Microsoft Windows includes a wide range of APIs and features designed to empower developers to build powerful applications. However, some functionalities are classified as Limited Access Features (LAF) — special capabilities that require explicit approval from Microsoft before they can be used in an application.

These restrictions exist because some features:

  • Are not yet ready for broad public use (e.g., experimental or in-development APIs).
  • Could be abused by malicious software if made widely available (e.g., deep system access or security-sensitive functions).

To use a Limited Access Feature, developers must request permission from Microsoft and obtain a feature ID and access token. Without approval, calling these APIs will fail. However, the Wireless Communication Library solves this problem and provides a mechanism to unlock any LAF without need to contact the Microsoft.

Why Does Microsoft Restrict Certain Features?

Microsoft implements Limited Access Features to:

  1. Prevent Malicious Use – Some APIs could be exploited for harmful activities (e.g., bypassing security, collecting sensitive data).
  2. Ensure Stability – Experimental features may not be fully tested and could cause system instability.
  3. Control Enterprise & Compliance Needs – Some functions are reserved for trusted developers or enterprise scenarios.

How Limited Access Features Work

Restricted API Access

LAF-protected APIs require: A Feature ID (assigned by Microsoft upon approval); A Runtime Use Token (validates permission during execution). If an app tries to call a restricted API without authorization, the call will fail.

Examples of Limited Access Features

While Microsoft does not publish an exhaustive public list, some known LAFs include:

  • Deep system diagnostics APIs (e.g., low-level hardware access).
  • Advanced security bypass mechanisms (used for debugging but risky if misused).
  • Certain enterprise management functions (e.g., domain policy overrides).
  • Experimental UI/UX features (before public release).

Wireless Communication Library and LAF

The Wireless Communication Library (WCL) provides the wclLafManager class, which enables developers to unlock any Limited Access Feature (LAF) without requiring a formal Microsoft approval request. Additionally, the wclLafManager allows applications to enumerate available LAFs on the system, ensuring that developers can verify whether a required feature is locked before attempting to unlock it.

Prerequisites

Only one prerequisite exists for using the wclLafManager class to unlock Limited Access Features (LAF). Your application must include a specially formatted resource embedded in its executable file. The required resource format is:

Identity LimitedAccessFeature { L"AppName_Publisher" }

where: AppName represents your application's name (for example: LafManager); Publisher is a randomly generated alphabetic string with a fixed length of exactly 13 characters (valid characters: A-Z, a-z). Once this resource is properly embedded in your application's executable file, wclLafManager automatically handles all remaining operations.

The example application with example resource file can be found in our GitHub repository by this link.

How to Unlock the Limited Access Features (LAF)