1. Always on Top: Pinning Windows to Stay Visible
– Setting Up Always on Top
Managing multiple windows in Microsoft Windows can become challenging when you need one window to remain accessible at all times. The “Always on Top” feature allows you to pin a specific window, ensuring it remains visible even if you interact with other windows.

To configure “Always on Top,” navigate to the “Always on Top” tab within PowerToys Settings. Here, you can customize the activation shortcut, enable a border around the pinned window with options to adjust border color and thickness, and even set up a sound notification when pinning a window. Additionally, you can exclude specific applications from being pinned.

To utilize this feature, open multiple windows, select the one you want to keep in focus, and trigger “Always on Top” using the shortcut. Subsequently, regardless of your interactions with other windows, the pinned window will remain active. To unpin it, press the activation shortcut again.

2. Awake: Prevent Your PC from Going to Sleep
– Setting Up Awake
The “Awake” tool simplifies the process of keeping your computer awake, especially useful when running automated tasks or needing the PC to remain active even with the lid closed. Rather than delving into Windows’ Power & Sleep settings, “Awake” offers a convenient alternative.

In PowerToys Settings, access the “Awake” tab and ensure that “Enable Awake” is activated. You can choose from three modes:
– Maintain the current power plan.
– Keep the PC awake indefinitely.
– Keep the PC awake temporarily.

If you opt for indefinite wakefulness, specify the duration the PC should stay awake and whether the screen should remain on.

To use “Awake,” locate the icon in the Windows system tray when it’s enabled. Right-clicking the icon lets you switch between the three modes, ensuring your PC stays awake according to your preference.

3. Color Picker: Capture On-Screen Colors
– Setting Up Color Picker
Graphic designers and web professionals often need to identify and replicate specific colors they encounter on their screens. “Color Picker” allows you to easily capture these colors for later use.

In PowerToys Settings, select the “Color Picker” tab to customize the default keyboard shortcut (Win + Shift + C) that activates the tool. You can also adjust the tool’s behavior upon activation.

Further configuration options allow you to choose the default color format and decide whether to display color names. You can also select the color formats to be shown (e.g., HEX, RGB, CMYK).

– Using Color Picker
To utilize “Color Picker,” simply spot a color on a website, image, or application that you want to reproduce. Press the designated shortcut to activate the tool, hover over the color of interest until its value is displayed, and then click on the color. The tool will open, revealing the color values in all selected formats.

4. FancyZones: Create Custom Desktop Layouts
– Setting Up FancyZones
While Windows allows window positioning and Snap Layouts, managing windows precisely can still be challenging. “FancyZones” assists in establishing predefined screen layouts, simplifying window arrangement.

Access the “FancyZones” tab in PowerToys Settings and launch the layout editor. You can choose from default templates like columns, rows, or a grid, and customize them by adding or removing zones. Alternatively, create a layout from scratch. Once configured, click “Apply.”

Other settings let you customize the activation shortcut, manage multiple displays, and adjust zone appearance and behavior. To use “FancyZones,” activate it using the shortcut and easily arrange windows within the predefined zones.

5. File LockSmith: Identify Processes Locking Files
– Setting Up File LockSmith
Dealing with locked or in-use files that you wish to delete, move, or edit can be frustrating. “File LockSmith” helps identify the processes responsible for locking files, allowing you to address the issue effectively.

In PowerToys Settings, enable “File LockSmith” to ensure it’s available when needed. The next time you encounter a locked file, right-click it in File Explorer, and select “What’s using this file?” from the context menu.

– Using File LockSmith
A “File LockSmith” window will appear, revealing the file’s name and the application currently preventing its manipulation. Additional details, such as process ID, user, and file path, are accessible by clicking the dropdown next to the “End Task” button. To resolve the issue, you can terminate the associated process. Be sure to save any changes if the file is editable, like a Word document.

6. File Explorer Add-Ons: Expand Supported File Formats
– Setting Up File Explorer Add-Ons
While Windows’ File Explorer can preview various file types, PowerToys enhances its capabilities by enabling the preview of additional formats, including Scalable Vector Graphics (.SVG), Markdown (.MD), and an extended preview of PDF files (up to the first 10 pages).

Access “File Explorer Add-Ons” in PowerToys Settings and activate the file types you wish to preview. Once enabled, open File Explorer, go to the “View” menu, and select “Preview pane” to view these additional file formats.

7. Hosts File Editor: Modify IP Addresses for Specific Sites
– Setting Up Hosts File Editor
Occasionally, you may need to alter the default server IP address assigned to a website. This can be accomplished through the Windows Hosts file, and PowerToys’ “Hosts File Editor” simplifies viewing and editing this file. Select “Hosts File Editor” in PowerToys Settings and launch the editor. Accept any warnings about altering the hosts file.

– Using Hosts File Editor
The hosts file contains various entries that can be activated. You can create new entries by clicking the “New entry” button and specifying the IP address, name, and other details. After adding an entry, you can access the corresponding site by its assigned name.

8. Image Resizer: Effortlessly Resize Images
– Setting Up Image Resizer
When you need to resize images for various purposes, the PowerToys “Image Resizer” offers a convenient solution. Configure this tool by selecting “Image Resizer” in PowerToys Settings, where you can customize existing preset image sizes or create new ones.

– Using Image Resizer
To resize an image, right-click the file in File Explorer and choose “Resize picture.” Select the desired size preset, such as Small, Medium, Large, or Phone, or define a custom size. Click “Resize” to generate a smaller version of the image.

9. Keyboard Manager: Remap Keys and Shortcuts
– Remapping a Key
The “Keyboard Manager” feature enables you to redefine the functionality of keys on your keyboard. Open “Keyboard Manager” in PowerToys Settings and select “Remap a key.” Specify the physical key you want to change and the key you want it to activate when pressed. This remaps the key accordingly. Exercise caution when remapping keys to avoid conflicts with essential Windows functions.

– Remapping a Shortcut
Alternatively, “Keyboard Manager” allows you to assign custom keyboard shortcuts. Select “Remap a shortcut,” add a shortcut (up to two keys), and assign an action to it. Pressing the modified shortcut triggers the designated action. Deleting remapped keys or shortcuts is possible through the Keyboard Manager settings.

10. Mouse Utilities: Quickly Locate Your Cursor
– Using Mouse Utilities
To avoid losing track of your cursor on the screen, the “Mouse Utilities” tool offers three methods to help you locate it. Customize the activation method in PowerToys Settings: either by double-clicking the left Control button or shaking the mouse.

Once activated, a visual indicator directs you to your cursor’s location. You can enhance this feature by enabling the Mouse Highlighter or Mouse Pointer Crosshairs options, each of which provides its own visual cue to pinpoint the cursor.

11. Paste As Plain Text: Remove Formatting from the Clipboard
– Setting Up Paste As Plain Text
The “Paste As Plain Text” tool simplifies copying and pasting by eliminating unwanted formatting from the clipboard. Customize the activation shortcut in PowerToys Settings for easier access.

12. PowerRename: Bulk File Renaming
– Setting Up PowerRename
Renaming multiple files in Windows is often cumbersome, but “PowerRename” streamlines the process. Configure it by opening “PowerRename” in PowerToys Settings.

– Using PowerRename
Select multiple files in File Explorer, right-click, and choose “PowerRename” from the context menu. You can search and replace text, enumerate files with sequential numbers, and perform other actions. The original and new file names are displayed, and clicking “Apply” renames the files.

13. PowerToys Run: Universal Search for Windows
– Using PowerToys Run
Accessible with Alt + Space, “PowerToys Run” provides a universal search within Windows. As you type, results appear, and you can click an item to open it. Customize “PowerToys Run” in PowerToys Settings to adjust settings like the activation shortcut and the number of displayed results.

14. Quick Accent: Simplify Typing Accented Characters
– Setting Up Quick Accent
Typing words with accented characters becomes easier with “Quick Accent.” Activate it in PowerToys Settings and configure settings like the activation key, character set, and toolbar location.

– Using Quick Accent
When typing a word that requires accented characters, press and hold the character needing an accent, then press one of the activation keys. A toolbar appears with options for inserting accented characters into your text.

15. Screen Ruler: Measure Screen Pixels
– Setting Up Screen Ruler
For tasks that require measuring pixels on the screen, such as web design, programming, or graphic design, “Screen Ruler” is invaluable. Customize it in PowerToys Settings, including activation shortcuts and measurement options.

– Using Screen Ruler
Activate “Screen Ruler” using the shortcut and select a measurement tool from the menu. Move the tool over the area you want to measure to determine the pixel count.

16. Shortcut Guide: Access Keyboard Shortcuts
– Using Shortcut Guide
“Shortcut Guide” provides a quick reference for Windows keyboard shortcuts. Press the designated shortcut to display a guide listing available shortcuts involving the Win key. Customize settings in PowerToys Settings to adjust the activation method.

17. Text Extractor: Copy Text from Images and Videos
– Setting Up Text Extractor
“Text Extractor” allows you to extract text from images and videos. Enable it in PowerToys Settings and set your preferred activation shortcut.

– Using Text Extractor
To copy text from an image or video, activate “Text Extractor” and select the desired area. The copied text can then be pasted into another document.

18. Video Conference Mute: Control Audio and Video in Meetings
– Setting Up Video Conference Mute
“Video Conference Mute” enables quick muting of audio and video during virtual meetings. Configure it in PowerToys Settings, including shortcuts for muting the microphone, camera, or both.

– Using Video Conference Mute
During a video conference call, use the designated shortcuts to mute audio, disable video, or both. Press the same shortcuts again to restore audio and video. Please note that this feature may be retired in the future. By configuring and using these PowerToys effectively, you can enhance your Windows experience and streamline various tasks.

Some More Details

Microsoft has introduced a new feature within its PowerToys utility suite called “Crop and Lock.” This feature enables users to selectively crop app windows to display only specific content of interest. PowerToys was revived by Microsoft in 2019 and subsequently open-sourced on GitHub. The utility suite offers various tools that enhance the Windows experience, such as features for plaintext pasting and keeping an app in the foreground.

Crop and Lock is compatible with both Windows 11 and Windows 10 versions 2004 (19041) or newer. It offers two distinct modes:

1. Thumbnail Crop: This mode provides a non-interactive thumbnail crop that continuously updates to display the selected area’s live feed as content changes.

2. Reparent Mode: In this mode, which is considered more interactive, users can create a cropped view of an app window. However, it’s worth noting that Reparent mode may have compatibility issues with certain applications.

To utilize Crop and Lock, users must have PowerToys installed and can access it through specific keyboard shortcuts:

– Thumbnail Crop: Windows key + Ctrl + Shift + T
– Reparent Mode: Windows key + Ctrl + Shift + R

It’s important to ensure that the desired window is selected before using these shortcuts; they do not work on arbitrary app windows.

Crop and Lock has been tested and reviewed by experts. One use case involved creating a thumbnail crop for monitoring Steam downloads and another for managing office lights via Home Assistant. While Reparent mode allowed for the creation of a micro web browser with vertical scrolling capabilities, it’s noteworthy that when closing the cropped app window, the full original window is restored.

Microsoft has acknowledged some known issues with Crop and Lock:

– Crop and Lock may not work as expected with maximized or full-screen windows in Reparent mode, and it’s advised to resize the window to occupy screen corners instead.

– Certain UWP (Universal Windows Platform) apps, such as the Windows Calculator, may not behave optimally when cropped in Reparent mode.

– Applications that utilize sub-windows or tabs, including Notepad and OneNote, may also exhibit suboptimal behavior when cropped in Reparent mode.

Crop and Lock was integrated into PowerToys version 0.73.0, as per the GitHub release notes, and is available for both X64 and Arm64 architectures.

Git releases