Kevin’s Picks: PowerToys
Are you looking for ways to make your Windows experience more powerful and personalized? Well, you're in for a treat!
Today, I’m introducing you to PowerToys—a free, feature-packed utility from Microsoft that adds a whole new level of functionality to your system.
Initially designed for Windows 95, PowerToys came back in 2019 and is now better than ever for Windows 10 and 11 users. This tool gives you options that you didn’t know you needed.
So, let’s dive into what it is, how to install it, and some of the cool tricks it can do for you!
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What is PowerToys?
Think of PowerToys as a Swiss army knife for Windows. It's filled with tools that help you work faster, smarter, and more efficiently. From keeping your PC awake, to helping with bulk file renaming, this app adds features to Windows that don't originally come with it, for reasons I don't understand.
How to Install PowerToys
Traditionally, PowerToys was only available via GitHub, and you can still find it there. You’d go to the release page, download the latest version, and install it from there.
Now, with Windows 11, you can install PowerToys directly from the Microsoft Store like any other app. Once installed, PowerToys will live in your system tray and be ready whenever needed.
Now, let’s dive into some of the features.
Always on Top: Keep Your Important Windows Visible
Ever get frustrated when the window you’re working on keeps disappearing behind others? PowerToys' This feature solves that. You can “pin” a window to stay in front of all others, no matter what else you open. Need a window always visible while working in another? This feature’s got your back.
PowerRename: Do you need to rename dozens of files but don't have the patience to do it one by one? PowerRename lets you rename multiple files using advanced search and replace functions. It’s perfect for organizing photo libraries or batch-processing documents.
File Locksmith: Have you ever tried deleting or moving a file, only to have Windows say, "Sorry, this file is in use"? With File Locksmith, you can find out exactly which app holds your file hostage so you can deal with it and move on.
Advanced Paste: This is my favorite feature, and I use it constantly. It makes it easy to paste text from your clipboard in the format you need.
Whether it's plain text, markdown, or JSON, you can paste it directly where you need it.
The Plain Text option is super convenient. With a simple keyboard customizable shortcut, you can instantly strip away any formatting from the text you’re pasting, giving you a clean, unformatted version. Perfect for when you want the words, not the style!
How to Get the Most Out of PowerToys
PowerToys provides additional functionality and lets you personalize your Windows experience, whether you're a casual user or a hardcore multitasker.
In Conclusion
To wrap things up, if you're looking for ways to get more out of Windows, PowerToys is definitely worth checking out. Whether you're trying to keep a window always on top, rename a bunch of files at once, or paste text exactly the way you want, PowerToys has you covered.
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