
Windows 10 inspired a completely new set of PowerToys. Each Windows version inspired a new set of tools based on what developers perceived was needed to improve and enhance that version.

Through the years and the various Windows versions, individual PowerToys have come and gone. Xmouse 1.2 allowed a user to change window focus by moving the mouse cursor, no click needed.FlexiCD allowed a user to control an audio CD from the Taskbar.

Explore from Here opened File Explorer in the current directory.Command Prompt Here opened a command prompt in the current directory.CD Autoplay allowed all CDs to autoplay, not just audio CDs.TweakUI was used for tweaking obscure Windows settings.In some cases, a careless change made using a PowerToys utility by an inexperienced user could cause havoc with the Windows operating system, so novice users were encouraged to use caution.įor the most part, though, PowerToys would allow users, whether they considered themselves "power" or not, to more easily make tweaks to the look and feel of Windows without a deep dive into configuration screens or the dreaded and dangerous edit of the Windows Registry file. That first set of 15 free utilities were published and endorsed by Microsoft and made available in a free download.įrom the beginning, PowerToys were designed to be used by "power users" seeking ways to tweak the way the operating system functions. The first set of Windows PowerToys were made available for Windows 95. SEE: 20 pro tips to make Windows 10 work the way you want (free PDF) (TechRepublic) When was Windows PowerToys first available? Note: This article is also available as a download – Cheat sheet: Windows 10 PowerToys (free PDF).

This TechRepublic cheat sheet describes each available tool or feature provided by Microsoft's official Windows PowerToys. In 2019, Microsoft, in partnership with development company Janea Systems, released the first two PowerToys for Windows 10, accompanied by a promise of more releases in the near future. (With the general release of Microsoft Windows 11, the developers are now referring to this project as Windows PowerToys rather than Windows 10 PowerToys.) A set of slightly unusual free Windows tools has been a part of the Windows operating system landscape since Windows 95, but their availability has been noticeably absent for Windows 10 and Windows 11 - at least until September 2019.

Microsoft's acknowledgement of this force of human nature is the Windows PowerToys download. Windows 11: Tips on installation, security and more (free PDF).Windows 11 SE: Why it's both more and less locked down than Windows 10 S.Windows Server IoT 2022 is for a lot more than Internet of Things.Windows 11 cheat sheet: Everything you need to know.
