Microsoft PowerToys has recently unveiled its latest update, elevating the app to version 0.85. This iteration introduces the New+ utility, a feature designed to streamline the process of creating files and folders directly from File Explorer using customizable templates. Additionally, users can now select their preferred UI language for PowerToys utilities, enhancing accessibility and personalization.
As is customary with PowerToys updates, version 0.85 comes packed with a comprehensive array of enhancements and fixes aimed at refining the user experience. For those who have yet to explore PowerToys, this update presents an excellent opportunity to dive in.
PowerToys 0.85
Highlights
- New utility: New+ – enables users to set personalized templates for rapid file and folder creation via the File Explorer context menu.
- Language selection: Users can now choose the UI language for PowerToys utilities.
- Quality fixes: Numerous improvements for Workspaces, enhancing compatibility with various applications.
- Memory optimization: Reduced memory usage in Peek by addressing image leaks.
General
- Introduced a setting for selecting the UI language in PowerToys utilities.
- Refined internal code for Group Policy Objects to ensure accurate registry entry readings.
Advanced Paste
- Adjusted telemetry calls to better signal Advanced Paste activation when using direct shortcuts.
- Custom actions are now exclusive to AI-enabled settings, enhancing user clarity.
Awake
- Corrected tray icon behaviors to ensure accurate display and timing.
Environment Variables Editor
- Added new variables, including
NTSYMBOLPATH,NTALTSYMBOLPATH, andNTSYMCACHEPATH, displayed as lists for user convenience.
FancyZones
- Enabled application snapping for programs launched through Workspaces.
File Locksmith
- Resolved an issue where File Locksmith was erroneously activated by unrelated context menu verbs.
Mouse Pointer Crosshairs
New+
- Introduced the New+ utility for creating personalized templates in the File Explorer context menu.
- Included a missing entry for New+ policy state reporting in the Bug Report tool.
- Added a policy option for displaying filename extensions.
Peek
- Ensured the file previewer displays the modified date instead of the creation date.
- Fixed memory leaks related to unmanaged bitmap images.
- Addressed issues preventing Peek from displaying correctly on initial use.
- Prevented tooltips in the file previewer from overlapping with title bar controls.
PowerToys Run
- Enhanced message boxes for clearer communication when PowerToys Run encounters initialization failures.
- Standardized the display of degree results in the Unit Converter plugin.
Quick Accent
- Expanded the character set to include Middle Eastern Romanization.
- Added symbols such as the degree sign and integral when “All Languages” is selected.
Settings
- Corrected the link to Workspaces documentation as part of a hotfix for version 0.84.
- Fixed flyout issues following the Windows App SDK upgrade.
- Improved initialization processes for the New+ settings page.
Workspaces
- Enhanced detection and snapping capabilities for applications like Discord and Steam.
- Resolved button visibility issues within the UI.
- Improved handling of workspace applications and their associated icons.
