Microsoft PowerToys is an essential app for power users who want to maximize productivity on their Windows machines. Designed to streamline tasks and enhance usability, this suite of utilities has something for everyone. In this guide, I’ll share my top five PowerToys features that I rely on daily to boost efficiency and make my computer usage more enjoyable.
Key Takeaways
- PowerToys is a productivity booster: It’s perfect for power users who want more control over their workflows.
- Customizable and versatile: Each utility can be tailored to fit your needs.
- Free and open-source: PowerToys is available on the Microsoft Store and GitHub.
Requirements
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- A PC running Windows 10 or Windows 11.
- Download and install Microsoft PowerToys from the Microsoft Store or its GitHub page.
- A desire to streamline your Windows experience!
Why Use PowerToys?
If you’ve ever wished for an easier way to manage your windows, extract text, or keep certain tasks front and center, PowerToys is for you. It’s a Swiss Army knife for productivity that combines multiple tools into one easy-to-use package.
Top 5 PowerToys You Need to Try
1. PowerToys Run: A Better Way to Launch Apps
PowerToys Run is an incredibly versatile tool that allows you to quickly search, launch apps, perform calculations, and more—all from a sleek, minimalist interface.
If you’re familiar with Spotlight on macOS or Albert on Linux, you’ll find PowerToys Run to be a powerful Windows counterpart that brings the same level of speed and efficiency to your workflow.
Key Features:
- Quickly search and launch apps.
- Perform basic calculations on the fly.
- Use plugins to extend functionality.
Example Use Case:
Type 10 + 10 into PowerToys Run to calculate instantly, then copy the result with one click.
2. Always On Top: Keep Important Windows Visible
Always On Top ensures that a specific window stays visible even while you work in other applications.
This small but powerful feature is perfect for multitaskers who need to keep reference material, videos, or other windows at the forefront.
You can use the default shortcut (Windows + Ctrl + T) to pin any window to the foreground.
Example Use Case:
Pin a reference document while working in another application.
3. FancyZones: Master Window Management
FancyZones lets you create custom layouts for your desktop, giving you more control over how windows are arranged. It’s like having a personalized tiling window manager built right into Windows.
How to Use:
- Open the Layout Editor and select or customize a layout.
- Drag and drop windows into predefined zones while holding
Shift.
Example Use Case:
Arrange multiple file explorers and browsers into a custom layout for seamless multitasking.
4. Color Picker: A Designer’s Best Friend
The Color Picker tool allows you to instantly identify and copy color codes from anywhere on your screen. This feature is indispensable for graphic designers, developers, and anyone working on creative projects.
Key Features:
- Copy HEX, RGB, and HSL values with one click.
- Perfect for graphic design or app development.
Example Use Case:
Capture the exact color from a webpage or design mockup for your project.
5. Text Extractor: Copy Text from Anywhere
Text Extractor makes copying text from images, PDFs, and other non-editable formats quick and easy. It’s perfect for users who need to extract content without retyping or relying on external OCR tools.
How It Works:
- Activate Text Extractor (
Windows + Shift + T) to capture text from a selected area. - Paste the copied text wherever you need it.
Example Use Case:
Copy text from a screenshot for use in a document or email.
Honorable Mentions
- PowerToys Awake: Keeps your PC awake on demand, preventing it from sleeping or hibernating automatically while PowerToys Awake is active.
- Image Resizer: Quickly resize images directly from the context menu with a variety of preset sizes or custom dimensions, all while retaining the original files and saving the resized versions as new ones.
Conclusion
PowerToys is a game-changer for Windows users who want to work smarter, not harder. From app launching to window management, it’s packed with tools that simplify everyday tasks. Give these features a try and see how they can transform your workflow!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is PowerToys?
PowerToys is a collection of productivity tools for Windows designed to enhance usability and efficiency.
Is PowerToys free?
Yes, it’s completely free and open-source.
Can I customize PowerToys?
Absolutely! Each utility in PowerToys has configurable settings to suit your preferences.
How do I install PowerToys?
Download it from the Microsoft Store or GitHub and follow the installation prompts.
Which PowerToys features are best for beginners?
Start with PowerToys Run and FancyZones—they’re simple to use and incredibly effective.
