PowerToys is a piece of software that allows users to work in a more organized and efficient manner. It allows users to customize and add a large number of features with ease. It was developed for advanced Windows users, but anyone can utilize many of the features of this package. It was first released for Windows 95 and is now available for Windows 11 as well. Unlike previous versions, which required users to download all the tools separately, all the tools in Windows 11 can be accessed through a single program, PowerToys. Today, we present you with a perfect guide that will teach you how to use PowerToys in Windows 11.
How to install and use PowerToys on Windows 11
The best feature of PowerToys is that it's an open source project, meaning it's available to everyone. Furthermore, you can use its tools however you see fit.
1. Download the file power toys Executable from page Microsoft GitHub.
2. Go to the folder Downloads Double-click the file. PowerToysSetupx64.exe.
3. Follow Instructions that appear on the screen to complete Installation.
4. Once Installation , search for an application power toys (Preview) and click open , as shown.
5. A tool will appear. PowerToys. You will be able to use its tools from the part on the the left.
Currently, PowerToys offers 11 different tools to enhance the overall Windows experience. While not all of these tools will be useful to all users, they are a tremendous help to many advanced users. The Microsoft PowerToys utilities for Windows 11 are listed below.
1. Awake
Program aims Powertoys awake Keeps the computer awake without requiring the user to manage power and sleep settings. This behavior can be useful when performing time-consuming tasks, as it prevents your computer from going to sleep or turning off its displays.
2. Color picker
To select different shades, every major photo editing program includes a color picker. These tools are extremely useful for professional photographers and web designers. power toys It's made easier with the included Color Picker. To select any color on the screen, press the keys. Windows + Shift + C At the same time, after activating the tool in the PowerToys settings, its best features include:
- It works across the system and automatically copies the color to your clipboard.
- Moreover, it also remembers previously selected colors.
When clicked, the color code is displayed in both HEX و RGB , which can be used in any other program. By clicking on the right corner of the code box, you can copy the code.
This is how to use PowerToys Color Picker in Windows 11.
3. Fancy Zones
Prepare snap layout One of the most important features Windows 11 Welcome, but depending on your monitor, the availability of snap layouts may vary. Enter PowerToys FancyZones. It allows you to arrange and position multiple windows on your desktop. It helps with organization and allows the user to easily switch between multiple monitors. After enabling the tool, power toys You can use the keyboard shortcut Windows + Shift + ` For use anywhere. To customize your desktop, you can
- Either use a default template
- Or create one from scratch.
To customize your desktop, follow these steps:
1. Go to Settings PowerToys > FancyZones.
2. Here, select Run. Layout editor.
3 a. Choose planning The best fit for your needs.
3b. Alternatively, click Create a layout New to create your own layout.
4. Press and hold the key. Shift , and pull windows To different areas, so that it fits perfectly.
4. File Explorer Add-ons
File Explorer Add-ons are a Microsoft PowerToys utility that allows you to preview files. .md (Markdown و SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) And PDF (Portable Document Format). To see a preview of a file, tap ALT+P Then select it in File ExplorerFor the preview wizards to work, an additional setting must be checked in Windows Explorer.
1. Open خيارات Folder Explorer.
2. Go to the tab an offer.
3. Check the box next to Advanced Settings To show preview handlers in a pane Preview.
Note: Aside from the preview pane, you can also enable icon preview for SVG and PDF files by toggling Enable SVG (.svg) thumbnail options and Enable PDF (.pdf) thumbnail options.
5. image Resizer
PowerToys Image Resizer is a simple utility for resizing one or multiple images at once. It can be easily accessed through File Explorer.
Note: You need to use the old context menu because the new context menu in Windows 11 does not display the Image resizer option.
Here are the steps to resize images using PowerToys Image Resizer in Windows 11:
1. Select picture One or more to resize. Then, click the mouse button. right Above it
2. Choose an option Resize photos From the old context menu.
3a. Change حجم All images selected using Default options Predefined, e.g. small. Or a custom option.
3b. Change Original image size By selecting the boxes next to each selected option as required:
- Make images smaller but not larger
- Resize original images (do not create copies)
- Ignore image orientation
4. Finally, click the “Resize"Distinctively displayed.
6. Keyboard Manager
To apply the remapped keys and shortcuts, PowerToys Keyboard Manager must be activated. The remapped keys will not be applied if PowerToys is not running in the background. Read also Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts are here.
1. You can remap the keys. keyboard using PowerToys Keyboard Manager in Windows 11.
2. By selecting the shortcut option remap You can reassign multiple key shortcuts to a single key in a similar way.
7. Mouse Tools
Mouse Utilities now includes a Find My Mouse function which is very useful in scenarios such as setting up multiple monitors.
- Double-click the left Ctrl key to activate a spotlight focused on the cursor position.
- To dismiss it, click the mouse or press the Escape key.
- If you move the mouse while the spotlight is active, the spotlight will automatically disappear when the mouse stops moving.
8. PowerRename
can PowerToys PowerRename Rename one or more files partially or completely at the same time. To use this tool to rename files,
1. Right-click one or more files in the File Explorer And choose Power Rename From the old context menu.
2. Choose alphabet Or Flame Or . Replace it with either of them.
Note: It allows you to preview changes before finalizing them. You can also use a variety of options to fine-tune your search parameters to get the best results.
3. After the procedure Final amendments , Click Application> rename.
9. PowerToys Operation
Microsoft Powertoys PowerToys Run , similar to Windows Run It is a quick search application with a search feature. It is an effective search tool because, unlike the Start menu, it only searches for files on your computer rather than the Internet. This saves a lot of time. In addition to searching for applications, it can power toys Also by doing a simple calculation using a calculator.
1. Press Alt + Spacebar together.
2. Search for File Or البرنامج Required.
3. Select the person you want to open from the list of results.
10. Abbreviation Guide
There are many such shortcuts available, and remembering them all can be a daunting chore. Read our guide to Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts.
When the shortcut guide is enabled, you can press the keys Windows + Shift + / Together to display a comprehensive list of shortcuts on the screen.
11. Video Conference Mute
One of the tools Microsoft Powertoys Another helpful feature is muting your video conference. With the pandemic restricting people to work from home, video conferencing has become the new normal. While on a conference call, you can quickly mute your microphone (audio) and turn off your camera (video) with the push of a button using Video conference mute in PowerToys. This works regardless of which app is being used on your Windows 11 PC. Read our guide on how to do it. How to turn off the camera and microphone in Windows 11 using a keyboard shortcut here.
We hope you found this article interesting and helpful on how to use PowerToys in Windows 11. Feel free to share your suggestions and questions in the comments section below. We'd love to hear what topics you'd like us to explore next.