Windows PowerToys: The ultimate productivity boost for your PC

Posted on Monday February 24, 2025

Microsoft has revamped PowerToys, its collection of free utilities designed to supercharge your Windows experience. Whether you need to resize images, manage multiple desktops, or streamline workflows, PowerToys has something to make your daily tasks easier. This article explores the best PowerToys features, how to install them, and which ones can enhance your productivity.

What is PowerToys?

Originally introduced in the ’90s, Microsoft’s PowerToys was a favorite among Microsoft power users, but they were discontinued after a while. Fortunately, Microsoft revived them in 2019 as an open-source project, and has been continuously updating them with new features. Today, PowerToys offers more than 25 tools to simplify daily tasks, boost efficiency, and customize your Windows interface.

How to install PowerToys on your PC

You can install PowerToys in three different ways:

• Microsoft Store – Search for PowerToys and install it with one click.
• GitHub – Visit the PowerToys GitHub page and download the latest release.
• WinGet Package Manager – Open Command Prompt or PowerShell and type “winget install PowerToys”.

Once installed, PowerToys runs in the background and is accessible via the system tray. To adjust settings, search for PowerToys in the Windows Start menu.

Must-try PowerToys features

Here are some standout PowerToys that can supercharge your workflow:

FancyZones: Smarter window management FancyZones allows you to create and manage custom window layouts, making multitasking seamless. Simply press Win + ` to configure your zones and snap windows into place effortlessly.

PowerToys Run: The quick app launcher Press Alt + Space to activate PowerToys Run, an instant search-and-launch tool that can help you find what you need faster than Windows Search.

Image Resizer: Bulk resize in one click Need to resize multiple images at once? Just right-click on or multiple files, select Resize with Image Resizer, and choose your preferred dimensions — no need for third-party software.

Keyboard Manager: Custom shortcuts and key remapping Ever wish you could change certain keyboard shortcuts or remap keys? Keyboard Manager lets you redefine key functions and create custom shortcuts that suit your workflow.

Always On Top: Keep important windows visible With the Win + Ctrl + T shortcut, you can pin any window to stay on top, preventing it from getting buried behind other applications — perfect for referencing documents while working.

Text Extractor: Copy text from anywhere Text Extractor lets you copy text from images, PDFs, or any on-screen content. Just press Win + Shift + T, highlight the text, and paste it anywhere.

File Locksmith: Find what’s locking a file Ever encountered the dreaded "file in use" error? File Locksmith identifies which applications are using a file, so you can close them and proceed with modifications or deletions.

Peek: Quick file previews Press Ctrl + Space on a selected file in File Explorer, and Peek will give you a quick preview — similar to macOS’s Quick Look feature. It’s a convenient way to check files without fully opening them.

Color Picker: Grab any color from your screen Use Win + Shift + C to effortlessly pick and copy any color from your screen in HEX, RGB, or other formats. It's an essential tool for designers and developers alike.

Registry Preview: Safe registry editing Modifying the Windows Registry can be risky, but Registry Preview lets you view and safely modify registry files before applying changes.

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