Guide: How to Use PowerToys in Windows 10
Microsoft introduced PowerToys with Windows 95, but eventually stopped. So you may be wondering what it was. Well, PowerToys was a testing ground for developers to experiment and work on new tools. For example, adjusting the Windows user interface, changing the resolution, and so on. Windows XP marked their downfall, but they have returned from the dead. Microsoft made the announcement in May, saying the code for the entire suite will be released to the open source community. This allows anyone to build productivity tools for Windows, allowing users to streamline their workflow. For now, two tools are available, but Microsoft has ten more in the pipeline. Let’s start.
1. Where to download and install
The first released version of PowerToys can be downloaded from the link below. Download the MSI file as shown in the screenshot. Note that the file is tentatively signed by Janea Systems rather than Microsoft. We’ve checked it’s safe. Download PowerToys
Double-click the file to start the installation process. Fairly standard and routine process. When you launch PowerToys, you will see two tools in the left sidebar: Fancy Zones and Shortcut GuideThe third option is the general settings. The options are self-explanatory and you don’t need to change anything.
The overview link opens a guide posted on GitHub, and the video demo link opens in YouTube. See.
2. FancyZones
It’s a nice name for a utility, right? This tool creates custom zones on your desktop for opening and positioning different open windows. Let’s understand that with an example. Open PowerToys and click Edit Zones under FancyZones.
A new window will open with a number of preconfigured zones that have been created for you. You can click the plus or minus sign to change this number. Here’s what my desktop looks like when divided into 5 zones.
You can also opt for the Focus mode, where each window is placed on top of each other. There are two additional settings to control the margin around the zones at the bottom. Click Apply when you are done. If you use the Apply button, press Alt + Spacebar + X keys to maximize the window to view it. There is no specific maximization button different.
That’s how the app divides my desktop. When I press the shift key and drag and hold a window (an app or folder window) to place it in a particular zone. The format is automatically adjusted.
This can be useful if you work with multiple apps and windows at the same time. The FancyZones tool is very useful for bloggers like me who do both writing and research, traders who have multiple windows open and so on. Click the Custom tab to create custom zones. Resize from the edge and keep creating new zones into it home screen is fully occupied.
Play with FancyZones. Do not you worry. There is nothing to break. If something goes wrong, start all over again.
2. Shortcut Guide Settings
As the name suggests, this little Windows tweak provides you with a series of keyboard shortcuts. Shortcuts for what? For interacting with your Windows desktop and operating system. Press and hold the Windows key for a few seconds to activate the pop-over.
The interface offers you three different types of shortcuts: I didn’t even remember half of the shortcuts in front of my eyes. That makes it easy to remember things. I’m going to make some much needed changes to my taskbar to make apps open faster. Note that all shortcuts work with the Windows key combination. For example, to open the File Explorer, press the Windows key + E shortcut instead of simply pressing the E key. All shortcuts are also universal, meaning that they work no matter which window you have open.
You can control the time it takes for the shortcut overlay to start after the Windows key has been pressed and pressed. Both values are in ms (1 second = 1000 milliseconds).
Combined with your strengths
Things have just started with PowerToys and expect more utilities to come out soon. Since the project code is now open-source, developers from around the world can participate and develop tools for PowerToys. Microsoft has released the Windows 10 flavor of PowerToys for you to try them out. Note that these are preview builds and may run erratically on your system. So far, Microsoft has only added two tools that we discussed above. Other PowerToys in the pipeline include keyboard shortcut management, better search and Alt + tab management, battery tracker, and more. Let’s see which ones will see the light of day. The next up Looking for more ways to customize Windows 10? Here are 3 tools to customize Windows 10 even more.
How to Use PowerToys in Windows 10: benefits
Faq
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