Microsoft PowerToys for Windows: Enhance Your System's Capabilities

Microsoft PowerToys is a free suite of utilities designed for advanced users looking to optimize and customize Windows to better fit their needs. Originally introduced in the Windows 95 era, PowerToys has been revived for modern versions of Windows 10 and Windows 11, offering a wide range of tools to boost productivity and usability.

Key Utilities in Microsoft PowerToys

  • FancyZones: A window manager that lets you create complex layouts and quickly snap windows into these zones, making it especially useful for users with large or multiple monitors.
  • PowerToys Run: A quick application and file launcher similar to macOS's Spotlight, providing instant access to programs, files, and system settings.
  • Image Resizer: Integrated into Windows File Explorer for fast image resizing right from the context menu, simplifying image processing.
  • Keyboard Manager: A tool for remapping keys and creating custom shortcuts, allowing you to customize the keyboard to your preferences.
  • Color Picker: A system-wide color selection tool that provides color values in multiple formats (HEX, RGB, etc.), particularly useful for designers and developers.

How to Install Microsoft PowerToys

There are several ways to install PowerToys:

  1. Download the installer from the official release page on GitHub: GitHub - Microsoft PowerToys.
  2. Install it via the Microsoft Store: Microsoft PowerToys on Microsoft Store.
  3. Use the Windows Package Manager (winget) with the command: winget install --id Microsoft.PowerToys --source winget.

After installation, PowerToys launches automatically, and its icon appears in the taskbar notification area. Click the icon to access settings and enable or disable specific utilities.

Latest Updates and New Features

Microsoft regularly updates PowerToys with new features and improvements. For example, in August 2024, the "Workspaces" feature was introduced, allowing users to create and save application layouts for different workflows, making workspace organization much simpler. (Source: The Verge)