At the time of Windows 95, a few years ago, Microsoft decided to launch PowerToys, some tools that were all in charge of improving the productivity of the users who needed the most, allowing a series of tasks to be carried out more quickly and adding advantages over some applications.
Although the reason is unknown, Microsoft abandoned the development of these tools for more than a decade, but today they are again officially available by the firm. In this case, we are talking about a series of tools that are available adapted to Windows 10 and that work with any current computer, extending the functions that some programs allow by default. In addition, it is a project that they continue to maintain, so from time to time you will see news.
This is how Microsoft PowerToys are today for Windows 10
As we mentioned, from Microsoft they have resumed the development of the PowerToys. Today, it is a series of tools that allow to improve the productivity of the operating system. Specifically, the following are offered:
- Color picker- You can choose any color displayed on the screen to use later or save.
- Sophisticated designs: allows you to create multi-window organization layouts, in such a way that your performance can be higher if you have a large monitor or have more than one screen connected to your computer, as you will be able to see everything much better.
- File Browser: they include additional functions for Windows' own file explorer, so you can easily perform more actions without using third-party programs.
- Resize images: includes a tool that allows you to change the size of any image easily, without using Paint, applications or third-party websites.
- Keyboard manager: you can reassign the keys on your keyboard, and even create custom shortcuts based on your preferences.
- Advanced renaming: allows you to rename files in an advanced way, allowing you to make massive changes easily.
- PowerToys Executor: advanced file and program finder to find what you need.
- Keyboard shortcut guide: includes the possibility of showing all available keyboard shortcuts so that you do not hesitate between one or the other and you can move forward easily.
How to download and install PowerToys on any Windows computer
In this case, the download must be done from the PowerToys project page from the GitHub development platform. By accessing, You will be able to see the source code of the PowerToys, along with the details of the same, information and everything about the compatibility from the same. In addition, you will be able to see how you can obtain them through various commands and how to install them on your computer.
However, the easiest thing is for you to access the project's release page on GitHub, because from here you can install and download them in a simpler way. You will only have to look at the latest version released (the first one that is shown), scroll to the end of the notes of the same and, in the section called Assets, you can get the installer. You just owe click on the file with extension .exe, wait for it to download and then open it on your computer (It is not necessary to download the rest of the files).
The installer in question is pretty straightforward. It will begin by installing some libraries in case your computer does not have them and, once everything is ready, the wizard will be displayed. You will only have to choose the options you want, give it administrator permissions and the installation will begin of the Microsoft PowerToys.
Once installed, In order to access all the tools, you must open the "Microsoft PowerToys (Preview)" program that you can find in the list of programs. from the start menu. When launched, a panel will be displayed with all the available tools, as well as their various available configurations and step-by-step instructions to be able to use them without any problem.