What Makes Microsoft PowerToys Essential for Productivity in 2025
You might spend a lot of time looking for windows or changing their size to fit your work. Microsoft PowerToys gives you tools you can change to help with these jobs. You can get and set it up for free. PowerToys is open-source, so you always get new updates from people who help make it better. Try it to see how it can make your daily work easier and help you get more done.
Key Takeaways
Microsoft PowerToys gives you free tools that are simple to use. These tools help you work faster and keep your Windows computer tidy.
FancyZones lets you set up windows in your own way. This saves time and keeps your desktop clean when you do many things at once.
PowerRename and PowerToys Run help you rename files and find apps fast. They make your daily jobs easier and quicker.
Tools like Color Picker, Image Resizer, and Text Extractor help with design and editing photos. They also help you copy text from pictures.
PowerToys has features like Keyboard Manager and Always On Top. These let you change shortcuts and keep important windows easy to see.
Microsoft PowerToys Overview
What Is PowerToys
PowerToys is like a set of helpful tools for your Windows computer. Microsoft made this suite to help you work faster and make your computer work the way you want. PowerToys first came out with Windows 95 and has changed a lot since then. Now, there are over 25 tools that help you do things like manage windows, rename files, and pick colors. The tools get better all the time because Microsoft and other people keep updating them. You can use PowerToys on Windows 10 and Windows 11. It works on both x64 and Arm64 computers.
Here is a quick look at some of the main features you will find in PowerToys:
Getting Started
You can install PowerToys in a few easy ways. The simplest way is to use the Microsoft Store. Just search for PowerToys and click install. You can also get it from GitHub or use command-line tools if you want. Here are the basic steps:
Go to the Microsoft Store or the PowerToys GitHub page.
Download the installer that matches your computer (x64 or Arm64).
Open the installer and follow the prompts.
After installation, PowerToys will start and show up in your system tray.
You can set it to start automatically when your computer boots.
PowerToys works on Windows 10 (version 2004 or newer) and all versions of Windows 11. You do not need to be a tech expert to get started.
💡 Tip: You can turn each tool on or off in the PowerToys settings. This way, you only use what you need.
User Interface
When you open PowerToys, you see a simple window with a list of tools. You can turn each tool on or off with a switch. Some tools, like FancyZones, have lots of options to try. The interface is easy to use, but some advanced features might take time to learn. If you are new to PowerToys, you may need to try a few times to find your favorite settings. Microsoft and the community keep working to make the interface easier for everyone. This includes people who use screen readers or keyboard navigation.
Note: Some users want better accessibility and easier navigation. The open-source team listens to feedback and updates the design to help all users.
Window Management
FancyZones
FancyZones lets you set up your desktop how you like. You can make columns, grids, or zones that overlap. These zones help you put your windows where you want them. You can snap apps into these spots fast. You do not need to drag or resize windows each time you work. You can save layouts you like and use them again. You can also switch layouts with a few clicks. FancyZones works with Workspaces, so windows move to the right place when you change tasks. It fits into Windows 11, so it feels like it belongs there.
You can keep your favorite layouts for later use.
You can change layouts quickly with just a click.
FancyZones works with Workspaces, so windows go to the right spot.
The tool fits into Windows 11, so it feels natural.
📝 Tip: If you change projects a lot, FancyZones helps you stay neat and find your work fast.
Multitasking gets easier with FancyZones. You do not waste time moving windows. You can focus on your work, not your desktop.
Always On Top
Always On Top keeps any window above all others. Windows 11 does not do this for every app. Some apps, like Task Manager or Zoom, let you do it. Most apps do not. Before Always On Top, you needed other tools or scripts to keep a window on top.
Here is a table that shows how Always On Top compares to other ways of keeping windows visible:
With Always On Top, you can pin any window you want. You use a shortcut, and the window stays above others. This helps if you want a calculator, chat, or video call on your screen while you work.
Find My Mouse
Find My Mouse helps you find your mouse pointer fast. If you use a big screen or more than one, you might lose your mouse. This tool fixes that problem.
When you shake your mouse or press a shortcut, Find My Mouse puts a spotlight on your pointer. You can see your mouse right away. You can also change how the highlight looks in the settings.
You save time because you do not have to look for your mouse.
You avoid mistakes, like clicking the wrong spot or losing focus.
You can use this tool if you have vision problems or want to work faster.
💡 Note: Find My Mouse is good for anyone who wants fewer distractions and better focus.
File and Clipboard Tools
PowerRename
Sometimes you need to rename lots of files. PowerRename helps you do this fast. You pick the files you want to change. You can see what the new names will look like before you finish. This tool gives you more choices than the normal Windows rename. The normal tool just adds numbers at the end. PowerRename lets you change words, add new text, or use patterns. Renaming by hand is okay for a few files. But it gets slow and easy to mess up with many files. PowerRename makes it quick and helps you make fewer mistakes.
PowerRename comes with PowerToys, so you must install it.
You can change many file names using their old names.
You get to see a preview before you finish.
There are more choices than the basic Windows rename.
PowerRename cannot change names based on what is inside the files.
PowerToys Run
PowerToys Run is like a search bar that does more. You press a shortcut, and a box pops up. You can find and open apps, files, or folders. You can also run commands from here. This tool saves time because you do not need to look through menus. You do not have to remember where you put things. You can use plugins to do math, change units, or search online. PowerToys Run helps you work faster by putting everything in one place.
Clipboard Manager
You copy and paste things many times each day. Clipboard Manager keeps a list of everything you copy. You can search, sort, and use old things again. This tool helps you keep important stuff safe. You do not have to copy the same thing over and over. Clipboard Manager works with text, pictures, files, and code. You can lock it with a password to keep it private. It can also work on more than one computer, so you can copy on one and paste on another.
File Explorer Add-ons
File Explorer Add-ons let you see more file previews. You can look at Markdown, SVG, PDF, G-code, QOI images, and lots of code files. You also get small previews for SVG, PDF, STL, and QOI files. The add-ons let you turn on word wrap and fix how JSON and XML look. You can set the biggest file size for previews. You need to turn on the preview pane in File Explorer settings. Some previews may need you to restart your computer. These add-ons help you see what is in a file fast, so you do not have to open each one.
Image and Color Utilities
Image Resizer
Image Resizer lets you change the size of many images at once. You do not have to open each picture or use a hard program. Just pick your images, right-click, and pick the size you want. This tool is great for people who work with lots of photos or pictures. Batch resizing saves you a lot of time. You do not need to resize each image one by one. Here is why batch resizing helps:
You can change the size of many images in one step.
The tool uses the same settings for every image, so they all match.
You make fewer mistakes than if you resized by hand.
You can do other things while the tool works.
Batch resizing is good for photographers, web developers, and anyone with lots of images.
💡 Tip: Always save a copy of your original images before resizing, because resizing can replace your files.
Color Picker
Color Picker lets you pick any color from your screen. You can use it for art, design, or web work. This tool gives you the exact color code, so your colors always match. Many people use Color Picker for different jobs. The table below shows some ways people use it:
🎨 Note: Color Picker helps you keep your colors the same in all your projects.
Text Extractor
Text Extractor lets you copy words from pictures or scanned pages. You pick the area with your mouse, and the tool changes the picture into text you can edit. This feature uses smart OCR technology. In real tests, Text Extractor is very accurate, even with blurry or turned images. It works best with printed words and gets almost perfect results. You can use it to get text from screenshots, scanned pages, or photos of papers. This tool saves you from typing long parts by hand.
📄 Tip: Text Extractor is great for copying notes, quotes, or data from images fast and without mistakes.
Productivity Boosters
Keyboard Manager
Keyboard Manager lets you change how your keyboard works. You can swap keys or set up new shortcuts. This tool helps you do tasks faster. For example, you can make a shortcut to open your favorite app or copy text with one key. Many people use Keyboard Manager to save time on things they do every day. If you type a lot or use special programs, you can set up keys that fit your style. You do not need to be an expert to use it. The settings are easy to find and change. You can turn changes on or off at any time.
💡 Tip: If you have a broken key, you can remap it to another key and keep working without trouble.
PowerToys Awake
PowerToys Awake keeps your computer from going to sleep. You can keep your screen on during long downloads or video calls. You do not need to change your system settings. Just turn on Awake when you need it. This tool helps you avoid losing work or missing updates. You can set Awake to stay on for a set time or until you turn it off. Many people use Awake during presentations or when running big tasks that take hours.
You can keep your computer awake for a meeting.
You can finish downloads without your PC sleeping.
You can set it and forget it.
Shortcut Guide
Shortcut Guide shows you all the Windows shortcuts when you hold the Windows key. You see a list on your screen. This helps you learn new shortcuts and work faster. If you forget a shortcut, you do not need to search online. The guide updates as new shortcuts come out. You can change how the guide looks and which shortcuts show up. This tool helps you remember and use shortcuts every day.
📝 Note: Shortcut Guide is great for new users and for people who want to learn more about Windows.
Real-World Productivity Examples
Keyboard Manager lets you remap keys and shortcuts to speed up tasks and fit your workflow.
PowerToys Awake keeps your computer active during long meetings or downloads.
Shortcut Guide helps you learn and use shortcuts, making your work smoother.
Performance and Compatibility
PowerToys works well on Windows 10 and Windows 11. Some users had problems with older Windows 10 versions, like installation failures. On Windows 11, updates sometimes did not refresh context menus for tools like PowerRename and Image Resizer. The team fixes these issues quickly. Updates come out at least once a month, so you always get new features and bug fixes.
Microsoft PowerToys gives you many tools to help you work better. These tools make your daily tasks easier and faster. The table below shows what each tool does to help you:
You can try out these tools to see which ones you like best. Microsoft and other people keep adding new things to PowerToys. This means you can keep working well as Windows changes.
FAQ
What can you do with PowerToys?
You can use PowerToys to manage windows, rename files, pick colors, and resize images. You also get tools to keep your computer awake, find your mouse, and use keyboard shortcuts. These tools help you work faster and stay organized.
What makes PowerToys different from built-in Windows tools?
PowerToys gives you more options and control than built-in tools. You can customize how windows snap, rename many files at once, and use extra features like a color picker or text extractor. These features help you do tasks that Windows does not cover.
What should you know before installing PowerToys?
You should check that your computer runs Windows 10 (version 2004 or newer) or Windows 11. You do not need to be an expert. You can install PowerToys from the Microsoft Store or GitHub. You can turn each tool on or off in the settings.
What happens if you find a bug or need help?
You can visit the PowerToys GitHub page to report bugs or ask questions. The community and developers often answer quickly. You can also read the official documentation for tips and updates.
What is the best way to learn PowerToys features?
You can explore each tool in the PowerToys settings. Try turning tools on and off to see what they do. You can also read guides and watch videos online. Practice helps you find the best tools for your work.