How I've Improved Windows 11 With a 30-Year-Old Tool

Microsoft PowerToys: Unlocking Windows' Hidden Potential

Microsoft PowerToys, initially launched with Windows 95 and revived in 2019 as an open-source project, remains a powerful tool for enhancing the Windows experience. Even after three decades, its extra features continue to boost my productivity. Let's explore some key functionalities:

8. Always-on-Top Windows:

Windows' default behavior keeps only the active window on top. PowerToys solves this limitation, allowing you to pin any window—a calculator, video call, or anything else—to stay visible above all others using the Win Ctrl T shortcut. The pinned window is clearly marked with a bold red border.

7. Effortless Image Resizing:

Resizing images to precise dimensions is simplified with PowerToys' Image Resizer. Create custom presets with "Fill," "Fit," or "Stretch" options to control how images adapt to the new size. Right-click an image, select "Resize With Image Resizer," choose your preset, and click "Resize."

6. Instant Text Extraction:

PowerToys' Text Extractor utilizes OCR to quickly copy text from anywhere on your screen, including videos—a significant improvement over the Snipping Tool's image-only text extraction. Press Win T, select the text area, and the extracted text is automatically copied to your clipboard. (Requires appropriate OCR language pack installation).

5. Multi-Computer Control with Mouse Without Borders:

Manage up to four computers with a single keyboard, mouse, and touchpad using Mouse Without Borders. Share your clipboard and transfer files between devices seamlessly. (Note: File size and transfer limits apply). Setup involves generating a key on the host computer and entering it on other devices.

4. Customizable Shortcuts with Keyboard Manager:

Remap keys and shortcuts to your preferences with PowerToys' Keyboard Manager. Assign new functions to keys, replace keys with Unicode text, or map shortcuts to single keystrokes. (Note: Some system-reserved keys cannot be remapped; remapping applies system-wide unless specified otherwise).

3. Batch File Renaming with PowerRename:

PowerRename streamlines batch renaming of multiple files. Select files, right-click, choose "Rename With PowerRename," specify search and replacement text, and click "Apply." Preview the changes before applying them, and use options for case sensitivity and matching all occurrences.

2. Enhanced File Previews:

Expand the built-in Preview Pane functionality to support Markdown, SVG, PDF, G-code, QOI, and various source code files. PowerToys also adds thumbnail support for SVG, PDF, G-code, STL, and QOI files in File Explorer. (Note: Cloud-stored files may not display thumbnails).

1. Focused Work with Crop and Lock:

Crop and Lock lets you isolate specific sections of application windows for improved focus. "Thumbnail mode" (Win Ctrl Shift T) creates a static preview; "Reparent mode" (Win Ctrl Shift R) creates a fully functional cropped window. (Note: Reparent mode may have limitations with UWP apps and those with sub-windows or tabs).

PowerToys proves that sometimes, the best tools are the enduring ones. These features significantly enhance multitasking and productivity in Windows 11. Don't overlook the power of this long-standing utility!

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