PowerToys
WindowsBoost Windows productivity with open-source utilities
Overview
PowerToys is an open-source suite of system utilities built by Microsoft and the community to enhance Windows 10/11 workflows. It integrates deeply with the OS, offering tools like FancyZones (custom window layouts), PowerToys Run (blazing-fast launcher), Text Extractor (OCR from screens), Keyboard Manager (remap keys/shortcuts), and Color Picker. Designed for power users, it streamlines tasks, customizes desktop environments, and unlocks advanced Windows features without third-party bloat, with regular updates adding new utilities and improving compatibility.
Key Features
- FancyZones (custom window management)
- PowerToys Run (quick app/file launcher)
- Text Extractor (screen OCR tool)
- Keyboard Manager (key remapping & shortcut customization)
- Color Picker (instant screen color selection)
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is PowerToys compatible with Windows 11?
Yes, PowerToys fully supports Windows 11 (and Windows 10 version 1903+). It’s optimized for Windows 11’s UI, including integration with Snap Layouts and other native features.
? Is it safe to install?
Absolutely. PowerToys is developed and maintained by Microsoft and the open-source community, with its code publicly available on GitHub. It contains no ads or malware, and all releases are vetted for security.
? Is there a portable version?
Currently, PowerToys does not offer an official portable version. It must be installed via the Microsoft Store, GitHub releases, or winget, but uninstallation is clean and leaves no residual files.
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Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Open-source and completely free
- ⊕ Seamless integration with Windows 10/11
- ⊕ Regular updates with new features
- ⊕ No ads or malicious components
Cons
- ⊖ Some advanced tools have a learning curve
- ⊖ Occasional bugs in pre-release builds
- ⊖ No official portable version available