New PowerToys features may not be considered the most exciting upcoming addition to Windows 10, but many power users will be well aware of their value.
Microsoft announced the return of PowerToys in 2019, as an enhanced set of tools aimed at maximising productivity and adding customisation to your experience.
What are PowerToys?
PowerToys are a series of subtle UI tweaks aimed at improving productivity and enhancing the user experience. They mainly consist of shortcuts and workaround, but also offer extensive scope for customisation.
PowerToys were originally introduced back on Windows 95, before being dropped with the move to Windows 7 in 2009.
Almost a decade later, Microsoft announced that PowerToys would be returning. While earlier versions focused almost exclusively on power users, its reintroduction will cater more to mainstream needs.
At Build 2020, Microsoft announced the arrival of a PowerToys Run launcher, which makes it easier to quickly access shortcuts and tools from a single search. This is also open source, allowing many developers to build functionality directly into search.
Currently, PowerToys fall into the following categories:
- General
- FancyZones – Arrange and snap windows into a specific layout to support your workflow
- File Explorer Preview
- Image Resizer
- Keyboard Manager – Remap the keyboard and add shortcuts to suit you
- PowerRename – Quickly rename and group files
- PowerToys Run
How to use PowerToys on Windows 10
More PowerToys features are set to officially arrive in the upcoming Windows 10 May 2020 update, so you can\’t use all the tools just yet.
However, downloading the above launcher will add additional functionality to the search function. Once downloaded, it will work in the same way as the Run command has on Windows, so just hit the Windows key + R to start using.
Top Christmas Deals
Only the best deals on the best products handpicked by our expert editors
Amazon Echo Dot (3rd-gen)
From: Amazon
Was: £39.99
Now: £17 (Get 2 for £29.99 with 2ECHODOT)
View Deal
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
From: Samsung
Was: £409
Now: £329 (£80 off with cashback)
View Deal
Xiaomi Mi 11 (8GB/128GB) + Mi True Wireless Earphones 2S
From: Xiaomi
Was: £828.99
Now: £599 (£150 off + free Mi True Wireless Earphones 2S)
View Deal
Lenovo Tab P11 Pro (128GB) w/ keyboard + stylus
From: Currys
Was: £599
Now: £549 (£50 off)
View Deal
iD Mobile: Unlimited data with £50 Currys gift card
From: iD Mobile
Now: £16 per month
View Deal
Samsung Galaxy A12 + Nintendo Switch + Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
From: Virgin Media
Now: From £22 per month
View Deal
Oppo A54 5G with free Nintendo Switch OLED
From: Virgin Media
Now: From £24 per month
View Deal
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G with Galaxy Buds 2
From: Virgin
Now: From £29 per month (2GB)
View Deal
Nintendo Switch
From: ShopTo via eBay
Was: £259.99
Now: £239.99 (£20 off)
View Deal
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro (6GB RAM, 128GB) + Mi Band 5
From: Xiaomi
Was: £268.99
Now: £199 (£30 off + Free Mi Band 5)
View Deal
< > Top Christmas Deals
Only the best deals on the best products handpicked by our expert editors
Asus Vivobook 15
From: Staples
Was: $449.99
Now: $279.99 ($170 off)
View Deal
Fitbit Charge 5
From: Amazon US
Was: $179.95
Now: $129.95 ($50 off)
View Deal
Disney+ Up to 6 months
From: Amazon Music
Was: $47.94
Now: Free with Amazon Music Unlimited ($9.99 per month/$7.99 for Prime Members)
View Deal
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
From: Best Buy
Was: $1799.99
Now: $1399.99 ($400 off)
View Deal
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 (Core i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB storage)
From: Best Buy
Was: $899.99
Now: $699.99 ($200 off)
View Deal
Fitbit Luxe
From: Amazon US
Was: $149.95
Now: $99.95 ($50 off)
View Deal
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
From: Amazon US
Was: $49.99
Now: $29.99 ($20 off)
View Deal
Theragun: Cyber Monday Sale US
From: Theragun
Now: From $174 (Up to $300 off)
View Deal
Samsung Galaxy Buds+
From: Walmart
Was: $149.99
Now: $79.99 ($70 off)
View Deal
Apple MacBook Air, M1, 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 512GB (2020)
From: Amazon US
Was: $1,249
Now: $1,099 ($149 off)
View Deal
< >
The aforementioned Keyboard Manager is also available in the latest version of PowerToys. Alongside the other categories listed above, customisation options will be available via the settings menu.
This app is also set to auto-update by default, so you\’ll always have access to the latest version of PowerToys.
PowerToys can also be used to rename files in bulk.
