PowerToys has established itself as an indispensable toolkit for Windows PC users, significantly enhancing the Windows 11 experience. Many of its features are so impactful that one might argue they deserve a permanent place within the operating system itself. This sentiment is particularly poignant given the stagnation observed in Windows updates, especially when competitors are actively innovating and introducing exciting features.

FancyZones

This shouldn’t be a hard decision

Among the standout tools is FancyZones, which I believe should be integrated into Windows 11. This feature allows users to create custom layouts for their windows, making it a breeze to organize a workspace, especially on larger monitors. The ease of snapping applications into designated areas with a simple activation key is a functionality that other operating systems, like KDE Plasma, have perfected. It raises the question: why hasn’t Microsoft adopted this feature as a standard in Windows 11?

Hosts file editor

Why does this still feel like a hack?

The hosts file, a longstanding component of Windows, allows users to block specific sites or ads by editing a hidden file. While it’s possible to modify this file using Notepad, the Hosts File Editor in PowerToys simplifies the process with a user-friendly interface. This feature feels like it should be part of the Control Panel or Settings app, making it more accessible for users who may not be familiar with the intricacies of the operating system.

Peek

If macOS is doing it…

Windows excels in many areas compared to macOS, yet Apple’s operating system offers a convenient file preview feature that Windows lacks. PowerToys includes Peek, which allows users to preview files without leaving their current window, though it is not as refined as its macOS counterpart. This functionality highlights a clear opportunity for Microsoft to enhance Windows by incorporating similar features directly into the system.

File Explorer add-ons

A natural addition

File Explorer add-ons significantly improve the file management experience, yet it is perplexing that such fundamental capabilities require external applications. The ability to preview various file types should be a native feature of Windows, rather than something users must seek out through add-ons.

Quick Accent

It’s so helpful

Another feature that seems to be overlooked is Quick Accent, which allows users to easily access accented characters. This is particularly useful for typing names or words from different languages without needing to switch keyboard layouts. Given that macOS has implemented this feature seamlessly, it raises the question of why Microsoft has not followed suit.

PowerRename

A decent renaming tool is long overdue

PowerRename offers a robust solution for bulk renaming files, providing options that Windows’ native functionality lacks. While it is possible to rename multiple files at once, the process is not intuitive. PowerRename enhances this experience, allowing users to apply specific rules and preview changes before finalizing them. Incorporating such a tool directly into Windows would align it more closely with competing platforms.

Always on Top

Simple, but useful

The Always on Top feature allows users to pin any application window above others, a function that is surprisingly absent from Windows by default. While some applications offer similar capabilities, the absence of this feature in the operating system itself is a missed opportunity for enhancing multitasking efficiency.

File Locksmith

An important troubleshooting tool

File Locksmith addresses a common frustration: being unable to delete a file because it is in use by another process. This utility allows users to identify and terminate processes that may be locking files, providing a straightforward solution to a frustrating problem. Given its utility, it is puzzling why such a feature is not integrated into Windows by default.

Microsoft is actively holding Windows back

The absence of these valuable tools from Windows integration underscores a broader issue: Microsoft appears to be lagging behind its competitors in terms of innovation. As users increasingly seek more efficient and user-friendly experiences, the need for Microsoft to elevate Windows becomes ever more pressing.