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Customize PowerToys in the PowerToys Settings app: use its search box to jump to a control, change the app’s theme and general behavior under General, and open an individual utility’s page for settings such as Keyboard Manager mappings or Command Palette appearance. Keyboard Manager remappings work only while PowerToys is running.

Find a PowerToys setting quickly

  1. Open PowerToys Settings.

  2. Type a feature or setting keyword into the search box at the top. Results filter as you type.

  3. Select a result to jump to its control, or open all results if you want to review matching settings.

Search is useful when you know what you want to change but not which utility or settings page contains it. For an overview of the utilities, see Microsoft’s PowerToys overview.

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#1 Best Overall
Amazon Basics Wired QWERTY Keyboard, Works with Windows, Plug and Play, Easy to Use with Media Control, Full-Sized, Black
  • KEYBOARD: The keyboard works for Windows with hot keys that enable easy access to Media, My Computer, Mute, Volume up/down, and Calculator
  • EASY SETUP: Experience simple installation with the USB wired connection
  • VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY: This keyboard is designed to work with multiple Windows versions, including Vista, 7, 8, 10 offering broad compatibility across devices.
  • SLEEK DESIGN: The elegant black color of the wired keyboard complements your tech and decor, adding a stylish and cohesive look to any setup without sacrificing function.
  • FULL-SIZED CONVENIENCE: The standard QWERTY layout of this keyboard set offers a familiar typing experience, ideal for both professional tasks and personal use.

Change PowerToys’ overall appearance and behavior

Open General in PowerToys Settings. These controls affect the Settings app and other general PowerToys behavior; they do not replace the appearance settings inside individual utilities.

Choose the app theme

Set the theme to Dark, Light, or Windows default. This choice applies to PowerToys Settings and its flyout. The system-tray icon can also be configured to adapt to Windows’ light or dark theme.

Adjust startup, tray, and Quick Access

General settings also include the option to run PowerToys at startup, show its system-tray icon, and enable or disable Quick Access. If Quick Access is enabled, you can configure the shortcut that opens it. These settings are separate from shortcuts assigned to individual utilities.

Back up settings and handle shortcut conflicts

Use the backup controls in General settings to choose a location for PowerToys settings backups and restore settings from an existing backup. If PowerToys reports shortcut conflicts, its conflict controls let you reassign, ignore, or remove them. Microsoft documents these options in General settings.

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Logitech MK270 Full Size Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo - Black
  • Reliable Plug and Play: The USB receiver provides a reliable wireless connection up to 33 ft (1), so you can forget about drop-outs and delays and you can take it wherever you use your computer
  • Type in Comfort: The design of this keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the low-profile, quiet keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys, number pad, and arrow keys
  • Durable and Resilient: This full-size wireless keyboard features a spill-resistant design (2), durable keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height
  • Long Battery Life: MK270 combo features a 36-month keyboard and 12-month mouse battery life (3), along with on/off switches allowing you to go months without the hassle of changing batteries
  • Easy to Use: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo features 8 multimedia hotkeys for instant access to the Internet, email, play/pause, and volume so you can easily check out your favorite sites

Remap keys and shortcuts with Keyboard Manager

Keyboard Manager can change individual keys, keyboard shortcuts, and text output. Open its page in PowerToys Settings and choose Remap a key or Remap a shortcut.

  1. Add a row in the remapping window.

  2. In the Select column, choose or enter the key or shortcut you want to change.

  3. In the output column, choose what the input should send. Depending on the mapping, the output can be another key, a shortcut, or Unicode text. A shortcut mapping can also launch an app or open a URI.

  4. To limit a shortcut mapping to an app, specify a target app. Without a target, the mapping applies across Windows.

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    Logitech K120 Full Size Wired Keyboard USB Plug-and-Play Windows - Black
    • All-day Comfort: The design of this standard keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and full-size standard layout with F-keys and number pad
    • Easy to Set-up and Use: Set-up couldn't be easier, you simply plug in this corded keyboard via USB on your desktop or laptop and start using right away without any software installation
    • Compatibility: This full-size keyboard is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later, plus it's a reliable and durable partner for your desk at home, or at work
    • Spill-proof: This durable keyboard features a spill-resistant design (1), anti-fade keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height, meaning this keyboard is built to last
    • Plastic parts in K120 include 51% certified post-consumer recycled plastic*

Microsoft states that “PowerToys Keyboard Manager must be enabled (with PowerToys running in the background) for remapped keys and shortcuts to be applied.” If PowerToys is closed or not running, its remappings stop applying. See the Keyboard Manager documentation for the mapping controls and details.

Know the remapping limits

  • Windows-reserved combinations such as Win+L and Ctrl+Alt+Del cannot be remapped. The Fn key also cannot be remapped in most cases.

  • Keyboard Manager shortcuts begin with a modifier and end with an action key. The documented limit is generally four keys, or five for a chord.

  • A reassignment is not guaranteed to override Windows or other software. Microsoft notes that Win+G often still opens Xbox Game Bar even when reassigned. If a shortcut behaves unexpectedly, check PowerToys’ conflict alerts and whether another application intercepts it.

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    Logitech MX Keys S Wireless Keyboard Low Profile Fluid Precise - Graphite
    • Fluid Typing Experience: Laptop-like profile with spherically-dished keys shaped for your fingertips delivers a fast, fluid, precise and quieter typing experience
    • Automate Repetitive Tasks: Easily create and share time-saving Smart Actions shortcuts to perform multiple actions with a single keystroke with the Logi Options+ app (1)
    • Smarter Illumination: Backlit keyboard keys light up as your hands approach and adapt to the environment; Now with more lighting customizations on Logi Options+ (1)
    • More Comfort, Deeper Focus: Work for longer with a solid build, low-profile design and an optimum keyboard angle that is better for your wrist posture
    • Multi-Device, Multi OS Bluetooth Keyboard: Pair with up to 3 devices on nearly any operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, Googlebook OS) via Bluetooth Low Energy or included Logi Bolt USB receiver (2)

Personalize Command Palette separately

Command Palette has its own settings page, including an activation shortcut and visual controls. These options apply to Command Palette, not to every PowerToys utility. See Command Palette settings for the available controls.

  • Theme and backdrop: choose Light, Dark, or system theme, and select a backdrop style such as Acrylic, Transparent, Mica, or Mica Alt.

  • Appearance: adjust backdrop opacity, custom theme colors, and a background image’s path, opacity, tint, blur, brightness, and fit.

  • Opening behavior and placement: configure options such as opening as a compact search box and positioning that box.

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    Best Value
    Sale
    Logitech K270 Full Size Wireless Keyboard for Windows - Black
    • All-day Comfort: This USB keyboard creates a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard full-size layout with all F-keys, number pad and arrow keys
    • Built to Last: The spill-proof (2) design and durable print characters keep you on track for years to come despite any on-the-job mishaps; it’s a reliable partner for your desk at home, or at work
    • Long-lasting Battery Life: A 24-month battery life (4) means you can go for 2 years without the hassle of changing batteries of your wireless full-size keyboard
    • Simply plug the USB receiver into a USB port on your desktop, laptop or netbook computer and start using the keyboard right away without any software installation
    • Simply Wireless: Forget about drop-outs and delays thanks to a strong, reliable wireless connection with up to 33 ft range (5); K270 is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
  • Activation responsiveness: the low-level keyboard hook option may improve responsiveness, but Microsoft warns that it can cause compatibility issues with some software.

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Use managed configuration for repeatable or enterprise setups

For personal adjustments, the graphical Settings app is the direct route. Teams and administrators can use Microsoft’s documented configuration tools when they need settings to be repeatable or centrally managed.

Configure settings with DSC

Microsoft documents two DSC approaches for defining PowerToys utility settings, along with data resources for Keyboard Manager profiles and FancyZones layouts. If PowerToys is running when changes are applied, the utility picks them up immediately; otherwise, they take effect the next time PowerToys starts. Details are in the PowerToys DSC configuration overview.

Apply Group Policy

For centralized administration, PowerToys includes Group Policy ADMX templates. Microsoft says the templates have been included since version 0.64. Policies appear under Microsoft PowerToys in both Computer Configuration and User Configuration; if both are set, Computer Configuration takes precedence. Group Policy is an administration option, not a requirement for ordinary personal customization. See Microsoft’s PowerToys Group Policy configuration documentation.

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Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
SaleBestseller No. 3
Logitech K120 Full Size Wired Keyboard USB Plug-and-Play Windows - Black
Logitech K120 Full Size Wired Keyboard USB Plug-and-Play Windows - Black
Plastic parts in K120 include 51% certified post-consumer recycled plastic*; Product carbon footprint: 4.02 kg CO2e
$12.34
SaleBestseller No. 5
Logitech K270 Full Size Wireless Keyboard for Windows - Black
Logitech K270 Full Size Wireless Keyboard for Windows - Black
Plastic parts in K270 include 38% certified post-consumer recycled plastic; Eight hot keys: For instant access to the Internet, e-mail, music volume and more
$21.48

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.