusiasts, this fetaure might be of some use for you. This can be a great feature for those who make Gameplay videos. This feature allows you to record your game play. Also, you can make use of this feature not just to record games but also to record anything else on your system. So, this is indeed a great feature.

Hyper- V: Do you run a virtual machine over your Windows System? If yes, then this feature might be of some use for you. Hyper-V helps you in managing, creating and using virtual machines.

Embedded Shell Launcher: Want to replace the Explore.exe shell with a custom shell. FOr doing that, you require the Embedded shell launcher. This might come handy for the tech savvy folks out there.

Along with these there are plethore of other features like .Net Framework 3.5, DIrectPlay, MSMO server and many more.

So, let’s see how to manage Windows 10 optional features: 

Step #1: In this very first step, you are required to go to the settings option. For this, you will have to go to start menu and then click on the settings option. This will launch the settings window for you.

If you have done this then you are good to go to the next steps.

Step #2: Once you are at the settings window, then you are now required to click on the “System” option which is usually the very first option. This will take you to another window.

Now, to know what to do next you will have to read further.

Step #3: Now, on the Window which you have got as the result of your recent activity, you need to navigate to the left pane of the window. Now, locate “Apps & Features” and once found, click on it.

Step #4: In the subsequent window, you will have to look for “Manage Optional Features” which is positioned just below the “Apps & Features”.

Now, you can manage optional features. So, if you want to see the features history then you need to click on “See Optional Feature History“. It will show you the optional features history of the last 7 days. So, if you have installed or uninstalled any optional feature in the last 7 days then it will be displayed over there.

To head back to the previous page, you are required to make a click on the back arrow icon positioned at the top of the window.

Also, if you want to add any feature then you need to click on the “Add a feature” option next to which a “+” icon is there. Now, you will have to look for the feature which you want to install. Once found, you now need to click on it and then click on the “Install” button which appears.

Similarly, to uninstall the feature, navigate to the feature, click on it and then click on the “uninstall” button which follows.

So, this is how to add and uninstall optional features in Windows 10? We hope that this article must have helped you in your quest of How to Manage Optional Features in Windows 10?

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arun singh

Arun Singh is a experienced server management geek and he has more than 8 years of experienced handling hosting server and he do sometimes share his knowledge in digital marketing. He currently with private company in Mumbai, India and he handles server management at BloggersIdeas.com.

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