Microsoft PowerToys

Microsoft PowerToys is a system utility that can help all users of Windows 10 and Windows 11 to unlock a wide array of additional functionalities.

The Most Useful App for Windows 11 and Windows 10.



Originally offered more than two decades ago to Windows 95 users, this latest version of system shell configuration abilities is especially useful for users who want to take full advantage of the Windows 10/11 OS environment and gain access to numerous tweaks, shortcuts, and abilities that are not natively supported by this versatile OS.

Even users who have never heard of the PowerToys app are often surprised about numerous tweaks, shortcuts, and advantages that are offered in the three basic sections of the app – FancyZones, PowerRename, and Shortcut Guide.

FancyZones is an advanced desktop tool that can predetermine custom zones to which active app windows can snap into. The default Windows support for this feature includes automatic full-screen resize and snapping of the app on the left or right half of the screen.

With FancyZones, users can greatly expand the grid of snappable zones and even created their own fully customized grids. This feature is especially useful for users whose daily work procedure involves working with many active windows of all sizes. Once Grid is made, windows can be snapped to it by simply pressing Ctrl+Shift buttons while moving the app window.



PowerRename is a unlock for Windows Shell that provides access to the bulk rename tool. Once active, users can simply access it via the regular Search and Replace tool of File Explorer. This tool is highly useful for users who manage dozens and hundreds of files in File Explorer and are in needed to properly rename them before storing or using them.

Shortcut Guide is a simple but highly useful overlay that can show all the Windows key shortcuts that users can take advantage of. To activate it, users only need to hold the Windows button a bit (the exact duration of time can be set in the MS PowerToys tool, as well as the opacity Shortcut Guide interface).

Key Features

FancyZones
A window manager that allows users to create complex window layouts to improve multitasking. You can define custom zones on your screen where windows will snap into place when dragged.

PowerToys Run
A quick launcher utility that allows users to search for applications, files, folders, and even perform basic calculations. It acts as an alternative to the Windows Start Menu search with more customization options.

Keyboard Manager
Allows users to remap keys and create custom shortcuts. This feature is useful for creating personalized keyboard layouts or improving accessibility.

File Explorer Add-ons
Enhances the Windows File Explorer with additional functionalities, such as a preview pane for Markdown (.md) files, SVG (.svg) files, and other formats that are not natively supported by File Explorer.

Image Resizer
A context menu tool that allows users to quickly resize images directly from File Explorer. It supports batch resizing and offers customizable size options.

PowerRename
A bulk renaming tool that integrates into File Explorer. It allows users to rename multiple files at once using search and replace, regular expressions, and other advanced renaming techniques.

Color Picker
A tool that provides an easy way to pick colors from any part of the screen. It offers RGB and HEX values and allows you to store colors in a history for later use.

Shortcut Guide
Displays a visual guide of all available Windows shortcuts when the Windows key is held down. This is particularly useful for learning and remembering complex keyboard shortcuts.

Video Conference Mute
A global mute/unmute tool that allows users to mute both microphone and camera during video calls with a single keypress, regardless of the application in use.

Awake
A tool that keeps your computer awake without modifying power settings. This is useful for ensuring that your PC doesn't go to sleep during long tasks or presentations.



Mouse Utilities
Includes features like Find My Mouse, which highlights the location of your cursor, and Mouse Highlighter, which shows clicks visually, making it easier to track mouse activity during presentations.

Hosts File Editor
A graphical interface for editing the Windows hosts file, which controls the mapping of hostnames to IP addresses. This feature makes it easier to add, remove, or edit entries without needing to use a text editor.

Always on Top
Allows users to pin any window so that it stays on top of other windows, ensuring that the selected window remains visible while multitasking.

Once configured, Microsoft PowerToys needs to be kept active in order to take advantage of its useful background services. The app supports starting on boot and running with administrative privileges.

How to Use

Download & Install
Download Microsoft PowerToys from the official GitHub page, FileHorse.com or Microsoft Store. Install the application and launch it.

Access Settings
Open PowerToys from the system tray or start menu. The App Settings window will open, where you can enable, disable, and configure each utility.

Using FancyZones
Enable FancyZones in the app settings. To create custom zones, hold the Shift key while dragging a window. This will allow you to snap windows into the predefined zones.

Using PowerToys Run
Press Alt + Space to open PowerToys Run. Type the name of the app, file, or command you want to execute, and press Enter.

Remapping Keys with Keyboard Manager
Enable Keyboard Manager, then go to the "Remap a key" or "Remap shortcuts" section. Here, you can assign new functions to specific keys or create custom shortcuts.

Resizing Images
Right-click on any image or group of images in File Explorer and select "Resize pictures." Choose the desired size or create a custom size, then click "Resize."



Bulk Rename Files with PowerRename
Right-click on files in File Explorer and select "PowerRename." Enter the search criteria and replacement text, then apply the changes to rename the selected files.

Using Color Picker
Press Win + Shift + C to activate the Color Picker. Hover over any part of the screen to pick a color, and the color code will be copied to your clipboard.

Using Shortcut Guide
Hold down the Windows key for about a second to bring up the Shortcut Guide. It will display a list of available Windows shortcuts based on the current context.

Keep Computer Awake
Enable the "Awake" utility in PowerToys settings. You can keep your computer awake temporarily or indefinitely, depending on your needs.

PROS

• Enhanced Productivity
• Customizable Features
• Frequent Updates
• Open-Source Community
• Extensive Compatibility

CONS

• Occasional Bugs
• Resource Intensive
• Dependency on Windows

Microsoft PowerToys is 100% FREE and is optimized to run only on Windows 10 and Windows 11 OS.