Microsoft PowerToys, a beloved utility that first emerged alongside Windows 95, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the years. Initially flourishing during the Windows XP era, it was put on hold until its revival in 2019, when Microsoft reintroduced it with a modern interface and an open-source model. Even after three decades, PowerToys remains an indispensable tool for enhancing the Windows experience with additional features.
While PowerToys is not bundled with Windows 11, it can be easily downloaded for free from the Microsoft Store or accessed via GitHub.
Pin important windows on top
Keep key tasks in focus
Windows typically keeps the active window on top, but there are times when we require certain windows to remain visible at all times. Whether it’s a calculator for quick calculations or a video call while working on documents, having these windows pinned enhances productivity. Since Windows lacks a built-in feature for pinning inactive windows, I turn to PowerToys for this functionality.
With a simple shortcut—Win+Ctrl+T—I can pin my active window above all others, ensuring it remains visible even as I navigate between different applications. This feature eliminates the need for constant resizing or rearranging of windows, streamlining my workflow significantly. The pinned window is easily identifiable, outlined with a thick red border, distinguishing it from the rest.
Resize images to desired dimensions
No image editor needed
Windows does not provide a built-in option for resizing images to specific dimensions, and relying on online tools can often be cumbersome. PowerToys’ Image Resizer tool steps in to fill this gap, allowing me to set presets for various sizes and resize images effortlessly. Each preset can be configured as Fill, Fit, or Stretch, determining how the image adjusts to the new dimensions.
For instance, the Fill option scales the image proportionally to fit the specified size, cropping it if necessary. In contrast, Fit and Stretch fill the space without cropping, with Fit maintaining the image’s proportions while Stretch does not.
To resize an image or multiple images, a simple right-click brings up the “Resize With Image Resizer” option, where I can select my preferred size and click “Resize.”
Extract text from your screen
Copy-paste from literally anywhere
While the Snipping Tool now supports text extraction from images, it falls short when it comes to videos. Additionally, capturing text from the screen typically requires a screenshot first. PowerToys’ Text Extractor simplifies this process by utilizing Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to copy text directly from anywhere on the screen, including video content.
To use this feature, I simply press Win+T, click and drag my mouse to select the desired text area, and the extracted text is instantly copied to the clipboard. It’s important to ensure that the appropriate OCR language pack is installed, which can be managed through Windows settings, with further details available on Microsoft’s website.
Control multiple computers seamlessly
Don’t buy an extra mouse
For those who operate multiple computers but prefer not to juggle different keyboards, touchpads, or mice, the Mouse Without Borders feature in PowerToys is a game changer. This functionality allows control of up to four computers using a single set of peripherals, while also enabling clipboard sharing and file transfers between devices, albeit with some limitations on file size and quantity.
Setting up this feature requires generating a new key on the host computer and entering it into the PowerToys settings on the other devices. Once connected, I can effortlessly move my cursor across screens to control another machine, with a comprehensive list of supported shortcuts and functions available on Microsoft’s official website.
Customize shortcuts with keyboard manager
Turn tedious actions into quick commands
PowerToys includes a Keyboard Manager that allows me to remap keys and shortcuts to suit my preferences. For example, I can remap the “A” key to type B, so pressing “A” inputs B instead. This feature also enables the reassignment of shortcut key combinations, replacement of keys with custom Unicode text sequences, or mapping a shortcut to a single key press.
However, it’s worth noting that not all keys or combinations can be remapped, as some are reserved for system functions. Additionally, unless specified for a particular application, remapped keys apply system-wide. To utilize this feature, I simply open the Keyboard Manager, select “Remap a Key” or “Remap a Shortcut,” choose the key(s) to change, and assign their new function.
Rename files with PowerRename
Batch renaming without the command line
PowerRename stands out as one of my most frequently used features within PowerToys. It allows for the batch renaming of multiple files at once, sparing me the tedious task of renaming them individually. To access this feature, I select the files I wish to rename, right-click, and choose “Rename With PowerRename.” I can then enter the text to be replaced in the Search box and the new text in the “Replace With” box before clicking “Apply.”
As I type, a preview displays how the renamed files will appear, along with a count of matching entries. Options such as “Match All Occurrences” allow for replacing every instance of the text, while “Case Sensitive” ensures that only exact case matches are altered.
Thumbnail and preview pane previews
Give everything a thumbnail
The Preview Pane is a built-in Windows feature that allows for viewing file contents in the File Explorer sidebar without opening them. However, it only supports a limited range of file types. PowerToys enhances this capability by enabling previews for Markdown, SVG, PDF, G-code, QOI, and various source code files.
Moreover, PowerToys adds thumbnail support for file types that Windows Explorer does not natively generate thumbnails for, such as SVG, PDF, G-code, STL, and QOI files. To enable these previews, I ensure the relevant toggles are activated in the File Explorer Add-Ons settings, noting that thumbnails won’t appear for files stored in cloud-managed paths.
Crop and Lock
Extremely focused windows
Crop and Lock is a transformative feature within PowerToys that allows me to crop an application window to display only the section I need. This capability helps me concentrate on essential content while concealing unnecessary elements, such as sidebars. It proves particularly useful during screen sharing in meetings, enabling me to highlight key areas while removing irrelevant sections.
There are two modes available for this feature:
- Thumbnail mode (Win+Ctrl+Shift+T) creates a cropped, static preview of the selected section, though interaction with the original window is not possible in this view.
- Reparent mode (Win+Ctrl+Shift+R) generates a cropped window that remains fully functional, allowing for scrolling and clicking on hyperlinks.
It’s important to note that reparent mode may not perform optimally with UWP apps like Windows Calculator or applications featuring sub-windows or tabbed interfaces.
Everyone should be using PowerToys
Sometimes, the most effective solutions are not the latest innovations. These features from a thirty-year-old tool continue to enhance my Windows experience, making multitasking more efficient. For anyone looking to maximize their productivity on Windows 11, the value of PowerToys should not be overlooked.
