If you have installed PowerToys on Windows 11, you might be looking for ways to use it to improve productivity. Therefore, in this guide, we present to you some of the best features of PowerToys and how to use them.
Best Features of PowerToys
If you want to use PowerToys in Windows 11 and try some of its best features, go through the list below.
- PowerToys Run
- Color Picker
- Peek
- Always on Top
- Awake
- Keyboard Manager
- Other handy tools
Let us talk about them in detail.
1] PowerToys Run
PowerToys Run is an advanced application launcher and search utility that goes far beyond the standard Windows search. It is useful because it allows you to instantly find and open applications, files, folders, and even perform quick calculations or search running processes using a simple keyboard shortcut, centralizing access to nearly everything on your PC into one responsive interface.
To enable and use it, follow the steps below.
- Open PowerToys application.
- On the home page, you will see Open Settings option; click on it.
- Now, look for PowerToys Run and toggle it on.
- Press the default keyboard shortcut Alt + Spacebar to open the search bar from anywhere in Windows.
- Start typing the name of an app, file, or a query like ? for files or = for calculations.
- Use the arrow keys to navigate the results and press Enter to launch your selection.
That is how you can enable and use PowerToys Run.
2] Color Picker
Color Picker is designed for system-wide color detection, allowing you to identify and copy the exact color value of any pixel displayed on your screen. It is especially useful for designers, developers, and content creators who need to match colors precisely for their projects. Using this tool eliminates guesswork and saves time compared to manual methods.
To enable Color Picker, open PowerToys Settings and enable the Color Picker module.
To use it, press the default shortcut Win + Shift + C to activate the picker; your cursor will change to a crosshair. Hover over the color you wish to capture and click to select it. The color value (e.g., HEX, RGB) is automatically copied to your clipboard, and an editor opens to fine-tune or review your history of picked colors
3] Peek
Peek provides instant previews of file contents directly from File Explorer without needing to open the associated application. This is useful for quickly browsing through documents, images, code files, or videos to find exactly what you need, significantly speeding up file management and reducing application clutter.
In PowerToys Settings, make sure that Peek is enabled.
In File Explorer, select a supported file (like a .txt, .png, or .mp4 file). Simply press and hold the Spacebar to see a preview pop-up window. Release the Spacebar to close the preview, or use the arrow keys to peek at other files in the same folder.
4] Always on Top
The Always on Top utility lets you pin any application window so it stays visible above all other windows. It’s useful for multitasking scenarios where you need to constantly reference information from one window while working in another, such as following a tutorial, comparing documents, or monitoring a chat or dashboard. You can enable the Always On Top module from the PowerToys Settings homepage.
To pin a window, first click on the one you want to keep in place and then press the default shortcut Win + Ctrl + T. A customizable colored border will appear around the window, confirming that it has been pinned. If you want to unpin it, simply press Win + Ctrl + T again or close the window, and the border will disappear, returning the window to its normal state. again or simply close the window.
If you are confused by the plethora of shortcuts available in PowerToys, we recommend you use the Windows Key Shortcut Guide in PowerToys
5] Awake
Awake allows you to temporarily keep your computer awake and prevent it from sleeping or turning off the display, without changing your system-wide power settings. This is useful during long downloads, software installations, presentations, or any extended task where you don’t want the screen to dim or the system to lock.
Usually, Awake is enabled by default, but check PowerToys Settings to make sure that the module is enabled.
Look for the Awake icon (a coffee cup) in your system tray on the taskbar. Click the icon to choose a mode: Keep awake indefinitely, Keep awake temporarily (for a set duration), or Keep screen on. The selected mode will remain active until the timer expires or you switch it back to your normal power plan.
6] Keyboard Manager
Keyboard Manager gives you advanced control by allowing you to remap any key to another key or even to a complex shortcut. This is useful for creating a more ergonomic layout, repairing a faulty key, disabling keys you frequently press by mistake, or crafting custom shortcuts tailored to your specific workflow.
To remap keys using PowerToys, start by turning on the Keyboard Manager module in PowerToys Settings. Once enabled, you can choose Remap a key if you want to change a single key, or Remap a shortcut for more complex combinations. Click the Add key remapping button (or the equivalent option for shortcuts), and in the dialog that appears, select the Physical key you want to press, such as Caps Lock, and then assign it to the desired Mapped to action, like Escape or a custom shortcut. Finally, click OK to save your changes, and your new key mapping will take effect immediately.
7] Other handy tools
PowerToys also includes several other useful tools. The Hosts File Editor allows you to modify the Hosts file, while File Locksmith helps unlock files that are in use. You’ll find a Markdown and SVG Preview pane extension for quick file previews, along with handy utilities like Image Resizer and Windows Walker for managing windows more efficiently. For mouse-related features, PowerToys offers Find My Mouse and the Mouse Highlighter. In addition, you can take advantage of tools such as Text Extractor, Screen Ruler, and Quick Accent to boost productivity and streamline everyday tasks.
That’s it!
This post will help you if PowerToys is not working in Windows 11.
How to use CursorWrap in PowerToys?
CursorWrap is a new mouse utility in PowerToys designed for multi-monitor setups. When enabled, the cursor position is no longer constrained by the physical edges of the active display. Instead, crossing any boundary (top, bottom, left, or right) causes the pointer to reappear at the corresponding opposite edge of the same monitor. This behavior reduces the distance a pointer travels and improves navigation efficiency across large or multiple screens.
Read: How to use Command Palette in PowerToys
What are the benefits of Microsoft PowerToys?
The primary benefit of Microsoft PowerToys is that it provides a free, official suite of utilities that significantly enhance Windows 11’s native capabilities, filling functionality gaps. It boosts productivity by introducing powerful tools for advanced window management, streamlined file handling, instant system-wide searches, and extensive customization of keyboard shortcuts and UI behaviors, all without modifying core system files.
Read: How to Back Up and Restore PowerToys Settings
How to use PowerToys in Windows 11?
To use PowerToys, first install it from the Microsoft Store or GitHub, then open the PowerToys Settings application. Here, you can toggle individual tools on or off, customize their activation shortcuts, and configure their specific behaviors to match your workflow, enabling only the features you find useful.
Also Read: Manage PowerToys with Group Policy in Windows 11.
