Microsoft's PowerToys suite has long been a favorite among Windows enthusiasts, offering a collection of utilities designed to enhance productivity and customization. With the release of version 0.80.0, PowerToys introduces several significant updates, including Desired State Configuration (DSC) support, expanded file type compatibility in the Peek module, and improvements to the FancyZones feature.
One of the standout features in PowerToys v0.80.0 is the integration of Desired State Configuration. This addition allows users to configure PowerToys settings using a Winget configuration file, streamlining the setup process and ensuring consistency across installations. By leveraging DSC, administrators and power users can automate the deployment and configuration of PowerToys, reducing manual intervention and potential errors. (learn.microsoft.com)
Installation and Prerequisites:
To utilize DSC with PowerToys, ensure the following prerequisites are met:
To apply a configuration using DSC, create a
Apply the configuration with the following command:
This command installs the latest version of PowerToys and applies the specified settings across multiple modules. (learn.microsoft.com)
Source: BetaNews BetaNews
One of the standout features in PowerToys v0.80.0 is the integration of Desired State Configuration. This addition allows users to configure PowerToys settings using a Winget configuration file, streamlining the setup process and ensuring consistency across installations. By leveraging DSC, administrators and power users can automate the deployment and configuration of PowerToys, reducing manual intervention and potential errors. (learn.microsoft.com)Installation and Prerequisites:
To utilize DSC with PowerToys, ensure the following prerequisites are met:
- PSDesiredStateConfiguration: Version 2.0.7 or later.
- PowerShell: Version 7.2 or higher.
- WinGet: Version 1.6.2631 or later.
Microsoft.PowerToys.Configure module is included with the PowerToys installation. Depending on the installation scope, the module can be found in:- Per-user install:
%USERPROFILE%\Documents\PowerShell\Modules\Microsoft.PowerToys.Configure - Machine-wide install:
%ProgramFiles%\WindowsPowerShell\Modules\Microsoft.PowerToys.Configure
To apply a configuration using DSC, create a
configuration.dsc.yaml file with the desired settings:
Code:
properties:
resources:
- resource: Microsoft.WinGet.DSC/WinGetPackage
id: installPowerToys
directives:
description: Install PowerToys
allowPrerelease: true
settings:
id: Microsoft.PowerToys
source: winget
- resource: Microsoft.PowerToys.Configure/PowerToysConfigure
dependsOn:
- installPowerToys
directives:
description: Configure PowerToys
settings:
ShortcutGuide:
Enabled: false
OverlayOpacity: 50
FancyZones:
Enabled: true
FancyzonesEditorHotkey: "Shift+Ctrl+Alt+F"
FileLocksmith:
Enabled: false
configurationVersion: 0.2.0winget configure .\configuration.dsc.yamlThis command installs the latest version of PowerToys and applies the specified settings across multiple modules. (learn.microsoft.com)
Enhancements in Peek Module
The Peek module, which provides quick file previews, has been enhanced to support additional file formats:- WebP/WebM Files: Users can now preview WebP images and WebM videos directly within Peek.
- Audio Files: Peek extends its functionality to include audio file previews, offering a more comprehensive file viewing experience.
FancyZones Improvements
FancyZones, the window management utility within PowerToys, has received notable updates:- Automated UI Testing: The FancyZones Editor now includes automated UI testing integrated into the Continuous Integration (CI) pipeline, enhancing reliability and stability.
- Shift Key Detection: Improvements in shift key detection through raw input address issues where the shift key could become locked for some users.
Additional Updates and Fixes
Beyond the major features, PowerToys v0.80.0 includes several other enhancements:- Quick Access Entry: A new Quick Access entry has been added to the tray icon's right-click menu, allowing users to access the flyout more conveniently.
- Awake Module Fix: Resolved an issue where the "Keep screen on" option would disable after Awake deactivated itself.
- Color Picker UI Improvement: Fixed a UI issue causing the color picker modal to obscure part of the color bar.
- File Explorer Add-ons: Addressed crashes in the Monaco previewer and improved scaling of preview results on screens with different DPIs.
- PowerToys Run: Introduced a setting to exclude specific files and patterns from search results, providing more control over search functionality.
Conclusion
PowerToys v0.80.0 represents a significant step forward in providing Windows users with powerful tools for customization and productivity. The introduction of Desired State Configuration support simplifies the management of settings, while enhancements to the Peek module and FancyZones improve functionality and user experience. As PowerToys continues to evolve, it remains an essential toolkit for those seeking to tailor their Windows environment to their specific needs.Source: BetaNews BetaNews