Microsoft PowerToys is a suite of open-source system utilities designed for power users to tune and streamline their Windows experience. Developed by Microsoft, these tools enhance productivity by adding advanced features and deep customization options not found in the standard OS. While the project spans back to Windows 95 and XP, the modern version—available for Windows 10 and 11—is hosted on GitHub under the MIT License.You can download it here.

PowerToys for Windows 11

Since the launch of Windows 11, Microsoft PowerToys has evolved into a vital companion for the operating system, offering a level of customization that complements the modern UI. While the open-source reboot began in 2019, the suite has been fully optimized for Windows 11, providing enhanced versions of tools like FancyZones that build upon the native Snap Layouts. Today, it remains a community-driven project on GitHub, constantly updated with new utilities to maximize the Windows 11 workflow.

Included components. PowerToys for Windows 11 comes with the following utilities:

• Color Picker adds a tool for color identification (in HEX, RGB, CMYK, HSL and HSV, among others).
• FancyZones adds a window manager that makes it easier for users to create and use complex window layouts.
• File Explorer (Preview Panes) adds SVG, Markdown and PDF previews to File Explorer.
• Image Resizer adds a context menu to File Explorer for resizing images.
• Keyboard Manager adds options for remapping keys and shortcuts.
• Mouse utilities adds tools that enhance mouse and cursor functionality on Windows. Currently, the collection consists of: Find My Mouse which focuses on the cursor’s position. Mouse Highlighter which points out mouse clicks on the screen.
• PowerRename adds an option for users to rename files using search and replace or regular expression in File Explorer.
• PowerToys Run adds a Spotlight-like tool that allows users to search for folders, files, applications, and other items.
• Shortcut Guide adds a full screen overlay that allows the user to view the windows key shortcuts available in the current window.
• Video Conference Mute adds tools to disable/enable the camera and microphone.
• Windows key shortcut guide adds option to display common keyboard shortcuts that use the Windows key.

Here is the updated text reflecting the most recent developments as of late 2025.

I have updated the version numbers, technical specifications (including the move to .NET 9 and AI integration), and the latest feature highlights like the Command Palette and Advanced Paste.

Microsoft PowerToys Version 0.96 Introduces AI Integration and Command Palette

Microsoft has released PowerToys 0.96, marking a major milestone in the utility’s 2025 development cycle. This release focuses on deep AI integration, high-performance automation, and the continued evolution of the PowerToys interface for Windows 11.

According to the latest release notes, version 0.96 continues to prioritize native ARM64 support and stability while introducing several next-generation features. The development team has successfully upgraded the codebase to .NET 9, resulting in significant speed improvements and better resource management across the suite.

Microsoft highlighted three major features accompanying the latest launch:

• Advanced Paste with AI: This tool now supports multiple AI model endpoints, allowing users to transform clipboard content (e.g., converting code from one language to another or summarizing text) using Azure OpenAI, Gemini, or local models like Ollama to keep data on-device.

• Command Palette (The Evolution of PowerToys Run): Designed as the successor to the traditional “Run” launcher, the Command Palette provides a centralized, extensible hub for searching files, executing shell commands, and managing WinGet packages with a modern WinUI 3 interface.

• PowerRename with Metadata Extraction: A significant upgrade for photographers and developers, PowerRename now supports EXIF and XMP metadata. Users can use tags like %Camera, %Lens, and %Date to batch-rename thousands of images based on their specific hardware or location data.

Additional Improvements and Technical Shifts

Beyond the headline features, several key changes have been implemented:

• Modernized Runtime: The migration to .NET 9 is the most significant backend change, providing the necessary foundation for full ARM64 parity and allowing the app to leverage the latest Windows 11 NPU (Neural Processing Unit) hardware for AI tasks.

• Light Switch: A brand-new module that automates theme switching. It can transition Windows between Light and Dark modes based on local sunrise/sunset times or specific user-defined schedules.

• Stability & Fixes: The 0.96 release addresses long-standing issues within FancyZones, Always On Top, and Mouse Without Borders, including improved high-DPI monitor support and reduced memory footprint.

Brief Explanation about Available Tools in PowerToys

The tools listed below are available through PowerToys. However for other alternatives, you can use additional applications here.

Keyboard Manager

Keyboard Manager is a program that allows you to modify the function and shortcut keys on your keyboard. Perhaps this feature is more useful for advanced Windows users, rather than beginners. Because it can be perplexing.

However, if you want to be specific, this tool is extremely powerful. You can even modify the shortcuts for specific apps.

Windows Key Shortcut Guide

Do you frequently forget about various Windows shortcuts? Not a problem, you can use this tool. If PowerToys is active, all you have to do is hold down the ‘Windows’ button for about 1 second. The keyboard shortcut guide will then appear in front of your eyes.

You can also specify how long the button must be held down before this function appears. The display’s transparency can then be adjusted as well. As a result, you can seek assistance whenever you need it.

FancyZones

FancyZones can help you quickly organize your application windows. You can divide the window area on the screen and then drag the application to that area to lock it in place.

If you have PowerToys installed, you can activate it in the application’s Settings. The window’s position can then be adjusted using Settings or the shortcut key Win+’. This feature also allows you to use multiple monitors.

Color Picker

As the name implies, this tool can pick up colors from anywhere, including other running applications.

You can enable the Color Picker in the app’s Settings if you have PowerToys installed. You can access this feature by default by pressing the shortcut key Win+Shift+C. Moreover, it is possible to change it, including for copied color information.

File Explorer Add-ons enable PDF, Markdown and SVG files Preview

This File Explorer add-on will expand your options. For the time being, the only addition is display support for Markdown and SVG files. When this option is enabled, you can see how the two files will appear in the Preview pane.

Image Resizer

One of the most useful features is Image Resizer allowing you to resize multiple images at the same time. Simply select the image file, right-click, select ‘Resize Pictures,’ and enter the desired size. You can also place it directly in a separate folder.

You can also decide what size you require ahead of time. To do so, right-click on the image, choose ‘Resize Pictures,’ and then ‘Settings.’

PowerRename

This feature is also one of the most useful. PowerRename allows you to rename multiple files at once.

If PowerToys is active, select the file to be renamed, right-click, select ‘PowerRename,’ and then rename as desired. Furthermore, you can undo (reverse) the renaming.

PowerToys Run

PowerToys Run will include an advanced search feature. Simply press the shortcut Alt + Space and type what you’re looking for (applications, files, etc.).

Aside from the search function, Windows allows you to run some advanced commands. Surprisingly, you can also perform calculator functions here (for example, type 9*30 to see the results).

System Requirements (v0.96+)

• Operating System: * Windows 11: All versions supported.

  • Windows 10: Version 2004 (Build 19041) or newer.

  • Note: Support for older versions like v1903 has been deprecated to accommodate modern WinUI 3 and AI features.

• Runtime: * Self-Contained .NET 9: Modern PowerToys releases (starting from v0.80+) now ship with a self-contained .NET runtime. You no longer need to install the .NET Desktop Runtime separately; the installer manages everything automatically.

  • Microsoft Edge WebView2: Required for many modern interfaces (like the Settings dashboard and Command Palette). The installer will update this if it is missing.

• Architecture: * x64: Fully supported.

  • ARM64: Fully supported natively. PowerToys now offers a dedicated ARM64 installer, providing high-performance, battery-efficient operation on Snapdragon-based Windows PCs and the Windows Dev Kit 2023.

To ensure that your machine meets these requirements, check your Windows version and build number by selecting ⊞ Win+R, then type winver and press OK. Or enter the ver command in Windows Command Prompt. It is much better if you update to the most recent Windows version in Windows Settings.