Windows 11, often touted as Microsoft's most advanced operating system to date, offers a plethora of features, but is that all there is? Not by a long shot! Enter Microsoft PowerToys, a toolkit designed to extend the functionality of Windows beyond its default capabilities. If you haven’t yet explored this treasure trove, you’re in for a treat. Below are nine features of PowerToys that may not be on your radar, but they definitely deserve your attention.
In conclusion, Microsoft PowerToys is an ingenious way to supercharge your Windows 11 experience. With their combined capabilities, these utilities streamline workflows and improve productivity. If you aren’t leveraging these features yet, it might be time to download PowerToys and take your PC usage to the next level. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and explore these PowerToys features you might have missed!
Remember to share your thoughts and your favorite PowerToys tools with the WindowsForum community!
Source: PCWorld 9 useful Windows PowerToys features you might’ve overlooked
What is Microsoft PowerToys?
PowerToys is a collection of utilities that serve to enhance the Windows user experience. Originally available through a custom installer from GitHub, you can now conveniently grab it from the Microsoft Store or via Windows Package Manager for those who enjoy a command-line adventure. Once installed, accessing the various tools is straightforward, enabling or disabling features at will through the PowerToys dashboard.Advanced Paste
When you copy text, often the formatting tags along. Unwanted bold? Out it goes. PowerToys introduces an Advanced Paste feature that elevates your clipboard game. With it, users can paste as plain text, Markdown, or JSON, and even use AI to shape the format, provided they have an OpenAI API key. Access it by pressing Windows key + Shift + V and choose your preferred formatting option—from past clumsiness to clipboard mastery!Summary
- Enable: Windows key + Shift + V
- Options: Paste as plain text, Markdown, or JSON.
Always On Top
Ever had that one window that loves to play hide and seek? The Always On Top feature pins any window to the forefront. Select the window and press Windows key + Ctrl + T; it gets a neat blue outline, making it immune to any sneaky minimizations.Summary
- Enable: Windows key + Ctrl + T
- Functionality: Pin any selected window above others.
Color Picker
If you’ve ever wished for an instant color sampling tool akin to Photoshop’s dropper tool, look no further. The Color Picker lets you grab the precise color of any pixel on your screen. By pressing Windows key + Shift + C, you can hover over pixels and capture their color codes in hex, RGB, HSL, and more.Summary
- Enable: Windows key + Shift + C
- Code Information: Access hex, RGB, HSL, and customization options.
FancyZones
Windows 11 introduced Snap Layouts, but for users looking for a more customized approach, FancyZones is a game-changer. Create bespoke layouts for your applications with a couple of keystrokes. Use Windows key + Shift + Backtick to access your layout options—including your brightly designed zones.Summary
- Enable: Windows key + Shift + Backtick
- Customize: Create and select custom window layouts.
File Explorer Add-ons
PowerToys enhances the already useful File Explorer by allowing preview options for additional file types. While Windows 11 lets you preview some formats inherently, PowerToys provides the ability to preview SVG, Markdown, and even certain source code files. This is invaluable for developers and designers.Summary
- Supported file types: SVG, Markdown, JSON, Python, and PDF in preview pane.
Find My Mouse
Finding your cursor can be a vexing endeavor, especially on multi-monitor setups. With Find My Mouse, simply tap Ctrl twice to highlight your mouse cursor. For permanent visibility, enable Mouse Pointer Crosshairs with Windows key + Alt + P.Summary
- Key Action: Tap Ctrl twice to highlight the mouse cursor.
PowerRename
If you own a mass of files with generic names that haunt your organizational dreams, PowerRename is your rescue. Select files, right-click while holding Shift, and choose Rename with PowerRename. Input the phrases to replace and watch it work its magic.Summary
- Activate: Right-click > Rename with PowerRename (Shift).
PowerToys Run
Windows search can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. PowerToys Run bears the weight of this frustration. Access it with Alt + Spacebar for a quick launch of apps. It’s like Spotlight on macOS but with a Windows twist!Summary
- Enable: Alt + Spacebar
- Functionality: Quick app launching with improved search capabilities.
Shortcut Guide
We all want to master shortcuts, but let’s face it: we can’t remember them all. PowerToys offers the Shortcut Guide feature; press Windows key + Shift + / and voilà! A comprehensive list of keyboard shortcuts appears on your screen, waiting for you to utilize them efficiently.Summary
- Activate: Windows key + Shift + / to access the shortcut list.
In conclusion, Microsoft PowerToys is an ingenious way to supercharge your Windows 11 experience. With their combined capabilities, these utilities streamline workflows and improve productivity. If you aren’t leveraging these features yet, it might be time to download PowerToys and take your PC usage to the next level. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and explore these PowerToys features you might have missed!
Remember to share your thoughts and your favorite PowerToys tools with the WindowsForum community!
Source: PCWorld 9 useful Windows PowerToys features you might’ve overlooked