Microsoft PowerToys is a collection of powerful utilities designed to enhance and optimize the Windows experience, offering a suite of tools that improve productivity and customization. Originally introduced in Windows 95 and later revived for Windows 10 and 11, PowerToys provides features that streamline workflows, making it an essential toolkit for advanced users and developers.
What is Microsoft PowerToys?
PowerToys is a set of system utilities that allow Windows users to perform tasks more efficiently, customize their interface, and automate repetitive actions. It is an open-source project actively maintained by Microsoft and the developer community.
PowerToys provides a wide range of tools, including window management, keyboard shortcuts, file utilities, and visual enhancements. Whether you’re a professional developer, IT administrator, or productivity enthusiast, these utilities can significantly improve your workflow.
Key Features and Utilities
PowerToys offers a variety of tools designed to enhance different aspects of the Windows experience. Here are some of the most notable:
1. FancyZones
A powerful window management tool that allows users to create and manage custom layouts for organizing applications efficiently.
2. PowerToys Run
A quick-launch tool that provides an alternative to Windows Search, enabling users to open applications, files, and web searches instantly.
3. Keyboard Manager
Allows users to remap keys and create custom keyboard shortcuts to improve efficiency.
4. Color Picker
A simple tool for designers and developers that provides instant RGB, HEX, and HSL color values from anywhere on the screen.
5. PowerRename
A bulk renaming tool that allows users to rename multiple files at once using advanced search-and-replace capabilities.
6. Image Resizer
A built-in tool that enables users to resize multiple images simultaneously.
7. File Explorer Add-ons
Enhances File Explorer with additional features such as preview support for Markdown, SVG, and other file types.
8. Quick Accent
A tool that makes it easier to type special characters and accented letters in different languages.
9. Mouse Utilities
Includes tools like Find My Mouse and Mouse Without Borders, which improve mouse functionality, especially for multi-monitor setups.
10. Text Extractor
An OCR-based tool that allows users to extract text from images, similar to the Windows Snipping Tool but with text recognition.
11. Peek
A quick file preview tool, similar to macOS Quick Look, allowing users to preview files without opening them.
12. ZoomIt (New Feature in 2025)
A powerful screen zooming, annotation, and recording tool, originally developed by Sysinternals, now integrated into PowerToys.
How to Install Microsoft PowerToys
PowerToys can be installed in several ways, depending on user preferences:
1. GitHub (Recommended)
Download the latest version from the Microsoft PowerToys GitHub Releases page. Choose the installer that matches your system architecture:
- x64 (Per User):
PowerToysUserSetup-x64.exe - ARM64 (Per User):
PowerToysUserSetup-arm64.exe - x64 (Machine-Wide):
PowerToysSetup-x64.exe - ARM64 (Machine-Wide):
PowerToysSetup-arm64.exe
2. Microsoft Store
Install PowerToys directly from the Microsoft Store.
3. WinGet (Command Line)
Using Windows Package Manager (WinGet), install PowerToys with:
winget install Microsoft.PowerToys -s wingetFor a machine-wide installation:
winget install --scope machine Microsoft.PowerToys -s winget4. Other Methods
Community-supported installations are available via Chocolatey and Scoop.
Latest Updates (PowerToys v0.88 – January 2025)
The latest PowerToys update (v0.88) introduces new features, bug fixes, and stability improvements. Highlights include:
- New Utility: ZoomIt – A tool for screen zooming, annotation, and recording, ideal for presentations.
- Video Conference Mute Removed – This feature has been deprecated.
- .NET 9.0.1 Update – Improves stability for PowerToys Run and other utilities.
Additional Improvements
- PowerToys Run: Fixed calculator plugin bugs, improved handling of binary and octal numbers.
- FancyZones: Improved window snapping behavior.
- Keyboard Manager: New option for shortcut remappings with exact modifiers.
- Peek & File Explorer Add-ons: Added support for
.resxand.reswfiles.
Contributing to PowerToys
As an open-source project, PowerToys welcomes contributions from the community. Users can help by:
- Developing new features
- Fixing bugs
- Improving documentation
- Testing and providing feedback
Before contributing, developers should read the PowerToys Contributor Guide.
Future Roadmap (PowerToys v0.89)
For PowerToys v0.89, Microsoft is planning:
- Bug fixes and stability improvements
- New Module: File Actions Menu
- PowerToys Run v2 development
Final Thoughts
Microsoft PowerToys is an essential toolkit for Windows users who want to enhance their productivity and customize their experience. With frequent updates and new features, PowerToys continues to evolve, offering a versatile set of utilities for power users and developers alike.
For the latest updates and downloads, visit PowerToys on GitHub.