Microsoft PowerToys for PC: Download, Install & Use

Looking for ways to make Windows more productive without installing a bunch of separate apps? Microsoft PowerToys is a free collection of utilities that helps you customize Windows, manage open windows, rename files in batches, extract text from your screen, resize images, and perform many other everyday tasks.

PowerToys is available for Windows 11 and Windows 10 version 2004 or later, with support for compatible 64-bit x64 and ARM64 processors. You can install it through the Microsoft Store, download the installer from GitHub, or use Windows Package Manager (WinGet).

In this guide, you’ll learn how to download and install Microsoft PowerToys on your PC, configure its settings, and use its most useful features.

Microsoft PowerToys Features & Settings

Microsoft PowerToys is not a single-purpose application. It is a collection of Windows utilities developed by Microsoft and the open-source community. You can enable only the features you need, so you don’t have to use every tool.

1. PowerToys Settings

Manage utilities, configure keyboard shortcuts, and turn individual features on or off from one central interface.

2. FancyZones

Create custom screen layouts and arrange multiple application windows more efficiently.

3. PowerRename

Rename multiple files at once by replacing text or applying search patterns.

4. Text Extractor

Copy text from parts of your screen, including text displayed in images and application windows.

Other useful tools include Image Resizer, Color Picker, Always On Top, Peek, Keyboard Manager, Advanced Paste, Awake, and Command Palette. 

The available utilities and their features can vary between releases.

Microsoft PowerToys: Download & Install

You can install PowerToys using three main methods. Choose the Microsoft Store if you want a straightforward installation, GitHub if you prefer downloading the installer file, or WinGet if you are comfortable using a command.

1: Check Your Windows Version

Before downloading PowerToys, confirm that your PC meets the minimum requirements.

Press Windows + R, type winver, and press Enter. A window will display your Windows version and build number.

PowerToys requires Windows 10 version 2004 (build 19041) or later, or Windows 11, running on a supported x64 or ARM64 processor. 

If your computer uses an older version of Windows 10, update Windows before proceeding.

2: Download PowerToys From the Microsoft Store

The Microsoft Store is a convenient option for most beginners.

Open the Microsoft Store from the Start menu. Search for Microsoft PowerToys, then open the official listing published by Microsoft.

Select Get or Install, depending on the options displayed. Wait for the download and installation to finish.

Once installed, open PowerToys from the Start menu. This method avoids manually choosing an installer architecture and is a good starting point for most users.

You can also open the official Microsoft PowerToys page to access its Store listing.

3: Download the PowerToys Installer From GitHub

If you want the actual installation file saved on your PC, use the official PowerToys GitHub releases page.

Open Microsoft PowerToys Releases. Locate the latest stable release and expand Assets to view the available downloads.

Choose the appropriate installer. Most standard Intel and AMD 64-bit computers use the x64 installer, while Windows PCs running on compatible ARM processors need the ARM64 version.

Download the appropriate PowerToysSetup executable. Avoid downloading source-code archives because they are not the normal installer for everyday users.

GitHub is an official distribution channel for PowerToys, and Microsoft documents this installation method in its setup instructions.

4: Install Microsoft PowerToys on Your PC

After downloading the installer, open your Downloads folder and double-click the PowerToys setup file.

If Windows displays a User Account Control prompt, verify that you are running the installer you obtained from the official source and approve it if appropriate.

Follow the installation wizard and accept the requested permissions. Depending on the installer and your preferences, you may see an option to install PowerToys for your user account or for all users on the computer.

Wait for setup to finish. Open Microsoft PowerToys from the Start menu to access its settings and utilities.

5: Install PowerToys Using WinGet

If you prefer the command line, you can install PowerToys through Windows Package Manager (WinGet).

Open the Start menu, search for Terminal, and launch Windows Terminal. Enter the following command and press Enter:

winget install –id Microsoft.PowerToys –source winget

Review any prompts and allow the installation to complete. If Windows requests administrative permission, approve it only when you are comfortable with the requested changes.

When the command finishes, search for PowerToys in the Start menu and open it.

This method is particularly useful for users who manage multiple Windows computers or prefer installing applications from the terminal.

6: Open PowerToys and Configure Its Settings

Launch PowerToys and open its Settings window. The Home page provides access to the available utilities and their configuration options.

Select a utility from the left-hand navigation pane to view its settings. Turn on the features you want to use, and review their keyboard shortcuts.

For example, you can enable FancyZones for window management, Text Extractor for copying on-screen text, or Image Resizer for preparing images.

You do not need to activate every utility. Start with two or three tools that solve problems you regularly encounter, then explore the others as needed.

Various Uses of Microsoft PowerToys on Your PC

Once installation is complete, you can start using individual utilities from PowerToys Settings. 

Here are some of the most useful features and how to use them.

1: Arrange Windows Using FancyZones

FancyZones helps you organize multiple application windows on your desktop. It is useful when working with a browser, File Explorer, Word, and other apps at the same time.

Open PowerToys Settings and select FancyZones. Turn on the feature and open the layout editor using the shortcut shown in its settings. The default shortcut in current PowerToys documentation is Windows + Shift + `.

Choose a layout that fits your screen or create a custom one. Then drag your application windows into the desired zones while using the activation method displayed in the settings.

FancyZones can make multitasking easier by keeping important windows arranged in predictable positions.

2: Rename Multiple Files Using PowerRename

Renaming dozens of files individually can take a lot of time. PowerRename lets you search for specific text in filenames and replace it across multiple selected files.

Open File Explorer and select the files you want to rename. Right-click the selection and choose Rename with PowerRename if that option is available in the context menu.

Enter the text you want to find and the replacement text. Review the preview to make sure the new filenames are correct.

Select Apply or the corresponding confirmation option to complete the operation. Always review the preview first, especially when renaming important documents or photographs.

3: Extract Text From Your Screen

Text Extractor can copy text displayed in an image, a dialog box, or another part of your screen, even when you cannot select the text normally.

Open PowerToys Settings, select Text Extractor, and enable it. Check the keyboard shortcut displayed in the settings. The commonly documented shortcut is Windows + Shift + T.

Press the shortcut, select the area containing the text, and let PowerToys recognize the characters. The extracted text is copied to your clipboard, allowing you to paste it into Notepad, Word, or another application.

Check the result for recognition mistakes, particularly when the original text contains small fonts, unusual formatting, or technical error codes.

4: Resize Images Directly From File Explorer

Image Resizer is useful when you need smaller images for a website, an email attachment, or a document.

Enable Image Resizer in PowerToys Settings. Open File Explorer and select one or more supported image files.

Right-click the selection and choose Resize with Image Resizer. Select a predefined size or configure your own dimensions, then confirm the operation.

Depending on the settings, you can create resized copies without replacing the original images. Check the selected output options before processing important files.

5: Keep a Window Always on Top

If you want a calculator, reference document, or chat window to remain visible while you work in another application, use Always On Top.

Enable the utility in PowerToys Settings. Select the application window you want to keep visible and press the configured shortcut, commonly Windows + Ctrl + T.

A border may appear around the selected window to indicate that the feature is active. Press the shortcut again to turn it off for that window.

This is helpful when comparing information or following instructions while working in another program.

6: Preview Files Using Peek

Peek lets you preview supported files without opening their full applications.

Enable Peek in PowerToys Settings, then select a supported file in File Explorer. Press the shortcut configured for Peek, commonly the Spacebar, to open its preview.

Use this feature to check images, documents, or other supported file types quickly. Available preview formats depend on the installed components and file type.

7: Copy Colors Using Color Picker

Color Picker is useful for web designers, developers, and anyone who needs to identify a color on the screen.

Enable Color Picker in PowerToys Settings and use its configured shortcut, commonly Windows + Shift + C.

Move the pointer over the color you want to identify and select it. PowerToys can display the color value in formats such as HEX and RGB, depending on the configuration.

Copy the required value and paste it into your design application, website stylesheet, or image editor.

8: Manage Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard Manager allows you to remap individual keys or create custom keyboard shortcuts.

Open PowerToys Settings and select Keyboard Manager. Enable the feature, then choose Remap a key or Remap a shortcut.

Select the original key or shortcut and specify the replacement. Review the configuration carefully before saving it.

Remember that remapping changes how your keyboard behaves while the utility is active. Avoid changing essential keys unless you understand how to restore the original mapping.

Additional Tips

Keep PowerToys updated. Open PowerToys Settings and check for updates regularly. You can also use the Microsoft Store or WinGet to maintain your installation, depending on how you installed the application.

Enable only the features you need. PowerToys offers many utilities, but you do not have to run every one. Disable features you rarely use to keep your configuration simple.

Check keyboard shortcuts before using a feature. Some shortcuts can conflict with shortcuts in other applications. You can review and change supported shortcuts through the relevant utility’s settings.

Download PowerToys only from trusted sources. Use the official Microsoft Store listing, Microsoft’s PowerToys website, or the official GitHub repository. Avoid unofficial download sites that bundle installers with unwanted software.

Review changes before applying them. 

This is particularly important when using PowerRename, Keyboard Manager, and other utilities that change filenames or system behavior.

FAQs

Is Microsoft PowerToys free to download?

Yes. Microsoft PowerToys is free and open source. You can install it from the Microsoft Store, GitHub, or WinGet without paying for the standard collection of utilities.

Does PowerToys work on Windows 11 and Windows 10?

Yes. PowerToys supports Windows 11 and Windows 10 version 2004 or later on compatible x64 and ARM64 systems.

Is Microsoft PowerToys safe?

PowerToys is an official Microsoft project. Downloading it from the Microsoft Store or the official PowerToys GitHub repository is the recommended approach. As with any software, review permissions and install updates from trusted sources.

How do I update Microsoft PowerToys?

Open PowerToys Settings and check its update options. Alternatively, update the application through the Microsoft Store or use WinGet if that matches your installation method.

Why is PowerToys not appearing in the right-click menu?

Some utilities add options to File Explorer’s context menu, but others work through keyboard shortcuts or their own interfaces. Confirm that the relevant utility is enabled and check whether you need to open Show more options in Windows 11.

Can I uninstall Microsoft PowerToys?

Yes. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps in Windows 11 or Settings > Apps > Apps & features in Windows 10. Find Microsoft PowerToys, select the uninstall option, and follow the instructions.

Which PowerToys features should beginners try first?

Start with FancyZones, PowerRename, Image Resizer, and Text Extractor. These utilities cover common tasks such as organizing windows, renaming files, resizing pictures, and copying text from your screen.