Explore Hidden Microsoft Apps: PowerToys, PC Manager & Designer

Microsoft enthusiasts know that Windows is more than just a collection of pre-installed staples like Edge, Mail, or Teams. Beneath the surface of your everyday operating system lies an array of lesser-known utilities—hidden gems that can elevate productivity, optimize system performance, and even inspire creative breakthroughs. Let’s take a closer look at three surprisingly useful Microsoft apps that aren’t included out of the box.

Microsoft PowerToys: A Versatile Swiss Army Knife for Windows​

Windows has long been a favorite for its broad feature set, but when it comes to fine-tuning your workflow, Microsoft PowerToys steps in to fill many of the gaps. Originally conceived to address frustrations that power users face, PowerToys bundles several handy utilities into one free package.

• Customized Shortcuts & Workflows:
  Imagine being able to remap your keyboard keys without diving deep into the registry or hunting for third-party software. With PowerToys, you can effortlessly reassign keys and even create personalized shortcuts that align perfectly with your workflow. It’s a redesign of the traditional idea of “plug-and-play” into one that focuses on productivity and efficiency.
• Enhanced Window Management:
  Tired of chasing down the right window every time you try to multitask? PowerToys offers a tool to pin windows on top, ensuring that crucial apps remain accessible, even when you’re juggling multiple tasks. This feature is especially welcomed during presentations or while monitoring several live feeds of system metrics.
• Streamlined Image and File Operations:
  No more juggling multiple applications to perform basic image resizing or batch file renaming. PowerToys integrates these functionalities directly into your right-click context menus, meaning fewer distractions and a cleaner desktop. Additionally, its “Awake” feature ensures that your PC remains active during long downloads or remote access sessions, eliminating the need for tedious adjustments to system settings.

As Microsoft continually refines PowerToys with frequent updates, it’s clear that this utility suite is not just a stopgap solution—it’s a long-term companion for users who demand more flexibility and power from their systems. These features help level the playing field, especially for those transitioning from environments like macOS that traditionally offered more inbuilt utilities.

Microsoft PC Manager: Keeping Your System in Peak Condition​

Even the most robust PCs can bog down under the weight of accumulated junk files and temporary data. Enter Microsoft PC Manager—a utility designed with performance optimization in mind. Often overlooked, this tool is a must-have for anyone looking to maintain a lean and efficient Windows machine.

• Instantaneous System Boost:
  With its PC Boost feature, the app can free up precious RAM and clear temporary files with a single click. This is particularly useful during high-memory usage sessions such as extensive data processing, gaming, or when running large applications. For those moments when your system seems to be crawling, PC Boost steps in with automated scans that trigger when memory usage spikes.
• Storage Management Made Simple:
  Instead of manually digging through directories to locate hogging files or duplicates, PC Manager streamlines the entire process. It detects large or redundant files swiftly and offers a cleaning mechanism to optimize storage. This feature not only helps in reclaiming disk space but also slows down potential performance slowdowns associated with cluttered drives.
• App & Process Oversight:
  Beyond cleaning up files and optimizing storage, this tool simplifies managing active processes and startup applications. Whether you need to terminate a runaway application or get a better handle on your startup programs, the built-in app manager ensures no leftover files or registry clutters remain after uninstalls. The overall approach is systematic—providing a one-stop solution for maintaining system integrity and performance.

It’s easy to question why such a robust toolkit isn’t standard in Windows installations. In reality, by venturing outside the default set of apps, Microsoft gives power users more control to customize and streamline their environment according to their specific needs.

Microsoft Designer: Unleash Your Creativity with AI-Powered Tools​

In the era of social media and digital content creation, having a powerful design tool at your disposal is crucial. While many turn to popular third-party applications for their graphic design needs, Microsoft Designer offers an impressive alternative that’s fully integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem.

• AI Meets Design:
  Designed with the creative process in mind, Microsoft Designer brings a host of AI-driven features to the table. Whether you’re crafting logos, posters, or social media visuals, its intuitive interface and intelligent design suggestions help reduce the learning curve typically associated with professional design software. It’s an ideal solution for casual designers or small business owners who need to produce quality visuals without extensive training.
• Template-Driven Efficiency:
  The app comes loaded with a variety of ready-made templates. These templates provide a quick starting point for nearly any design project—from banners and collages to stickers and emojis. By leveraging these templates, users can drastically cut down design time and get creative products ready in minutes. For many, this means producing professional-grade content without having to invest in high-end design software.
• Robust Editing Capabilities:
  While some features are integrated into other Microsoft tools like the Photos app, the standalone Microsoft Designer unlocks the full potential of these creative utilities. With advanced options for background removal and image enhancement, the app caters to those who require more than just basic editing. It empowers users to tweak details meticulously, ensuring every project meets their high standards.

A question that often arises is why Microsoft chooses to offer such a comprehensive range of design tools separately rather than bundling them into the operating system. The answer might lie in the desire to keep the OS lean while offering specialized solutions that can compete with dedicated graphic design platforms.

Bringing It All Together: Embrace the Hidden Side of Windows​

The beauty of the Windows ecosystem lies in its blend of ubiquitous functionality and a treasure trove of optional enhancements. These three apps—Microsoft PowerToys, PC Manager, and Designer—demonstrate that sometimes, the best solutions aren’t shipped with your PC by default. They are available to power users who wish to tailor their computing experience and extract every ounce of performance and creativity from their machines.

• PowerToys bridges the gap by offering an array of productivity tools that integrate natively with Windows, reducing the need for multiple third-party applications.
• PC Manager plays the role of a digital janitor, keeping your system optimized and free from clutter that can slow you down at crucial moments.
• Microsoft Designer transforms your creative ideas into polished, professional visuals, putting advanced design capabilities directly in your hands.

By focusing on these hidden gems, you can streamline your workflow, optimize system performance, and even expand your creative horizons. Whether you’re a power user, a creative professional, or simply someone who loves to tinker with technology, exploring these apps might be the key to turning your Windows experience from merely functional to excellently tailored to your personal needs.
If you haven’t ventured into these tools yet, it might be time to give them a try. After all, in a world bursting with bloatware and redundant pre-installed content, discovering and utilizing these specialized apps could provide the boost you didn’t even know your system was craving.
In the evolving landscape of technology, where every click and keystroke can be optimized for maximum efficiency and creativity, these Microsoft apps represent a new frontier in personal computing. Stay tuned for more tips and insights on how to make the most out of your Windows environment, and don’t hesitate to explore the hidden depths of what your PC can truly offer.

---

Source: MUO - MakeUseOf 3 Surprisingly Useful Microsoft Apps You Won’t Find Pre-Installed on Windows