Microsoft looks to be working on a new feature for Windows 11 that will allow the OS to provide haptic responses when interacting with certain parts of the UI. The feature was first spotted by Phantomofearth on X, and is hidden in the latest Windows 11 preview builds.
According to my own sources, the feature is designed to work with haptic trackpads, like the ones found on the Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Laptop Studio. When enabled, doing things like snapping windows side by side or dragging a file between two windows will provide a subtle haptic response.
"Feel subtle vibrations when you snap windows, align objects, and more" reads the setting, which also provides the user with the ability to adjust how strong the haptic feedback is.
I understand that this is a feature that Microsoft has been exploring since 2022, and is something that is designed to add a bit of delightfulness to the OS as you use it. The feature will likely only work on devices with a haptic touchpad or response engine, of course.
Haptic responses have become popular on phones over the last several years. Apple was first to really introduce haptic feedback into its software, and now most high-end Android phones do the same. It's good to see Windows also joining the haptic feedback bandwagon, even if a little late.
Of course, the haptic feedback option will be entirely optional, so if you're someone who doesn't like feeling their device vibrate when they interact with it, you'll be able to leave it off.
The feature that has been discovered in the latest Windows 11 preview builds doesn't appear to work yet, but given that the plumbing for the feature is already being laid in the Windows Settings app, it's only a matter of time before the first working version shows up.
What are your thoughts on haptic responses coming to Windows 11? Let us know in the comments.
What are haptic feedback responses?
A haptic feedback response is a buzz or vibration that you feel when you interact with something on screen. It provides an added layer of context for users that might not know that a task has been successfully achieved based on visuals alone.
What devices with haptic feedback work on?
Devices with a haptic engine, such as those with haptic trackpads will likely be supported. However, it'll likely come down to the OEMs and whether they want to add support for the feature.
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