Some links on PCFix411 may earn a commission from GearReady, software partners, or Amazon Associates at no extra cost to you.
Microsoft PowerToys is a free, open-source collection of Windows utilities for people who want more control over window layouts, file management, keyboard shortcuts, multi-monitor workflows and everyday productivity. In 2026 it has grown far beyond the small set of tools many longtime Windows users remember.
Microsoft’s current documentation lists utilities for advanced paste, window management, bulk renaming, image resizing, text extraction, application launching, monitor control, file previews, keyboard remapping and more. You do not need to enable everything. The best approach is to turn on only the utilities that solve a real problem in your workflow.
What Is Microsoft PowerToys?
PowerToys is an official Microsoft open-source project that adds productivity and customization features on top of Windows. It is designed mainly for power users, creators, developers and people who work with many windows or repetitive file tasks, but several tools are useful for ordinary Windows 11 users too.
How to Install PowerToys
Microsoft currently recommends installing PowerToys through the Microsoft Store or its official GitHub releases. Power users can also use package managers such as WinGet.
After installation, open PowerToys Settings and review the utility list. Disable anything you do not plan to use so the interface remains manageable.
1. FancyZones — Better Window Layouts
FancyZones is one of the most useful PowerToys features for large or multiple monitors. It lets you create custom screen zones and quickly place applications into those layouts.
Windows 11 already has Snap layouts, so FancyZones is most valuable when the built-in layouts are too simple—for example, when you want a large primary work area with two narrow reference windows, a three-column ultrawide layout or different layouts on separate monitors.
For ordinary Windows snapping shortcuts, see 30 Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts That Save Time.
2. PowerRename — Bulk Rename Files
PowerRename adds a powerful bulk-renaming tool to File Explorer. It supports search and replace, regular expressions and previewing proposed changes before applying them.
This is valuable for photos, exported videos, project files and downloaded assets that need consistent naming. Always inspect the preview before applying a large rename operation.
3. Image Resizer — Resize Images From File Explorer
Image Resizer lets you right-click selected images and resize them without opening a full photo editor. It is useful for website images, email attachments, social posts and quick batches.
For web publishing, resizing source images before upload can also reduce storage and processing overhead. Do not upscale tiny images expecting new detail to appear.
4. Text Extractor — Copy Text From Anywhere on Screen
Text Extractor uses OCR to copy visible text from part of the screen. It is useful when text is embedded in an image, screenshot, application interface or document that does not allow normal selection.
OCR can make mistakes, especially with small text, unusual fonts and poor contrast. Verify important numbers, commands and names after extraction.
5. PowerToys Run — Fast App and File Launcher
PowerToys Run is a quick launcher for applications, files, calculations and supported plugins. It is useful for people who prefer a keyboard-driven workflow rather than navigating menus repeatedly.
Microsoft has also expanded PowerToys with Command Palette, a newer customizable interface for commands, applications and tools. In current documentation, Command Palette can launch apps, run commands, search files and use extensions from one keyboard-driven interface.
6. Keyboard Manager — Remap Keys and Shortcuts
Keyboard Manager can remap individual keys or create custom shortcut mappings. This is helpful when a keyboard has an inconvenient layout, a rarely used key could perform a more useful function or a repetitive shortcut needs to be easier to reach.
Before remapping system-critical keys, make sure you understand how the change affects login, accessibility and other applications.
7. Always On Top
Always On Top pins a selected application window above other windows. It can be useful for a calculator, video call, checklist, monitoring window or reference document that you need to keep visible while working in another application.
8. Awake
Awake can keep the computer awake temporarily without permanently changing Windows power settings. This is useful during long downloads, presentations, file transfers or processes where you do not want the PC sleeping.
Remember to return to normal sleep behavior when the task is finished, especially on laptops where battery life matters.
9. Color Picker
Color Picker lets designers, web users and creators sample a color anywhere on screen and copy its value. It is convenient when matching a website, image, presentation or interface color.
10. File Locksmith
File Locksmith helps identify which process is currently using a file or folder. This is valuable when Windows says an item cannot be deleted, renamed or moved because it is open somewhere.
Do not terminate a process blindly. Identify the program first and close it normally when possible.
11. Peek — Preview Files Quickly
Peek provides quick previews of supported files without opening the full application. It can make browsing project folders much faster when you only need to inspect a file briefly.
12. Mouse Utilities
PowerToys includes several mouse tools such as Find My Mouse, Mouse Highlighter, Mouse Jump and Crosshairs. These can help on large displays, during demonstrations or when a pointer is easy to lose across multiple monitors.
For multi-monitor hardware and positioning, see Best Accessories for a Dual-Monitor Setup.
13. Mouse Without Borders
Mouse Without Borders lets one keyboard and mouse control multiple Windows computers. It can be useful when you work with a desktop and laptop side by side and want to reduce duplicate peripherals.
Because this creates communication between computers, use it only across devices and networks you trust.
14. Workspaces
Workspaces can launch a saved collection of applications into predefined positions. It is useful for repeatable setups such as opening email, browser, chat and a spreadsheet into the same layout every morning.
Workspaces pairs especially well with larger monitors and FancyZones-style organization.
15. Advanced Paste
Advanced Paste extends normal clipboard behavior and can transform clipboard content into other formats. Microsoft also documents an optional AI-powered capability.
Be cautious with sensitive clipboard contents. Passwords, authentication codes and confidential business data should not be routed through optional cloud or AI features without understanding the data flow.
16. PowerToys Command Palette
Command Palette is one of the newer PowerToys utilities. Microsoft describes it as a fast, customizable interface that can launch apps, run commands, search files, browse the web and use extensions.
For users who live on the keyboard, it can reduce the need to open Start, File Explorer and separate utility interfaces repeatedly.
17. Power Display
Power Display can control supported external-monitor settings such as brightness, contrast, volume, input source and color temperature from one interface. This is useful for desktop setups where monitor buttons are difficult to reach.
18. Screen Ruler
Screen Ruler measures pixels on screen using image-edge detection. Designers and developers can use it to check spacing and dimensions without taking a screenshot into a separate editor.
19. Shortcut Guide
Shortcut Guide helps surface Windows keyboard shortcuts. It can be useful while learning a keyboard-driven workflow, although once you memorize your high-value shortcuts you may rarely need it.
20. ZoomIt
ZoomIt provides screen zoom, annotation and recording tools for presentations and technical demonstrations. It is especially useful when teaching, giving webinars or explaining software on a large display.
Which PowerToys Utilities Should Most People Start With?
| Need | Start With |
|---|---|
| Better window layouts | FancyZones |
| Rename many files | PowerRename |
| Resize images quickly | Image Resizer |
| Copy text from screenshots | Text Extractor |
| Launch apps from keyboard | PowerToys Run or Command Palette |
| Remap keys | Keyboard Manager |
| Keep a window visible | Always On Top |
| Repeat a multi-app layout | Workspaces |
Does PowerToys Slow Down Windows?
PowerToys runs background components for enabled utilities, so it does use some system resources. On a modern PC the impact is usually modest, but there is no reason to enable every tool if you use only a few.
If Windows already feels slow, diagnose the underlying problem rather than blaming or installing more utilities. Start with How to Clean Up Windows Without Breaking Your PC and the Windows freezing guide when appropriate.
PowerToys Safety and Maintenance
- Install from Microsoft Store, official GitHub or another Microsoft-documented method.
- Keep PowerToys updated.
- Disable utilities you do not use.
- Preview PowerRename changes before applying them.
- Be careful with Keyboard Manager mappings.
- Review privacy implications of clipboard and AI-assisted features.
- Use Mouse Without Borders only with trusted computers and networks.
Microsoft maintains the current utility list in its official PowerToys documentation.
Bottom Line
PowerToys is one of the best free upgrades for people who spend serious time in Windows 11. FancyZones, PowerRename, Image Resizer, Text Extractor, Keyboard Manager, Workspaces and the launcher tools can remove small repetitive tasks without replacing Windows itself. Start with two or three utilities tied to your actual workflow, then add more only when you have a clear use for them.
