Microsoft’s PowerToys continues to enhance the Windows 11 experience with its latest update, now at version 0.97. This significant release introduces a new utility and substantial upgrades to the beloved Command Palette, making it an even more essential tool for users.
📋 Command Palette gets a big update
The team has diligently worked on refining the Command Palette, resulting in a release packed with new features and enhanced customization options. A standout addition is the new Personalization page, which allows users to tailor the Command Palette’s interface to their preferences. Users can now select a background image and apply color tinting, creating a unique aesthetic that resonates with their personal style. To access these settings, navigate to Command Palette Settings => Personalization => Background.
Support for fallback ranking
In response to user feedback, PowerToys now includes fallback ranking, providing greater control over the order of search results. Users can manage this feature from an extension’s settings page by selecting Manage fallback order, allowing for a personalized arrangement of commands through a simple drag-and-drop interface.
Control PowerToys directly from Command Palette
Responding to community requests, a new built-in PowerToys extension enables users to control various PowerToys features directly from the Command Palette. This functionality allows for toggling the Light Switch, switching FancyZones layouts, selecting colors, and more—all without leaving the Command Palette. Users should ensure that the desired utilities are enabled in PowerToys settings. Additionally, the Peek feature now allows for file and folder previews within the Command Palette.
More Command Palette changes!
- Support for Pinyin has been added; ensure your OS language is set to a supported Chinese variant to enable this feature.
- A new built-in Remote Desktop extension facilitates quick access to remote desktops.
- Users can now select a custom search engine in the Web Search extension settings.
- Drag and drop support has been introduced, allowing File Indexer and Clipboard History to transfer content from the Command Palette to other applications. Extension developers can also incorporate this capability into their own extensions.
🖱️ Introducing CursorWrap
For those utilizing multiple monitors, the new CursorWrap feature offers a solution to the cumbersome task of moving the mouse across screens. When activated, the cursor seamlessly wraps around the edges of the active monitor, allowing for instant movement from one side to the opposite side.
⚡ Quick Access flyout gets faster
The Quick Access flyout has been decoupled from the main Settings process, resulting in a quicker launch time. Users now have the option to disable it entirely or assign a keyboard shortcut for easy access. Furthermore, the PowerToys system tray icon can be customized to a monochrome style for a more subtle integration with other system icons.
⌨️ More CLI support across PowerToys
Building on previous enhancements, PowerToys now offers expanded CLI support for several utilities, including FancyZones, Image Resizer, and File Locksmith. Users can control these features directly from the command line, whether they need to switch layouts, resize images in bulk, or unlock files. Comprehensive documentation is available for those interested in exploring the full range of supported commands.
🧩 Other notable changes
- The Light Switch feature can now follow the Night Light setting, providing a cohesive user experience.
- The “What’s new” dialog has been revamped for easier navigation and now includes more detailed release notes.
- Advanced Paste now previews HEX color values and supports image input for AI transformations.
- Numerous improvements and fixes have been implemented throughout the application; users are encouraged to review the full release notes for details.
PowerToys CursorWrap: An almost perfect feature
CursorWrap, a recent addition to PowerToys, shows great promise. The ability to swiftly move the cursor from one edge of the screen to the other is a remarkable enhancement. However, some users have expressed a desire for further refinements, such as the option to restrict the feature to only the left and right edges of the screen. This would allow for more precise movements when navigating to the top of the screen for tasks like switching tabs in Edge or managing windows.
Some minor bugs have also been noted, such as issues arising when enabling CursorWrap while connected to an external monitor and subsequently closing the laptop lid. Despite these small concerns, the excitement surrounding CursorWrap’s potential for future improvements remains high.
What is your favorite PowerToys utility? Let us know in the comments!
I raced to my PC to install this new PowerToys update — but its best new feature is one control away from greatness
Microsoft’s PowerToys continues to enhance the Windows 11 experience with its latest update, now at version 0.97. This significant release introduces a new utility and substantial upgrades to the beloved Command Palette, making it an even more essential tool for users.
📋 Command Palette gets a big update
The team has diligently worked on refining the Command Palette, resulting in a release packed with new features and enhanced customization options. A standout addition is the new Personalization page, which allows users to tailor the Command Palette’s interface to their preferences. Users can now select a background image and apply color tinting, creating a unique aesthetic that resonates with their personal style. To access these settings, navigate to Command Palette Settings => Personalization => Background.
Support for fallback ranking
In response to user feedback, PowerToys now includes fallback ranking, providing greater control over the order of search results. Users can manage this feature from an extension’s settings page by selecting Manage fallback order, allowing for a personalized arrangement of commands through a simple drag-and-drop interface.
Control PowerToys directly from Command Palette
Responding to community requests, a new built-in PowerToys extension enables users to control various PowerToys features directly from the Command Palette. This functionality allows for toggling the Light Switch, switching FancyZones layouts, selecting colors, and more—all without leaving the Command Palette. Users should ensure that the desired utilities are enabled in PowerToys settings. Additionally, the Peek feature now allows for file and folder previews within the Command Palette.
More Command Palette changes!
🖱️ Introducing CursorWrap
For those utilizing multiple monitors, the new CursorWrap feature offers a solution to the cumbersome task of moving the mouse across screens. When activated, the cursor seamlessly wraps around the edges of the active monitor, allowing for instant movement from one side to the opposite side.
⚡ Quick Access flyout gets faster
The Quick Access flyout has been decoupled from the main Settings process, resulting in a quicker launch time. Users now have the option to disable it entirely or assign a keyboard shortcut for easy access. Furthermore, the PowerToys system tray icon can be customized to a monochrome style for a more subtle integration with other system icons.
⌨️ More CLI support across PowerToys
Building on previous enhancements, PowerToys now offers expanded CLI support for several utilities, including FancyZones, Image Resizer, and File Locksmith. Users can control these features directly from the command line, whether they need to switch layouts, resize images in bulk, or unlock files. Comprehensive documentation is available for those interested in exploring the full range of supported commands.
🧩 Other notable changes
PowerToys CursorWrap: An almost perfect feature
CursorWrap, a recent addition to PowerToys, shows great promise. The ability to swiftly move the cursor from one edge of the screen to the other is a remarkable enhancement. However, some users have expressed a desire for further refinements, such as the option to restrict the feature to only the left and right edges of the screen. This would allow for more precise movements when navigating to the top of the screen for tasks like switching tabs in Edge or managing windows.
Some minor bugs have also been noted, such as issues arising when enabling CursorWrap while connected to an external monitor and subsequently closing the laptop lid. Despite these small concerns, the excitement surrounding CursorWrap’s potential for future improvements remains high.
What is your favorite PowerToys utility? Let us know in the comments!