I’m sure you remember SyncToy and Tweak UI if you’ve been using Windows for a while. Microsoft provided add-ons to enhance the Windows experience even more. The project was created for Windows XP, and now we have another one that has come our method: PowerToys for Windows 11/10. We’ll show you how to install PowerToys in Windows 11/10 and use its capabilities in this tutorial.
How To Install PowerToys in Windows 11/10
PowerToys is a collection of modules and tools that improve your desktop experience and productivity. This is what we’re talking about:
1. Install and configure PowerToys
2. FancyZones to boost multitasking when utilizing several windows.
3. PowerRename, which can rename multiple files with a right-click.
4. Shortcut Guide to learn essential Windows shortcuts
Make sure you keep the program up to date so you can acquire more modules.
See more: How To Show SVG file preview in Windows 11
1] How to set up PowerToys on Windows 11/10
PowerToys is an open-source project that has been certified by Microsoft. As a result, installing them on the computer is risk-free. The setup file may be found on PowerToys @ GitHub.
1. Go to the release part of the website.
2. Look for a download link under the newest release tag.
3. It should be in the assets folder with the name PowerToysSetup.msi.
4. When prompted, click to download and save it to your PC.
5. To install, double-click the MSI file after it has finished downloading. You’ll be asked if you want to be an administrator.
6. It will sit quietly in the system tray icon after installation.
7. Open PowerToys by clicking on it.
After you’ve completed the basic installation wizard, click the PowerToys logo in the taskbar’s notification area. When you double-click it to start it, you should see a screen similar to the one below.
The General Settings screen appears initially, followed by the available modules. The list will be updated when new modules become available.
It’s worth noting that, rather than bundling all features together, each of the PowerToys can be enabled or downloaded separately. So, if you don’t utilize any of the functions, you may turn off the option under each module in the General settings.
You may also pick between dark and white modes and launch with Windows Startup.
2] FancyZones: Create a custom layout for multiple windows
You may resize windows in Windows 10 and keep many windows open at the same time. When you have two windows to arrange, the WIN + Arrow keys work nicely. However, if you want to have several windows in a way that makes the most of the screen, you’ll need to employ Fancy Zones.
Preconfigured zones or layouts, such as three columns, grid, rows, and so on, are available in this module. You can choose any of them, raise or decrease the number of columns, display space surrounding zones, and customize it. You can even create your own layout if you so desire. Change the setting to custom and then build a layout. Once you’ve finished, save it with a name you’ll remember.
I have a large monitor that allows me to easily keep 2-3 windows open in different sizes. I can quickly snap in the windows using the keyboard shortcut (Win + Arrow) or by dragging them into that region once they’ve been arranged. Depending on your needs, you can establish as many zones as you like.
Aside from that, you have a plethora of options. It includes features such as overriding the snap key shortcut, flashing when the active layout changes, maintaining the layout when the resolution changes, and more. It’s a fantastic tool for individuals who frequently work with many windows.
3] PowerRename
I recall writing about a variety of renamer tools, and Power Renamer allows you to accomplish nearly the same. It has necessary features such as Regex, Exclusion, Case Sensitive, and so on. It also works nicely with the context menu, so you may begin renaming by choosing the files first, then right-clicking and selecting Power Renamer.
4] Shortcut Guide
It’s a helpful guide for folks who aren’t familiar with the shortcuts accessible in Windows. If you hold down the Windows key for a few seconds longer than usual, an overlay with all of the important keyboard shortcuts should appear.
Overall, PowerToys is a fantastic endeavor for Power users of Windows 11/10 who want to take advantage of these tiny features on a regular basis.
Because I work with numerous windows every day, Fancy Zones is my favorite because it keeps me organized. Which of the two is yours?
Requirements:
- Windows 11 or Windows 10 v1903 (18362) or newer.
- .NET Core 3.1.22 Desktop Runtime or a newer 3.1.x runtime. This is needed currently for the Settings application.
- .NET 5.0.13 Desktop Runtime or a newer 5.0.x runtime.
- Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime bootstrapper. This will install the latest version.
In this video, we are gonna show you how to download & install Microsoft PowerToys on Windows 11:
That’s about it.
