What are Microsoft PowerToys?
Microsoft PowerToys is a set of system utilities developed by Microsoft in collaboration with the open-source community. These tools are designed to power users who want to tune and streamline their Windows 11 experience for maximum productivity. Unlike standard Windows features, PowerToys allows you to customise core behaviours, such as window snapping, keyboard shortcuts, and file management.
Why You Should Use PowerToys
Windows 11 is an excellent operating system, but it can occasionally feel restrictive for advanced users. PowerToys removes these limitations by offering features that should arguably be built directly into Windows. By installing this utility, you can:
- Keep specific windows always on top of other applications.
- Extract text from any image on your screen using optical character recognition (OCR).
- Remap frustrating keyboard shortcuts to actions you actually use.
- Find your mouse cursor instantly on multi-monitor setups.
- Batch rename hundreds of files simultaneously.
How to Install Windows 11 PowerToys
There are multiple ways to install PowerToys, but using the Microsoft Store or the Windows Package Manager (Winget) are the most reliable methods.
Method 1: Install via the Microsoft Store
- Open the Microsoft Store from your taskbar or Start menu.
- Search for PowerToys in the top search bar.
- Select the app published by Microsoft Corporation.
- Click Install and wait for the process to complete.
Method 2: Install via Windows Terminal (Winget)
If you prefer using the command line, you can install PowerToys quickly using Winget:
- Right-click the Start button and select Terminal (Admin).
- Type the following command and press Enter:
winget install Microsoft.PowerToys -s winget - Wait for the download and installation to finish.
Top PowerToys Features to Customise Your Workflow
Once installed, open the PowerToys Settings app to enable and configure these essential tools.
1. Always on Top
This feature allows you to pin any application window above all others, preventing it from disappearing when you click elsewhere. This is incredibly useful when using a calculator, taking notes from a video, or keeping a reference document visible.
- How to use: Select the window you want to pin and press Win + Ctrl + T. A thick border will appear around the window to indicate it is pinned.
2. PowerToys Run
PowerToys Run is a fast, keyboard-based launcher that serves as a powerful alternative to the standard Windows Search or the macOS Spotlight feature. It can launch applications, search for files, perform calculations, and even execute system commands.
- How to use: Press Alt + Space to open the search bar in the centre of your screen. Type your query and hit Enter.
3. Text Extractor
Text Extractor is a convenient tool that allows you to copy text from anywhere on your screen, including images, videos, and protected PDFs, using OCR technology.
- How to use: Press Win + Shift + T. Your screen will dim. Click and drag a box over the text you want to capture. The text is immediately copied to your clipboard, ready to be pasted into any document.
4. FancyZones
If you use a large monitor or an ultrawide display, Windows 11’s default Snap Layouts might not provide enough flexibility. FancyZones allows you to create complex, custom window layouts.
- How to use: Press Win + Shift + \ (backslash) to open the FancyZones editor. Create your custom grid. Once saved, hold the Shift key while dragging a window to snap it perfectly into your custom zones.
5. Keyboard Manager
Keyboard Manager enables you to remap individual keys or entire keyboard shortcuts. If you constantly press the wrong key, or if a specific program has a frustrating shortcut, you can change it globally or for specific applications.
- How to use: Open the PowerToys Settings, navigate to Keyboard Manager, and click Remap a key or Remap a shortcut.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Running as Administrator unnecessarily: PowerToys will prompt you to run it as an administrator. While this is required for some features (like FancyZones interacting with admin-level apps), it is not always necessary and can be skipped if you are restricted on a corporate machine.
- Enabling everything at once: Enabling all PowerToys features simultaneously can consume unnecessary system resources. Only enable the specific tools you actively use.
Next Steps
Microsoft PowerToys is regularly updated with new features and improvements. Take 15 minutes to explore the settings menu, test the different utilities, and find the combinations that best improve your daily Windows 11 workflow.