Microsoft's Secret Tool Turns Fresh Windows 11 Install into Developer Workstation

Microsoft has released an open-source project called Windows Developer Config that automates the setup process for developers on Windows 11. This tool, which is available to anyone, can turn a fresh install of Windows into a ready-to-code machine with just one command.

The setup process typically takes around an hour, and involves manually turning on Developer Mode, file extensions, and hidden files, as well as disabling widgets and other features that developers may not need. However, with Windows Developer Config, all these steps are automated, making it easier for developers to get started quickly.

The tool rebuilds a fresh Windows 11 install in one command, running 50 individual steps across 11 phases. It installs packages such as Visual Studio Code.NET SDK, and PowerShell 7, and also enables features like Developer Mode and Win32 long-path support.