PowerToys is a free collection of utilities made by Microsoft that adds features Windows should probably have had all along. If you only install one extra tool on Windows 11, make it this one. Here are 7 PowerToys tools worth turning on.
How to Install PowerToys on Windows 11
- Search for PowerToys in the Microsoft Store and install it, or
- Open Terminal and run:
winget install Microsoft.PowerToys
The Best PowerToys Tools
- FancyZones: Create your own custom window layouts. Hold Shift while dragging a window to snap it into a zone. It's perfect for ultrawide and large monitors. For the built-in option, see Snap Layouts in Windows 11.
- PowerToys Run: A fast launcher. Press Alt + Space, type the name of an app or file, and press Enter.
- Text Extractor: Press Win + Shift + T and select any text on your screen, even inside images or videos, to copy it.
- Color Picker: Press Win + Shift + C to grab the exact color code of anything on screen.
- PowerRename: Rename many files at once. Right-click the files and choose PowerRename.
- Always on Top: Press Win + Ctrl + T to keep a window floating above all others.
- Keyboard Manager: Remap keys and shortcuts to whatever you prefer.
How to Set Up PowerToys
- Open PowerToys from the Start menu.
- Browse the list of tools on the left side.
- Turn on only the ones you want. Most are off until you enable them.
- Click a tool to change its shortcut or settings.
Can You Change the PowerToys Shortcuts?
Yes. The shortcuts above are the defaults and may change between versions, so you can always check or customize them inside PowerToys. You don't have to enable everything. Start with one or two tools and add more as you get comfortable.
Summary: PowerToys for Windows 11
Install PowerToys, turn on FancyZones and PowerToys Run, and you'll feel the difference on your very first day.
Related guides
- Snap Layouts in Windows 11: Split Your Screen Fast
- Windows 11 Clipboard History: Use Win + V to Paste More
Have you used PowerToys before? Tell me in the comments which tool is your favorite.
