Powertoys is managed by Microsoft and is a free MIT-licensed productivity tool on Github. As an open source project, it welcomes contributions and is tailored to the needs of its users.
Because Microsoft moderates these tools, they fit very subtly into the operating system, and the open-source model means that performance is not compromised at the expense of privacy.
If you want to take your Windows experience to the next level, you should try Powertoys. In this article, we will see what Powertoys can offer you and how you can get it on your Windows system.
You need Windows 10 1803 (build 17134) or later to run Powertoys on your system.
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Since Powertoys are specifically designed for advanced users, they are not included in the Windows operating system. Follow these steps to install Powertoys
Step 1: Open the Powertoys github repository.
Step 2: Click the “Active” button and download the latest .exe file from the drop-down menu.
Step 3: Run the .exe file and start the installation process to get Powertoys on your computer.
Step 4: Open the Powertoys application on your system by going to the Start menu.
Step 5: Open the scope on your system and click on the “Powertoys” icon.
Step 6: Switch to Always run as administrator and click Restart as administrator
Using Powertoys in administrator mode allows the tools to be fully integrated into the operating system, and features such as mode zones work best in administrator mode.
Step 7: Enable the “Run on Startup” feature in Powertoys so that it starts automatically at system startup.
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There are several tools in Powertoys, and with a basic understanding of these tools, you will be able to use them effectively. So, without further ado, let’s move on.
Color palette
If you create content and often use color matching, this tool from Powertoys will help you integrate your workflows.
With the ability to select multiple color formats, the user can retrieve detailed information about the selected colors. The tool also exports values to the system clipboard, and specific information about the selected colors can be extracted using the editor.
To activate this tool, you can use the key combination Win + Shift + C, and you can also change this key combination as desired.
Fantasy Zones
Multitasking has become the new norm, and effective management of multiple windows can really increase productivity. Fantastic Zones is a Powertoys tool that allows users to customize window layouts to facilitate multitasking. This tool not only allows you to multitask efficiently, but also allows you to adjust the focus to suit your workflow.
This tool allows the user to create custom layouts for window layout in multitasking mode using the built-in layout editor. It also comes with several customizable templates (focus, columns, rows, grid and priority grid) that the user can use.
To activate the fancy zones, you must press the “Shift” key while dragging the windows. Powertoys will then display a user interface to help you select the area in which you want to place the window.
File Management
When you use the preview window to get information about the files you are viewing, the File Manager utility supports SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) files and Markdown files. This allows you to view SVG files on your system and display Markdown files in seconds.
Changing the size of the image
If your daily work consists of resizing images in batch, the image resizing utility will help you increase your productivity. As the name suggests, this tool helps users resize images with one click. The easily accessible feature allows users to resize images by simply right-clicking on the image and selecting the Resize option.
This tool offers multiple encodings, such as PNG, BMP, JPEG, TIFF, WMPhoto and GIF. With multiple editable format configurations, users can create and modify images according to their needs. You can also select the quality of the resized image and enable TIFF compression and PNG interlacing.
Keyboard operator
A dead key on your keyboard can be a problem, and if you have one, you can use the keyboard manager in Powertoys to make the key dead.
This tool also allows you to override the shortcut function when a specific application is running. For example, if you want to change the shortcut function when a Microsoft Edge application is running, the application name is msedge instead of Microsoft Edge.
The name of the target request must be the process name, not the request name, to use this functionality. If no application name is specified, label changes are applied globally.
This utility requires Windows 10 1903 (build 18362) or higher.
Rename the government
If important renaming tasks make your daily work unbearable, the Power Renaming Tool is just what you need. The search and rename feature allows users to rename parts of a file with a single mouse click. This tool also provides easy access when right-clicking on the file, making renaming easy.
Also read: The 7 best alternative sniper tools for Windows
Getting the PowerToys to work
This feature adds a search function to your Windows machine that allows users to search for files, open URLs, view running processes, and even execute shell commands.
To use the Powertoys startup feature, you can use the combination of Alt + spacebar and then search for something on the system.
Quick Guide
Keyboard shortcuts make life easier. If you are new to the Windows ecosystem and unfamiliar with keyboard shortcuts, a quick guide will help.
This tool displays commonly used keyboard shortcuts on a Windows computer when the user presses and holds down the Windows key. The tools also allow you to change the overlay duration, background opacity, and background color.
See also: How do I turn off my calculator?
A technophile driven by curiosity. A bibliophile who loves to travel. An engineering graduate who loves to program and write about new technologies. I can’t stand him without coffee.
You can contact Nischay via email: [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
What is PowerToys for Windows 10?
Microsoft PowerToys is a set of utilities that allow users to customize and simplify Windows 10 to improve its performance.
How do I use PowerToys on Windows 10?
To open it, press Alt+Space. This hotkey is configured in the PowerToys startup window in the PowerToys preferences. Start typing it to search for applications, files and even open windows.
How to use PowerToys toys.
How to use PowerToys Run to run programs on Windows 10
