Microsoft PowerToys Archives

Winsage

May 14, 2025

13 Windows tricks that will make you a pro

Windows Terminal is a modern command interface introduced in Windows 11 and updated in Windows 10, serving as a shell for Command Prompt and PowerShell. It allows users to open multiple tabs and access unique commands for each environment. Certain system settings and Windows registry modifications are easier through Terminal. The built-in tool Winget enables users to install, update, and uninstall applications from the Microsoft Store. For example, to install Microsoft PowerToys, the command is: PLACEHOLDER4e6e62aa140fd021. Users can view available features by typing PLACEHOLDER156ddf6fbe029a6a, and can get help with specific commands by appending PLACEHOLDER6c47266b38ce590a. To install software for all users, the command is modified with PLACEHOLDER2401129c8584a179. Updating applications can be done with the command winget upgrade –all –silent, although administrative privileges may be required. Chocolatey is another package manager available for software management, though its installation is more complex.

Winsage

March 25, 2025

5 Windows tools and apps you can’t find on other operating systems

Certain features remain exclusive to the Windows operating system, offering unique functionalities not available on Mac or Linux. Microsoft has developed tools like PowerToys, which includes nearly 20 utilities enhancing Windows functionality, and Windows Sandbox, providing a secure environment for testing applications. Windows Notepad serves as a basic note-taking and coding app with features like spellcheck and autocorrect. The Snipping Tool allows users to capture screenshots and extract text from images, while the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) enables seamless access to both Windows and Linux environments. These tools are designed to enhance productivity and provide significant advantages for Windows users.

Winsage

February 10, 2025

9 tools that will supercharge your productivity on Windows

- Microsoft Outlook is a free, built-in tool for managing emails, appointments, meetings, and tasks, featuring calendar sharing and integration with Microsoft To Do. - IFTTT automates repetitive tasks by connecting various apps, services, and devices through customized applets. - The Windows Snipping Tool captures screenshots, records desktop activity, supports full-screen video recording, and has OCR capabilities for text extraction from images. - Microsoft PowerToys is a suite of utilities that enhances the Windows experience, including tools for multitasking, file management, and keeping the PC active. - Grammarly provides real-time grammar and spelling checks, compatible with platforms like Microsoft Word and Google Docs, with a premium version offering advanced features. - Obsidian uses Markdown to create interconnected notes, allowing users to build a personal knowledge base with customizable plugins. - Microsoft 365 includes applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, along with collaboration tools like Teams and OneDrive, with regular updates for new features and security. - UniGetUI is a package manager that simplifies app installations by allowing users to select and install multiple applications simultaneously. - Flow Launcher allows users to quickly launch applications, files, and websites, enhancing workflow efficiency and providing flexibility as a portable app or standard installation.

Winsage

December 23, 2024

4 ways to view a file in Windows without its application

The Preview pane in File Explorer allows users to view file contents directly in a panel on the right side of the screen, supporting various formats including Office documents, PDFs, images (JPG, PNG), audio files (WAV, MP3), and videos (MP4). Microsoft PowerToys offers a feature called Peek for rapid file previews using a keyboard shortcut (Ctrl + Space), supporting images, PDFs, and Microsoft Office documents. The QuickLook app for Windows enables file previews by selecting files and pressing the spacebar, supporting images, videos, and compressed files (ZIP, RAR), as well as text documents like Markdown files. WinQuickLook is a paid alternative to QuickLook that allows users to preview files in File Explorer by pressing the spacebar, displaying essential file information and enabling quick access to native applications.

Winsage

October 2, 2024

This Microsoft app update reminded me how much I hate the Windows 11 context menu

Microsoft PowerToys has released version 0.85, which includes the following updates: - New utility: New+ allows users to create personalized templates for file and folder creation via the File Explorer context menu. - Users can select their preferred UI language for PowerToys utilities. - Quality fixes for Workspaces to enhance compatibility with various applications. - Memory optimization in Peek by addressing image leaks. - New variables added to the Environment Variables Editor: NTSYMBOLPATH, NTALTSYMBOLPATH, and NTSYMCACHEPATH. - Enhanced application snapping for programs launched through Workspaces in FancyZones. - Resolved an issue with File Locksmith being activated by unrelated context menu verbs. - Improvements in PowerToys Run for clearer communication during initialization failures. - Expanded character set in Quick Accent to include Middle Eastern Romanization and additional symbols. - Corrected link to Workspaces documentation and fixed flyout issues in Settings. - Enhanced detection and snapping capabilities for applications like Discord and Steam in Workspaces.

Winsage

September 7, 2024

Microsoft PowerToys: Advanced Paste Tool Overview

Microsoft's PowerToys version 0.84.0 introduces the Advanced Paste tool, which enhances traditional copy-and-paste functionality by incorporating generative AI. This tool allows users to transform text into two specific formats: Markdown and JSON. Users can access Advanced Paste after installing PowerToys and can customize its settings, including keyboard shortcuts. The feature also includes an option to enable Paste with AI, which requires a valid OpenAI API key and credits. The tool can reformat XML into JSON and HTML into Markdown, catering primarily to software developers and engineers.

Winsage

September 7, 2024

Microsoft PowerToys just added the perfect tool for multi-monitor setups

Microsoft has introduced a new utility called PowerToys Workspaces in its PowerToys suite, allowing users to create and save custom layouts of applications on their desktops that can be launched with a single click. This feature is beneficial for users with multi-monitor setups, as it simplifies the organization and access to frequently used applications. The update brings PowerToys to version 0.84.0 and includes other improvements, such as multiple measurements in the Screen Ruler utility. Users can customize window sizes and positions within the Workspaces Editor, and there are known issues being addressed, including problems with repositioning apps that launch as admin.

Winsage

July 9, 2024

Enhancing Windows platform with aftermarket apps

Pale Moon and UR Browser are alternative browsers for Windows users, offering robust security features and minimal system resource usage. Auto Dark Mode automatically changes themes based on the time of day, reducing eye strain. Everything surpasses Windows Search with fast search capabilities and customization options. Lightshot is a tool for capturing and editing screenshots with easy sharing features. Microsoft PowerToys enhance workflow and productivity with applications like Image Resizer and Keyboard Manager.

Winsage

July 7, 2024

Microsoft PowerToys’ new feature could upgrade Windows 11 context menu with templates

- New+ allows users to create and customize templates, which are stored in the Documents folder by default and can sync to other connected PCs if using OneDrive. - Windows 11 does not support nested context menus, making it difficult to navigate through a long list of templates. - Developers plan to create a marketplace for sharing and downloading templates, as well as integrating generative AI to create templates via prompts. The feature is not yet publicly available.

Winsage

July 5, 2024

Best Windows apps this week

- Discounts on new or notably improved Windows apps include Microsoft PowerToys, Winaero Tweaker, and WOA Device Manager. - Microsoft PowerToys version 0.82 brings improvements and fixes crashes and a memory leak. - Winaero Tweaker offers new options such as removing ads from Recommended in Start menu and enabling Ribbon mode in File Explorer. - WOA Device Manager helps install Windows on certain Android devices, particularly Microsoft Surface Duo, but is a highly technical process.