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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesMicrosoft PowerToys is a free, open-source collection of Windows utilities for tasks such as arranging windows, remapping keys, batch-renaming files, resizing images, and copying text from the screen. You can install it from the Microsoft Store or official GitHub releases, or use WinGet. Its tools are optional: enable only the ones you need in PowerToys Settings.
What you need before installing
Microsoft’s installation documentation supports Windows 11 and Windows 10 version 2004 (20H1, build 19041) or later, on 64-bit x64 or ARM64 processors. The setup bootstrapper installs the latest stable WebView2 Runtime. See Microsoft’s installation guide for requirements and installation details.
How to get PowerToys
Microsoft Store
Open Microsoft Store, search for Microsoft PowerToys, and install the official listing. Microsoft recommends the Store or GitHub releases for installation.
GitHub releases
- Open the official PowerToys releases page.
- Expand Assets for the release you want.
- Choose the installer that matches your processor architecture, x64 or ARM64, and whether you want per-user or machine-wide installation. Microsoft’s installation guide explains the installer choices.
- Run the downloaded installer and follow its prompts.
WinGet
In PowerShell or Command Prompt, install the package with:
#1 Best Overall
- Split ergonomic design encourages natural hand, wrist, and forearm positions
- Cushioned palm rest provides support and promotes a neutral wrist position
- Palm lift promotes a relaxed, natural angle for your wrist
- Media keys for music and video control
winget install --id Microsoft.PowerToys --source wingetThe repository README also documents these commands, including an explicit machine-wide option:
winget install Microsoft.PowerToys -s winget
winget install --scope machine Microsoft.PowerToys -s wingetSee the PowerToys repository README for the project’s installation instructions. Chocolatey and Scoop are also listed as community-driven alternatives.
Rank #2
- Efficient Media Controls: The Wired Keyboard 600, designed by Microsoft, features a Media Center with four hot keys for easy control of play/pause, volume up, volume down, and mute functions.
- Quiet and Responsive Keys: Enjoy a comfortable typing experience with quiet, thin-profile keys that are both responsive and efficient.
- Convenient Shortcuts: Quickly access common tasks with dedicated shortcut keys, including a calculator hot key and a Windows start screen key.
- Spill-Resistant Design: Work confidently with a spill-resistant design that protects your keyboard from accidental messes.
- Plug-and-Play Simplicity: No software needed—just connect the keyboard to your PC and start using it right away, with a full number pad for efficient data entry.
Choose utilities after setup
After installation, an overview window introduces the utilities. In Settings Home, you can access utilities, review shortcuts, and enable or disable individual tools. If automatic update checking is enabled, PowerToys checks for updates while running; you can also check manually in Settings.
PowerToys cheat sheet: pick a tool by task
Microsoft’s PowerToys utilities overview describes the following tools. This is a task-based guide, not a ranking: the right utility depends on what you want to do and whether you prefer keyboard shortcuts, a launcher, or File Explorer actions.
Rank #3
- 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.
| If you want to… | Use | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Arrange windows in custom layouts | FancyZones | Create window layouts and position windows in them quickly. |
| Change how keys work or create shortcuts | Keyboard Manager | Remap keys and create custom shortcuts. |
| Rename many files at once | PowerRename | Bulk-rename files using search and replace or regular expressions, with undo support. |
| Find and open apps | PowerToys Run | Search for and launch apps using a quick launcher that supports plugins. |
| Reach commands, apps, and tools from one interface | Command Palette | Access frequently used commands, apps, and tools through a customizable interface. |
| Resize images from File Explorer | Image Resizer | Resize images from a File Explorer right-click action. |
| Copy text displayed on screen | Text Extractor | Use OCR to copy text from anywhere on the screen. |
| Preview a file without opening it in another app | Peek | Preview file content without opening another application. |
| Keep a window above others | Always On Top | Pin a window above other windows with a shortcut. |
| Keep the computer awake | Awake | Prevent the computer from sleeping without changing its power and sleep settings. |
| Pick a color displayed on screen | Color Picker | Pick colors from anywhere on the screen. |
| Use one keyboard and mouse across computers | Mouse Without Borders | Control multiple computers using one keyboard and mouse. |
| Open a saved group of apps in set positions | Workspaces | Launch a set of applications into custom positions with one click. |
| Zoom, annotate, or record a presentation | ZoomIt | Provide screen zoom, annotation, and recording for technical presentations. |
Which PowerToys utility should you try first?
- For desktop organization: Start with FancyZones if you regularly arrange several windows into repeatable layouts.
- For keyboard changes: Try Keyboard Manager when a key or shortcut does not suit your workflow.
- For batches of files: Use PowerRename for search-and-replace or regular-expression renaming.
- For quick access: Compare PowerToys Run, which searches and launches apps, with Command Palette, which brings commands, apps, and tools into a customizable interface.
- For one-off file or screen tasks: Image Resizer adds resizing to File Explorer; Text Extractor can copy visible text with OCR.
These suggestions follow the utilities’ documented functions; Microsoft does not identify one tool as the best choice for every user. PowerToys is a suite rather than a single workflow, so enable tools selectively in Settings.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
- Compact design saves desktop space and allows for close, comfortable mouse position.
- Optimized key spacing and key travel for fast, fluid typing.
- Sleek, low-profile design complements any workspace.
- Expressive input key[2] for quick access to emojis, symbols, and more.
- Connect up to 3 devices and switch seamlessly between them[1].
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