Windows 11’s best free utility app just got a MASSIVE update
PowerToys can now map shortcuts to start an application through Keyboard Manager.
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What you need to know
Microsoft’s PowerToys just received a large update that adds a long list of new features. It also has improvements for a bunch of utilities that are included within the application.
PowerToys is a bit famous for its gigantic changelogs, and today is no exception. There are a ton of changes in this update, but the highlights are improvements to Keyboard Manager, Color Picker, Peek, and File Locksmith. Below is thecomplete changelog from GitHub.
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.
Best free app on Windows 11?
There are about as many apps for Windows as there are grains of sand in the ocean, so it’s hard to say anything is unequivocally the best. But I’d argue that PowerToys is one of the best free apps on Windows 11. It adds so many little features to Windows that make you wonder why those options aren’t just built into the operating system. Peek, FancyZones, Mouse Without Borders, and PowerToys Run are just a handful of utilities that are must-haves.
I admit that some of the tools within PowerToys are squarely aimed at power users, which makes sense given the name and purpose of the app. But plenty of the features just work and could be set up for “casual” PC users. For example, Paste as Plain Text lets you paste text without formatting by using a shortcut key. Some programs support this functionality natively, but quite a few don’t. You can set CTRL+SHIFT+V (or any other shortcut) to paste without formatting anywhere.
PowerToys 0.79: What’s new
Highlights
General
Awake
Color Picker
Command Not Found
FancyZones
File Explorer add-ons
File Locksmith
Hosts File Editor
Image Resizer
Keyboard Manager
Mouse Without Borders
Paste as Plain Text
Peek
PowerRename
PowerToys Run
Quick Accent
Registry Preview
Settings
Documentation
Development
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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_.
