Microsoft PowerToys is a set of open-source utilities designed for advanced users who want to optimize their Windows experience.
This set of tools offers various features to improve productivity and customize the operating system.
Since its first appearance in Windows 95, PowerToys has evolved significantly, incorporating innovative features that allow more detailed control of the work environment.
Let’s see below how to make the most of these tools at work.
Keyboard Shortcuts Guide and Keyboard Manager
One of the most notable utilities in Microsoft PowerToys is the Keyboard Shortcuts Guide. This tool provides a quick view of all the keyboard shortcuts available in Windows and specific applications.
By simply pressing Win + Shift + ç or from its menu in PowerToys, you can see a complete list of shortcuts, making it easier to navigate and efficiently use the operating system and different programs.
The Keyboard Manager, on the other hand, is a tool that allows for customization of keyboard shortcuts. It allows for remapping keys according to specific user needs, a feature that is especially useful for specific applications that are frequently used or particular key mapping preferences.
Additionally, this tool can serve as an alternative for writing accented characters or special symbols, speeding up writing and editing tasks.
FancyZones
FancyZones allows you to organize windows into different layouts on your desktop. This feature is especially useful for users who manage multiple applications simultaneously, such as developers or data analysts.
With FancyZones, you can define specific areas on the screen to place applications and resize windows quickly and easily. You can access it quickly by pressing Win + Shift + ñ.
This tool not only improves organization, but also reduces the time spent manually adjusting windows, thus increasing productivity. It also allows you to create custom configurations that suit different types of work, whether for programming, graphic design, or file management.
PowerToys Run
PowerToys Run is a quick launcher that makes it easy to open files and applications, as well as run Windows shell commands.
Pressing Alt + Space activates a search bar that allows you to quickly search and open any installed applications, documents, or system settings.
It also supports plugins, meaning you can expand its functionality to include registry searches, math calculations, and more.
Color Picker
The Color Picker is another utility that can be very useful, especially for web designers and developers.
This tool allows you to capture and copy the color code of any part of the screen, making it easy to accurately select colors for graphic design or programming.
By simply pressing Win + Shift + c, the Color Picker is activated, displaying the color under the cursor and its corresponding code in hexadecimal, RGB or HSL format.
File Explorer Add-ons and Image Resizing
PowerToys also includes several useful plugins for Windows File Explorer. These include the option to preview additional files such as Markdown, SVG, or PDF files, allowing for quick and easy viewing of these file types without the need to open additional programs.
Another interesting tool is the Image Resizer utility. This feature allows, as its name suggests, to resize one or multiple images at a time directly from the File Explorer context menu, supporting multiple formats and size settings.
Mouse Utilities
The Mouse Utilities included in PowerToys, such as “Find My Mouse,” are especially useful for those who use multiple monitors or high-resolution setups, as they help you quickly locate your mouse cursor.
And how do I download and install PowerToys?
To get the most out of these utilities, you first need to download and install PowerToys.
The quickest option is through the Microsoft Store by searching for Power Toys.
But it is also possible to get the latest version from the official GitHub repository, which also includes detailed installation and usage instructions.
PowerToys, the Swiss Army Knife for Windows
As you can see, PowerToys offers a wide variety of tools and features that can help you customize and optimize your Windows system.
Since it is an open-source project, anyone can also contribute to the development of new features or improve existing ones.
The possibilities offered by this tool are truly immense. So, if you haven’t done so yet, download and install this suite of tools and start transforming your way of working within Windows! Being up to date with digital skills, as with other soft skills, is necessary to maintain a competent professional profile.
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