6 PowerToys tools that quietly make my day ten times easier on Windows

Microsoft’s PowerToys suite offers a remarkable array of tools designed to enhance productivity across various tasks. For users navigating the Windows 11 environment, these tools can significantly streamline workflows and simplify daily operations. Here are some standout features that have proven invaluable in everyday use.

Keyboard Manager

One of the more intriguing tools is the Keyboard Manager, which allows users to create custom shortcuts for specific actions. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who frequently switch between different keyboard layouts. For instance, when working with German laptops that utilize a QWERTZ layout, users can easily swap the positions of the Y and Z keys, creating a more intuitive typing experience. This small adjustment can save considerable time and frustration, especially when managing applications with admin privileges, where keyboard assignments may revert unexpectedly.

Quick Accent

Another language-oriented tool, Quick Accent, simplifies the process of typing accented characters. While the US keyboard layout accommodates many Portuguese accents, other layouts can complicate access to these characters. Quick Accent provides a user-friendly flyout menu that displays all available accents for a given letter. By holding down the letter and pressing Space, users can quickly navigate through options, streamlining the typing process compared to the traditional Windows character menu.

New+

The New+ feature introduces a template folder that allows users to store frequently used documents for easy access. This is particularly useful for tasks such as creating customs statements for incoming review units. By saving the basic structure of a document in the templates folder, users can quickly generate new files with minimal effort, ensuring that important information is always at hand without the hassle of searching through directories.

Workspaces

Workspaces is a recent addition that enhances efficiency by allowing users to save and launch a specific layout of applications simultaneously. This feature is ideal for those who consistently work with the same set of tools, as it eliminates the need to manually open and arrange each application. With just a few clicks, users can recreate their optimal workspace, enabling a faster transition into productive tasks.

PowerToys Run/Command Palette

PowerToys includes quick launchers like PowerToys Run and the Command Palette, both of which facilitate rapid access to applications and commands. By simply invoking a keyboard shortcut, users can type the name of an app or command and launch it instantly. This functionality not only speeds up the process of opening applications but also integrates various commands, such as performing calculations or executing terminal commands, all from a single interface.

FancyZones

For those who multitask extensively, FancyZones revolutionizes window management. This tool allows users to create custom layouts for their screens, enabling applications to snap into designated zones effortlessly. Unlike the standard snapping feature in Windows, which can be cumbersome, FancyZones offers a more flexible and efficient way to organize multiple applications on larger displays. Users can simply drag windows into their preferred zones, ensuring a seamless and organized workspace.

PowerToys is not just a collection of tools; it is a comprehensive suite that transforms the Windows experience into a more efficient and enjoyable one. Each feature is designed to address specific user needs, making it an essential toolkit for anyone looking to enhance their productivity on a Windows PC.

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6 PowerToys tools that quietly make my day ten times easier on Windows