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Microsoft PowerToys Project Description

What is the project about?

Microsoft PowerToys is a collection of utilities designed to enhance the productivity of power users on Windows. It provides tools to customize and streamline the Windows experience.

What problem does it solve?

It addresses the need for advanced users to have greater control and efficiency in their Windows workflow. It solves common productivity roadblocks by offering tools that go beyond the standard Windows feature set.

What are the features of the project?

Features include utilities like:

  • Advanced Paste: Paste text in different formats (plain text, JSON, etc.).
  • Always on Top: Pin windows to stay on top of others.
  • PowerToys Awake: Prevent the computer from going to sleep.
  • Command Not Found: PowerShell module that detects failed commands and suggests a package to install, if available.
  • Color Picker: System-wide color picker.
  • Crop And Lock: Crop a window to a specific area and lock it.
  • Environment Variables: Manage environment variables.
  • FancyZones: Window manager for creating complex layouts.
  • File Explorer Add-ons: Enhancements for File Explorer (preview panes, etc.).
  • File Locksmith: Check which processes are using a file.
  • Hosts File Editor: Edit the hosts file.
  • Image Resizer: Quickly resize images.
  • Keyboard Manager: Remap keys and create shortcuts.
  • Mouse utilities: Enhance mouse functionality (find my mouse, etc.).
  • Mouse Without Borders: Control multiple computers with one mouse and keyboard.
  • Peek: Preview files without opening them.
  • Paste as Plain Text: Paste text without formatting.
  • PowerRename: Bulk rename files.
  • PowerToys Run: Quick launcher for applications and files.
  • Quick Accent: Easily type accented characters.
  • Registry Preview: Preview registry files.
  • Screen Ruler: Measure pixels on the screen.
  • Shortcut Guide: Display Windows key shortcuts.
  • Text Extractor: Copy text from anywhere on the screen (OCR).
  • Workspaces: Save and restore window layouts.
  • ZoomIt: Screen zoom, annotation, and recording tool.

What are the technologies used in the project?

  • Windows 10/11
  • x64 or ARM64 processor architecture
  • .NET
  • WPF (Windows Presentation Foundation)
  • Windows App SDK
  • Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime
  • C#, C++
  • PowerShell (For Command Not Found Module)

What are the benefits of the project?

  • Increased Productivity: Streamlines common tasks and provides powerful tools for power users.
  • Customization: Allows users to tailor their Windows experience to their specific needs.
  • Efficiency: Reduces the time spent on repetitive tasks.
  • Open Source: Community-driven development and contributions.
  • Free: Available at no cost.

What are the use cases of the project?

  • Developers: Managing environment variables, remapping keys, previewing files, quick launching applications.
  • Designers: Measuring screen elements, picking colors, resizing images.
  • System Administrators: Editing the hosts file, managing processes, controlling multiple computers.
  • Content Creators: Quickly renaming files, extracting text from images, managing window layouts.
  • General Power Users: Anyone who wants to improve their Windows workflow and productivity.
  • Presentations: ZoomIt allows for screen zoom, annotation, and recording.
PowerToys screenshot