Microsoft's utility suite for Windows power users continues to expand with valuable new features that enhance productivity and workflow efficiency. The latest updates to PowerToys introduce significant improvements that make file management, application launching, and media conversion more streamlined than ever before.
Command Palette Brings Powerful App Launching to PowerToys
The newly released PowerToys v0.90.0 introduces Command Palette, a sophisticated evolution of PowerToys Run designed with extensibility as its core principle. This new module allows users to launch applications with remarkable efficiency by simply typing a few letters. For example, users can start Terminal Canary by typing TerCan or solve mathematical equations directly from the launcher interface. Command Palette offers a richer display and enhanced capabilities without compromising performance, making it a valuable addition to the PowerToys suite. Users can access this feature using the keyboard shortcut Win+Alt+Space, providing quick access to installed applications, shell commands, files, and even WinGet package installation.
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| The PowerToys settings interface showcasing organizational features related to the newly introduced Command Palette |
Media Conversion Made Simple Through Advanced Paste
In addition to the Command Palette, PowerToys now offers convenient media conversion capabilities through its Advanced Paste feature. Starting with version v0.89.0, users can convert audio and video files to MP3 or MP4 formats with a simple copy-and-paste operation. This functionality eliminates the need for third-party applications for basic media conversion tasks. To use this feature, users need only copy a media file in File Explorer and paste it using the Windows-Shift-V keyboard shortcut. The system then presents two conversion options: Transcode to MP3, which extracts audio from any media file (including video) and saves it as an MP3, and Transcode to MP4, which converts video to use the H.264 video codec with AAC audio codec.
Enhanced Color Picker and File Management
The latest update also brings significant improvements to existing PowerToys modules. The Color Picker has been enhanced by switching from WPF UI to .NET WPF, resulting in improved themes and visual consistency across different modes. This change enhances compatibility and provides better theme support, creating a more cohesive user experience. Additionally, the Peek module now allows users to delete files directly from the preview interface, streamlining file management workflows and improving efficiency.
New+ Template Customization
PowerToys' New+ module has received an upgrade with support for variables in template filenames. This enhancement enables dynamic elements like date components and environment variables for greater customization. Users can now incorporate date/time components, parent folder names, and environment variables into their template filenames, providing more flexibility when creating new files through the module.
Additional Improvements and Bug Fixes
The update addresses several bugs and issues across various modules. FancyZones received fixes for layout deletion problems and incorrect hotkey displays. PowerToys Run resolved issues with duplicated applications and crashes related to round corners on Windows 11 build 22000. The Workspaces module fixed an issue where some minimized packaged apps weren't being properly snapshotted. These improvements, along with numerous development optimizations, demonstrate Microsoft's commitment to refining and enhancing the PowerToys suite.
Availability and Installation
For users interested in trying these new features, PowerToys can be downloaded from the project's GitHub page. The utility suite remains free and is officially managed by Microsoft, ensuring reliable integration with Windows. With each update, PowerToys continues to solidify its position as a near-essential toolkit for Windows power users seeking to enhance their productivity and customize their operating system experience.