Window power tools review

That first set of 15 free utilities were published and endorsed by Microsoft and made available in a free download. From the beginning, PowerToys were designed to be used by "power users" seeking ways to tweak the way the operating system functions. In some cases, a careless change made using a PowerToys utility by an inexperienced user could cause havoc with the Windows operating system, so novice users were encouraged to use caution.

For the most part, though, PowerToys would allow users, whether they considered themselves "power" or not, to more easily make tweaks to the look and feel of Windows without a deep dive into configuration screens or the dreaded and dangerous edit of the Windows Registry file. Windows 95 PowerToys included:. Through the years and the various Windows versions, individual PowerToys have come and gone.

Each Windows version inspired a new set of tools based on what developers perceived was needed to improve and enhance that version. Windows 10 inspired a completely new set of PowerToys. Traditionally, each power toy has been offered as a separate executable file, available as a free download from a specific Microsoft website.

For Windows 10 and Windows 11, Microsoft is taking a slightly different approach: All Windows 10 PowerToys are now included as part of a free downloadable system that users can configure. Figure A shows you what the Windows PowerToys system looks like. The primary Windows PowerToys Version 0. Release v0. Version 0. FancyZones allows users to manage where and how each separate application window open on a Windows desktop will display.

For example, you could use FancyZones to set up a Windows 10 desktop where Outlook always displays on the right-hand side of the desktop, Twitter or other social media always displays on the left-hand side of the desktop, and Word or Excel always displays in the middle between the other two. There would be three distinct and perpetual zones displayed at all times. Figure B shows how you select that configuration. The Windows key Shortcut Guide will display all of the available keyboard shortcuts for the current Windows desktop Figure C.

This PowerToy is activated by holding the Windows key down for the length of time specified in the tool's configuration settings. But if those windows are a little smaller than what you want? Or if instead of two columned windows, you want three? Now, PowerToys is back, and each app even has the code available on GitHub for suggested modifications.

Before starting work on a feature that you would like to contribute, read the Contributor's Guide. The PowerToys team will be happy to work with you to figure out the best approach, provide guidance and mentorship throughout feature development, and help avoid any wasted or duplicate effort.

PowerToys release notes are listed on the install page of the GitHub repo. For reference, you can also find the Release checklist on the PowerToys wiki.

Inspired by the Windows 95 era PowerToys project , this reboot provides power users with ways to squeeze more efficiency out of the Windows shell and customize it for individual workflows. A great overview of the Windows 95 PowerToys can be found here. PowerToys is a rapid-incubation, open source team aimed at providing power users with ways to squeeze more efficiency out of the Windows shell and customize it for individual workflows.

Work priorities will consistently be examined, reassessed, and adjusted with the aim of improving our users productivity. Skip to main content. This browser is no longer supported. Download Microsoft Edge More info.

Contents Exit focus mode. Start typing for a phrase to search for applications, files, and even open windows. Use the arrow keys to select an item in the list or just keep typing to narrow it down and press Enter to launch the application, open the file, or switch to the window.

In the future, it will have plug-ins like a calculator. Keyboard Manager provides an easy interface for remapping single keys on your keyboard and multiple-key shortcuts. You can make any key on your keyboard function as any other key—including special function keys. For example, you could turn the Caps Lock key you never use into a Browser Back key for more easily navigating the web. Your new keyboard shortcuts can override existing keyboard shortcuts built into Windows The PowerRename tool window will appear.

You can use the text boxes and checkboxes to quickly batch rename files. For example, you can remove words from a file name, replace phrases, add numbers, change multiple file extensions at once, and more. You can even use regular expressions. The preview pane will help you fine-tune your renaming settings before you go through with renaming the files.

This utility is much simpler than most of the third-party batch rename tools available for Windows. PowerToys offers a quick image resizer that integrates with File Explorer. The Image Resizer window will open. You can then choose a size for the image files or enter a custom size in pixels. By default, the tool will create resized copies of the selected image files, but you can also have it resize and replace the original files. This tool is a quick way to resize one or more image files without opening a more complicated application.

FancyZones lets you create more complex layouts. Then, while dragging and dropping a window, you can press and hold the Shift key or another mouse button, like your right mouse button to see the zones. FancyZones offers a quick way of setting up complex window layouts without carefully resizing each window. Just drop windows into the zones. Windows is packed with keyboard shortcuts that use the Windows key.

The Windows Key Shortcut Guide will help you learn and remember these shortcuts. With it enabled, you can hold the Windows key on your keyboard down for about one second to view an overlay that displays common shortcuts.

Release the key to dismiss the overlay.