How to Download and Use Microsoft PowerToys

Microsoft PowerToys is a set of free and open-source utilities developed by Microsoft for Windows. It includes several tools that can help to improve system productivity, personalize the Windows experience, and troubleshoot problems. PowerToys has several benefits.

One of the benefits of using utility software is task automation and time-saving. It also allows appearance customization of Windows OS and issues identification for future repairs. However, some of its tools can be complex to use and may conflict with other applications. Despite this, these tools serve many powerful purposes as they undergo development.

How to download Microsoft PowerToys

1. Open the Microsoft Store on your PC, then look for Microsoft PowerToys.
   
2. Once you find it, click the Install button to start download.
   
3. Windows will install it when the download is complete.
   
4. If you get a UAC prompt from Windows, click Yes to confirm.
5. Once the installation is complete, click the Windows icon, search for the PowerToys app, then click it to open it.
   
6. Then, enable the PowerToys that you intend to use.
   
7. To configure a PowerToy, click the intended PowerToy and then click on the Settings button.
   

How to use Microsoft PowerToys

There are many tools embedded in this set of tools. We will discuss some of them here. They include the following:

1. Always on Top

Always on Top is a helpful PowerToy that allows you to keep a window above all other windows displayed on your screen. This feature can be valuable for various tasks, such as keeping a video tutorial visible while working on a document or keeping a chat window visible while you are playing a game.

To use Always on Top, follow these simple steps:

1. Click the Windows icon, search for the PowerToys app, then click it to open it.
   
2. Then, click the Always on Top PowerToy and select Open settings at the bottom of the screen to enable it if you didn’t do so earlier.
   
3. Use the Windows + ctrl + T shortcut to pin or unpin the selected window so it’s always on top of other windows.

2. PowerToys Awake

PowerToys Awake is a useful tool that prevents your PC from going to sleep when it is inactive. This feature can be helpful when you’re working on a long task or need to keep your PC awake to receive notifications or updates. It can also be useful when you’re using your PC remotely.

To start using PowerToys Awake, follow the simple steps below:

1. Click the Windows icon, search for the PowerToys app, then click it to open it.
   
2. When it opens, click the Awake PowerToy.
3. Then, click the Open settings button and toggle the switch On.
   
4. You can then configure the Mode to be to your taste.
   

3. Color Picker

The Color Picker tool is a utility incorporated in the Microsoft PowerToys suite. It helps you to choose colors from anywhere on your screen and copy them to your clipboard or use them in other applications.

To use the Color Picker tool:

1. Click the Windows icon, search for the PowerToys app, then click it to open it.
   
2. When it opens, you may click the Color Picker PowerToy and click the Open settings button to configure if if you didn’t do so before.
   
3. Then, use the Windows + Shift + C shortcut to pick colors from anywhere in the screen.
4. Move your mouse and release the cursor to select the color.
5. Afterward, you may click the Copy to clipboard button to copy the color to your clipboard.
   
6. Scroll the mouse wheel to zoom in for more precision.

4. Crop and Lock

Crop and Lock is a PowerToys tool that helps you snip any window on your screen and lock it in place. This tool can help to keep a window open and observable while you perform other tasks.

To use Crop and Lock, follow these steps:

1. Click the Windows icon, search for the PowerToys app, then click it to open it.
   
2. Then, enable Crop and Lock PowerToy.
3. Use the Windows + ctrl + shift + T to crop and create a thumbnail of another window.
   • You cannot control the application through the thumbnail but you will experience less compatibility issues.
4. Windows + ctrl + shift + R to crop an application’s window into a cropped window.
   • However , this is functionality is experimental and may cause interference issues with other applications, since the cropped window will contain the original application window.

5. Environment Variable

Environment Variables is a suitable way to set and handle environmental variables. You can also create profiles that store and load sets of environment variables for precise jobs. To add a new profile:

1. Click the Windows icon, search for the PowerToys app, then click it to open it.
   
2. When it opens, click the
   
3. Then, click New profile.
4. Once the Environment Variables window opens, enter profile name, toggle the Enabled On to apply the profile after creation.
5. Then,  add new variable or existing User/System variables variables to the profile using the Add variable button and click Save to confirm changes.
   

In conclusion, we explored Microsoft Powertoys and learned how to harness its full potential. With several utilities and enhancements, Powertoys streamlines workflow, boosts productivity and customizes your Windows experience. There are more PowerToys utilities than we explored in the article.

Other utilities from PowerToys like File Explorer add-ons, File Locksmith, Hosts file editor, Image Resizer, Peek, FancyZones, PowerToys Run, and Keyboard Manager optimize daily tasks, making Windows more efficient, user-friendly, and tailored. Powertoys is a game-changer for Windows users, and with this guide, you’re well-equipped to unlock its full potential.