Microsoft PowerToys - Boost Your Windows Productivity

Microsoft PowerToys is a productivity tool developed by Microsoft, similar to what macOS users get with Spotlight. This open-source project from Microsoft offers a set of utilities that allow power users to streamline their workflow and customize Windows for a more efficient experience.

What is PowerToys? 📦

PowerToys is a collection of utilities designed to enhance Windows productivity. Originally introduced back in the Windows 95 days, PowerToys was reimagined for Windows 10 and now Windows 11, bringing a suite of features that help users get more done, more easily. The project is open source and regularly updated by both Microsoft and contributors from the community, making it a dynamic toolkit for those who like to tweak and customize their workflow.

Key PowerToys Utilities 🛠️

PowerToys offers a variety of utilities that can greatly enhance productivity. Here are some of the most popular utilities:

1. PowerToys Run 🚀

PowerToys Run is a quick launcher for Windows, similar to Spotlight on macOS. It allows users to efficiently search for apps, files, execute system commands, perform calculations, convert units, and more through a simple typing interface, making it an all-in-one solution for quick access to various functions.

PowerToys Run also supports a range of plugins that expand its capabilities. The Visual Studio Code plugin is particularly useful as it allows users to quickly open previously used workspaces, making it a great tool for developers looking to streamline their workflow.

2. FancyZones 📐

FancyZones is a window manager that allows users to create complex window layouts and snap windows into these zones quickly. It is ideal for multi-monitor setups or for those who prefer to keep their workspace highly organized. With FancyZones, managing multiple app windows and creating custom layouts becomes much more efficient.

3. Always On Top 📌

Always On Top allows users to pin any window above all others with a quick keyboard shortcut. This is particularly useful for keeping a reference document or a video call always visible while multitasking, ensuring that important applications remain easily accessible.

4. PowerRename ✏️

PowerRename is a powerful tool for renaming large groups of files. It is especially useful for scenarios that involve downloading numerous files and needing to add prefixes or change file extensions. Users can apply search and replace patterns, including regular expressions, to rename files in bulk, significantly reducing manual renaming efforts.

5. Advanced Paste 📋

Advanced Paste enables users to paste clipboard contents into different formats such as plain text, Markdown, or JSON without extra conversions. This tool is ideal for situations where text needs to be adapted for different environments or applications, helping to maintain consistency and speed up repetitive tasks, making it highly versatile for a range of uses.

Additionally, an AI-powered option has been recently introduced, allowing users to ask questions about their last copied text. It enables developers to rewrite code, add tests, or perform other transformations easily. This feature uses GPT-3.5 by default, but switching between versions requires modifying the code and rebuilding it. An OpenAI key is needed to use this feature, and currently, it does not support other platforms like Anthropic, Gemini, or Ollama for local models. The community is actively working on further improvements to enhance this functionality.

For more detailed descriptions, visit the official Microsoft PowerToys page or explore the latest updates on their GitHub repository.