Microsoft PowerToys now lets you peek at WebP files, my most-hated type of file
The latest version of PowerToys adds support for Peek to work with WebP, WebM, and audio files.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
What you need to know
Microsoft PowerToys is arguably the best free app on Windows 11. The collection of utilities gets new features and improvements regularly, and April is no exception. You can now download PowerToys v0.80.0 throughGitHubor theMicrosoft Store.
The update allows winget to configure PowerToys and fixes several UI issues. It also adds support for the Peek feature to look at WebP, WebM, and audio files. Thefull change logis quite extensive, as is often the case for PowerToys.
The Peek feature in PowerToys lets you preview files without having to open multiple separate applications. You just need to configure a shortcut to take a peek at any supported file (CTRL+SPACE is the default shortcut). Since Peek supports images, videos, and now audio files, you can preview all those files with a single shortcut rather than having to open different apps. Pressing an arrow key lets you browse through the file previews, which is handy for quickly checking content.
PowerToys |Free at GitHub|Free at Microsoft Store
This collection of utilities includes a large library of features to enhance the Windows experience. PowerToys is designed with power users in mind, but it has handy features for people who just use their PC for everyday computing too.
What is a WebP file?
Our colleagues over atTom’s Hardwarehave a breakdown of the history of WebP files and why websites use them, but I’ll summarize some of the key points here. As the name suggests, WebP files were invented with the web in mind. You have Google to thank for WebP, as the company introduced the file type in 2010.
WebP files are designed to reduce load times for websites. They compress better than JPEG files by between 25-34%,according to Google. Despite Google’s involvement of introducing and supporting WebP files, other companies are on board. Apple’s Safari supports WebP, as do Chromium browsers and some other browsers.
For several years, WebP files required a plugin to work in Photoshop, but that’sno longer the case. Most photo editing apps support WebP files in 2024. Many of those apps can convert WebP files into other formats easily.
So, if many big companies are on board and my browser of choice works with WebP files, why do I hate them? Because some images appear to be a different file format but then when you try to save them, they turn out to be WebP files. I then have to convert the files into the format I want, creating an extra step to use the image. It’s probably a rather specific struggle that myself and the rest of the Windows Central team deal with, so it may not affect your workflow.
Get the Windows Central Newsletter
All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.
PowerToys v0.80.0 change log
Highlights
General
Awake
Color Picker
Command Not Found
FancyZones
File Explorer add-ons
File Locksmith
Installer
Keyboard Manager
Peek
PowerToys Run
Quick Accent
Registry Preview
Screen Ruler
Shortcut Guide
Text Extractor
Video Conference Mute
Settings
Documentation
Development
Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
