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PowerToys

Windows system utilities to maximize productivity. Contribute to microsoft/PowerToys development by creating an account on GitHub.

PowerToys

PowerToys Reviews and Details

This page is designed to help you find out whether PowerToys is good and if it is the right choice for you.

Screenshots and images

  • PowerToys Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-27

Features & Specs

  1. Customizability

    PowerToys offer a variety of customization options that allow users to tailor their Windows experience to their preferences. This includes tools like FancyZones for advanced window management and customizable keyboard shortcuts.

  2. Efficiency

    The utilities included in PowerToys, such as PowerToys Run and File Explorer add-ons, can significantly boost productivity by offering quicker and more efficient ways to launch apps or navigate through files.

  3. Open Source

    Being open-source software, PowerToys allows developers to contribute to and modify the software, leading to continuous improvement and community-driven enhancements.

  4. Frequent Updates

    Microsoft and the community frequently update PowerToys, adding new features, fixing bugs, and improving overall reliability.

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Videos

Hands-on with PowerToys for Windows 10 โ€“ Windows Enhanced!

Windows 10 PowerToys (Beginners Guide)

Microsoft PowerToys for Windows 10 - Overview & Demo

Social recommendations and mentions

We have tracked the following product recommendations or mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you see what people think about PowerToys and what they use it for.
  • Keypirinha: A fast launcher for keyboard ninjas on Windows
    Powertoys Run (https://github.com/microsoft/powertoys) can do this. There are not that many plugins as Alfred but Window Switcher is built-in. - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
  • The surprisingly subtle ways Microsoft Word has changed how we use language
    But most of the people that make this error are non-tachsavy Windows users. And while there is Microsoft's PowerToys[0] with the Quick Accent tool that does the same thing, I doubt many people know about it. > on iOS I think this works for any mobile keyboard (for example, AOSP's default keyboard supports that). In my language at least, the use of a capital letter with an accent is pretty rare, especially when... - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
  • Microsoft Powertoys - How to auto enable powertoys run (spotlight search) everytime you start your pc
    We'd love to deep dive into the issue but best spot for this would be the powertoys GitHub. https://github.com/microsoft/powertoys. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Tried to reinstall it, but the MS Store says it's installed but it's not anywhere ona computer
    Download it from the official github Https://github.com/microsoft/powertoys. Source: over 3 years ago
  • This shows how to preview SVG files directly in your Windows files explorer (link in the comment)
    Not sure if it's the same codebase, but SVG preview is included in Microsoft's PowerToys (open source), along with a ton of other quality-of-life improvements for Windows. Source: over 3 years ago
  • SharpKeys โ€“ Keymapper for Windows
    I use powertoys[0] to map printscreen to insert on my Keychron K2. [0]: https://github.com/microsoft/powertoys. - Source: Hacker News / about 4 years ago

Summary of the public mentions of PowerToys

Microsoft PowerToys has garnered significant attention in the tech community, especially since its revival as an open-source tool aimed at enhancing the Windows operating system. Initial impressions, amplified by several user testimonials, suggest that PowerToys has established itself as a robust solution for optimizing Windows productivity, further consolidating its relevance in the modern software landscape.

Versatility and Features

A key highlight of PowerToys is its suite of utilities aimed at improving user experience on Windows. It comprises tools like the Color Picker, allowing users to effortlessly identify color codes in images, and the Keyboard Manager, which facilitates key remapping โ€” a boon for power users. PowerToys Run emerges as an alternative to macOS's search feature, offering a streamlined approach to application launching and file searching. Additionally, features like the SVG file preview in Windows Explorer and the Quick Accent tool demonstrate Microsoft's commitment to delivering practical, everyday enhancements for users.

Open-Source Accessibility

The transformation of PowerToys into an open-source initiative is another aspect resonating well with users. This move not only extends its functionality through community-driven development but also underscores Microsoft's shifting strategy towards embracing more collaborative and accessible software development practices. As many users have noted, acquiring PowerToys from its GitHub repository simplifies the installation process, providing a direct, no-nonsense way to integrate these utilities into their workflow.

Comparison with Competitors

In the crowded field of productivity tools, PowerToys holds its own against competitors like DisplayFusion, Ultramon, and AquaSnap. Its lightweight design coupled with a host of utilities that are continuously being expanded makes it particularly appealing for users seeking customizable options. While other contenders like Dual Monitor Tools and Actual Multiple Monitors focus primarily on multi-monitor setups, PowerToys offers a broader utility spectrum, aligning with users' needs beyond just screen management.

Challenges and User Feedback

Despite its many strengths, PowerToys is not without its challenges. Some users have encountered issues with installation through the Microsoft Store, but many find relief in downloading directly from GitHub. There are also nuances users need to comprehend; tools like Quick Accent, although powerful, remain underutilized due to a lack of awareness. Nevertheless, as observed from user discussions, the PowerToys communityโ€”the mix of tech-savvy enthusiasts and everyday usersโ€”actively participates in providing support and suggestions via forums and GitHub issues.

Conclusion

The overall sentiment towards Microsoft PowerToys is predominantly positive. With its expanding suite of utilities, streamlined functionality, and open-source foundation, PowerToys serves a diverse array of purposes, appealing to both casual and power users. As it continues to evolve, user engagement and feedback will likely inform future developments, enhancing its position as a go-to productivity tool in the Windows ecosystem. For users keen on customizing their Windows experience while leveraging open-source resources, PowerToys stands out as an exemplary choice.

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Is PowerToys good? This is an informative page that will help you find out. Moreover, you can review and discuss PowerToys here. The primary details have not been verified within the last quarter, and they might be outdated. If you think we are missing something, please use the means on this page to comment or suggest changes. All reviews and comments are highly encouranged and appreciated as they help everyone in the community to make an informed choice. Please always be kind and objective when evaluating a product and sharing your opinion.