Microsoft PowerToys is a very popular application for increasing productivity for Windows users.
To be able to use Microsoft PowerToys, the operating system you are using is at least Windows 11 or Windows 10 v1903 (18362) or later.
Utilities on PowerToys
Currently, twelve utilities are available on PowerToys, the following utilities and their explanations are quoted by Bardimin from Microsoft.
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1. Always on Top
Always on Top enables you to pin windows on top of all other windows with a quick key shortcut (⊞ Win+Ctrl+T).
2. PowerToys Awake
PowerToys Awake is designed to keep your computer awake without having to manage its power & sleep settings. This behavior can be helpful when running time-consuming tasks, ensuring that the computer doesn’t sleep or turning off its screen.
3. Color Picker
Color Picker is a system-wide color retrieval utility that is activated with ( Win + Shift + C ) . Choose a color from running applications, the picker automatically copies the color to your clipboard in the set format. The Color Picker also contains an editor that shows the history of the previously selected color, allowing you to fine-tune the selected color and copy different representations of the string. This code is based on Martin Chrzan ‘s Color Picker .
4. FancyZones
FancyZones is a window manager that makes it easy to create complex window layouts and quickly position windows into those layouts.
5. File Explorer add-ons
The File Explorer add-on enables the rendering of the preview pane in File Explorer to show SVG ( .svg ), Markdown (.md) icons and preview PDF files. To enable the preview pane , select the “View” tab in File Explorer, then select ” Preview Pane “.
6. Image Resizer
Image Resizer is a Windows Shell extension to quickly resize images. With a simple right-click from File Explorer, resize single or multiple images instantly. This code is based on Brice Lambson’s Image Modifier.
7. Keyboard Manager
Keyboard Manager allows you to customize your keyboard to be more productive by remapping keys and creating your own keyboard shortcuts. This PowerToy requires Windows 10 1903 (build 18362) or later.
8. Mouse utilities
The mouse utility adds functionality to enhance your mouse and cursor. With Find My Mouse, find your mouse position quickly with a spotlight focused on your cursor. This feature is based on the source code developed by Raymond Chen.
9. PowerRename
PowerRename allows you to perform bulk renaming, search and rename files. It includes advanced features, such as using regular expressions, targeting specific file types, previewing expected results, and the ability to undo changes. This code is based on Chris Davis ‘ SmartRename.
10. PowerToys Run
PowerToys Run can help you find and launch your apps instantly – just press the shortcut ( Alt + Space ) and start typing. It is open-source and modular for additional plugins. Window Walker is now included as well. This PowerToy requires Windows 10 1903 (build 18362) or later.
11. Shortcut Guide
The Windows key shortcut wizard appears when the user presses ( Win + Shift + / ) (or as we think, ( Win +? ) and shows the available shortcuts for the current desktop state. You can also change this setting and press and hold ( Win ).
12. Video Conference Mute
Video Conference Mute is a quick way to “mute” your microphone and camera globally using ( Win + Shift + Q ) when making a conference call, regardless of the application that currently has focus. This requires Windows 10 1903 (build 18362) or later.
How to install PowerToys
Install via GitHub
- Visit the Microsoft PowerToys GitHub releases page .
- Select the PowerToysSetup – 0.# #.#-x64.exe file for your download.
- After the download is complete, open the downloaded file and run it to start the installation and follow the installation instructions.
Install via Microsoft Store
- Open the Microsoft Store.
- Type “ powertoys ” in the search field and press the search button.
- Open Microsoft PowerToys and click the “Install” button
