Microsoft PowerToys – Overview, Features, and Download Guide (2025)
Microsoft PowerToys is a powerful collection of utilities designed to help Windows users improve productivity, streamline workflows, and unlock advanced customization tools. Originally part of Windows 95, PowerToys was relaunched for modern versions of Windows and is now one of the most popular free utility suites for power users and professionals.
In 2025, PowerToys continues to evolve with new tools, better performance, and deeper system integration — making it an essential add-on for Windows 10 and Windows 11.
What Is Microsoft PowerToys?
Microsoft PowerToys is an open-source set of utilities that enhances the Windows experience by adding advanced tools that are not included by default. These tools help with window management, file operations, keyboard shortcuts, renaming files, color picking, and more.
It’s completely free, safe, and developed by Microsoft in partnership with the open-source community.
Key Features of Microsoft PowerToys (2025)
1. FancyZones – Advanced Window Manager
Create custom window layouts
Snap apps into organized grids
Boost multitasking and workflow speed
2. PowerRename – Bulk File Renaming
Rename hundreds of files at once
Supports search/replace, regex, and previews
3. PowerToys Run – Quick Launcher
A fast search bar like Spotlight (macOS)
Launch apps, find files, run commands instantly
4. Color Picker
Global color-picking tool for designers
Copy HEX, RGB, and HSL values
5. Image Resizer
Right-click → Quickly resize multiple images
Presets or custom size options
6. Keyboard Manager
Remap keys system-wide
Create custom shortcuts
7. Awake
Keep your PC awake without changing power settings
Useful for downloads, renderings, or long tasks
8. Mouse Utilities
Highlight mouse pointer
Find the cursor using shortcut
Crosshair for precision users
9. Text Extractor
Extract text from anywhere using OCR
Great for grabbing text from images or screenshots
10. Screen Ruler
On-screen measurement tool for UI/UX designers
11. File Locksmith
See which apps are locking a file
Useful for deleting or moving files
12. Environment Variables Editor
Simplify editing system and user variables
Why Use Microsoft PowerToys?
Completely free and open-source
Lightweight with minimal performance impact
Useful for students, developers, designers, and productivity users
Adds professional-grade tools not included in Windows
Actively updated by Microsoft
System Requirements
OS: Windows 10 (v1903+) or Windows 11
Architecture: 64-bit
RAM: 4GB or more recommended
Storage: ~200MB
Optional: .NET Desktop Runtime (Auto-installed)
How to Download Microsoft PowerToys (Official)
PowerToys can be downloaded safely from:
Microsoft Store
GitHub (Official Microsoft Repository)
