Windows 11 Introduces Customizable Verbose Mode for Enhanced User Control

Enhancing Your Windows 11 Experience

Windows 11, while not as flexible as Linux in terms of customization, offers a variety of options for users to tailor their computing experience. From adjusting the Start menu and Taskbar to enhancing the context menu’s functionality, the operating system provides numerous avenues for personalization.

Among these features is the Verbose mode, which presents a concise overview of system processes during startup and shutdown. Although it may not appeal to the average user, these status messages can be invaluable for diagnosing issues, particularly when a system fails to boot properly. Here are three methods to enable Verbose mode on Windows 11.

Enabling Verbose Mode Using System Configuration

The System Configuration utility offers a straightforward approach to activate Verbose mode. Follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the Start menu and select Run.
2. Type msconfig in the Run window and click OK.
3. Navigate to the Boot tab in the System Configuration window.
4. Check the box next to OS boot information and click OK.
5. Restart your PC when prompted.

Upon rebooting, you will see the Verbose mode messages displayed on your screen.

Enabling Verbose Mode via Registry Editor

For those comfortable with the Registry Editor, this tool can also be used to enable Verbose mode. However, caution is advised, as improper changes can lead to system instability. Here’s how to proceed:

Before accessing the Registry Editor, ensure you understand the risks involved. Mistakes can result in irreversible damage to your operating system and files.

1. Open the Run utility again and enter regedit, then press OK.
2. In the Registry Editor, paste the following path into the search bar:
   Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
3. Right-click in the right pane and select DWORD (32-bit) Value from the New menu.
4. Name this variable verbosestatus.
5. Double-click on it and set the Value data to 1.
6. Click OK and restart your PC.

Enabling Verbose Mode via the Group Policy Editor (Only on Windows 11 Pro)

If you prefer a less technical route, the Group Policy Editor offers a safer alternative for enabling Verbose mode, though it is only available on Windows 11 Pro. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Run window and type gpedit.msc, then hit OK.
2. Navigate to the System section within Administrative Templates.
3. Locate and double-click on the Display highly detailed status messages option.
4. Select the radio button for Enabled and click OK.
5. Reboot your system to apply the changes.

Making Windows 11 More Chatty with Verbose Mode

With Verbose mode activated, your PC will now display detailed statistics during startup and shutdown. Beyond this feature, Windows 11 offers various tools to monitor system performance, such as the Services utility and Task Manager. For those deeply invested in system diagnostics, the Event Viewer provides a comprehensive log of errors and warnings, ensuring that users can keep a close eye on their system’s health.