There is a toolkit from Microsoft itself that adds features Windows should have had years ago, completely free. It is called PowerToys and most people have never heard of it.
A collection of small tools, each solving a daily annoyance: faster search, window layouts, grabbing text from any image, renaming hundreds of files in one click. Install once, enable what fits you.
What is PowerToys?
Microsoft PowerToys is a free, open-source toolkit for Windows. It installs as one app containing dozens of utilities you can toggle individually. The stars: PowerToys Run for instant search, FancyZones for window layouts, Text Extractor for pulling text out of images, and PowerRename for bulk renaming.
How to get started
- Get it from the Microsoft Store (search PowerToys) or from GitHub.
- Open it and browse the tools list in settings.
- Enable the tools you need, disable the rest.
- Try Alt + Space for instant search, and Win + Shift + T to grab text from the screen.
The strongest tools inside
- PowerToys Run: hit Alt + Space, type any app or file name, it opens instantly.
- FancyZones: split your screen into custom zones and windows snap into them.
- Text Extractor: copy any text from an image or video, even Arabic.
- PowerRename: rename hundreds of files with one rule.
- Always on Top: pin any window above everything.
Why does Windows not ship with these?
PowerToys is Microsoft's lab for advanced features: some of them actually graduated into Windows itself later. So you are testing the future of Windows before everyone, for free. If you like customizing your machine, Microsoft PowerToys is the most important toolkit you can install.
Frequently asked questions
Is it official from Microsoft?
Yes, Microsoft develops it as open source on GitHub.
Does it slow the PC down?
The tools are light, and you can disable anything you do not use in settings.
Does it work on Windows 10?
Yes, it supports Windows 10 and 11.
Alternatives
And if you want to control your PC remotely from anywhere, check our guide to the free RustDesk.
Note: Some tools need admin rights to work with every app, enable that in settings if needed.
The bottom line
One app, dozens of Windows upgrades, from the maker of Windows itself, for free. Install it, try PowerToys Run alone, and you will see why power users never uninstall it.
Link: PowerToys
