These Seven New Microsoft PowerToys Utilities Are Worth Trying

Microsoft PowerToys is a collection of utilities that enhance the functionality of Windows 10. The latest version of PowerToys includes seven new utilities that are worth trying. These utilities are designed to improve productivity, customize the user interface, and streamline common tasks. In this article, we will take a closer look at each of these new utilities and explore how they can benefit Windows 10 users.

1. PowerToys Run

PowerToys Run is a new launcher that allows users to quickly search for and launch applications, files, and settings. It is similar to the Windows 10 Start menu, but with a more streamlined interface and faster performance. PowerToys Run can be accessed by pressing the Alt+Space keyboard shortcut, and it supports a variety of search filters, including file type, application name, and keyword.

One of the most useful features of PowerToys Run is its ability to launch applications with custom parameters. For example, users can launch a web browser with a specific URL or open a file with a specific application. This can save time and improve productivity, especially for users who frequently work with specific applications or files.

2. Keyboard Manager

Keyboard Manager is a utility that allows users to remap keys and create custom keyboard shortcuts. This can be useful for users who prefer a different keyboard layout or who want to create shortcuts for frequently used commands. Keyboard Manager supports both global and application-specific shortcuts, and it can be configured to launch applications or perform specific actions.

One of the most interesting features of Keyboard Manager is its ability to create shortcuts for mouse actions. For example, users can create a shortcut that simulates a mouse click or scroll wheel movement. This can be useful for users who prefer to use keyboard shortcuts instead of a mouse.

3. PowerRename

PowerRename is a utility that allows users to batch rename files and folders. It supports a variety of renaming options, including search and replace, regular expressions, and case sensitivity. PowerRename can be accessed from the Windows File Explorer context menu, and it supports previewing the changes before applying them.

One of the most useful features of PowerRename is its ability to apply renaming rules to specific file types or folders. For example, users can create a rule that renames all image files in a specific folder to include the date and time they were taken. This can save time and improve organization, especially for users who work with large numbers of files.

4. Image Resizer

Image Resizer is a utility that allows users to resize images quickly and easily. It supports a variety of resizing options, including percentage, pixel size, and custom dimensions. Image Resizer can be accessed from the Windows File Explorer context menu, and it supports previewing the changes before applying them.

One of the most useful features of Image Resizer is its ability to resize images in batches. For example, users can select multiple images in a folder and resize them all at once. This can save time and improve productivity, especially for users who frequently work with images.

5. File Explorer Add-ons

File Explorer Add-ons is a collection of utilities that enhance the functionality of the Windows File Explorer. It includes several new features, including a preview pane for Markdown files, a SVG preview handler, and a file properties preview pane. File Explorer Add-ons can be accessed from the Windows File Explorer context menu, and it supports previewing the changes before applying them.

One of the most useful features of File Explorer Add-ons is its ability to customize the Windows File Explorer interface. For example, users can add custom tabs or remove unnecessary buttons. This can improve productivity and streamline common tasks, especially for users who frequently work with the Windows File Explorer.

6. PowerToys Awake

PowerToys Awake is a utility that prevents the computer from going to sleep or turning off the display. It can be useful for users who need to keep their computer awake for extended periods of time, such as during a presentation or while downloading large files. PowerToys Awake can be accessed from the Windows system tray, and it supports customizing the time interval before the computer goes to sleep.

One of the most useful features of PowerToys Awake is its ability to prevent the computer from going to sleep while specific applications are running. For example, users can configure PowerToys Awake to keep the computer awake while a video is playing or while a specific application is running. This can improve productivity and prevent interruptions during important tasks.

7. Color Picker

Color Picker is a utility that allows users to select colors from the screen and copy them to the clipboard. It can be useful for users who need to match colors between applications or who work with graphic design. Color Picker can be accessed from the Windows system tray, and it supports customizing the color format and opacity.

One of the most useful features of Color Picker is its ability to save colors to a palette. For example, users can create a palette of colors for a specific project or client. This can improve organization and streamline common tasks, especially for users who frequently work with colors.

In conclusion, the latest version of Microsoft PowerToys includes seven new utilities that can benefit Windows 10 users. These utilities are designed to improve productivity, customize the user interface, and streamline common tasks. Whether you need to launch applications quickly, batch rename files, or select colors from the screen, PowerToys has a utility that can help.