Microsoft’s PowerToys project is an open-source initiative developing a new set of shell utilities aimed at developers and power users. There are now seven tools, all of which are installed via a single package.
The recommended installation method is to manually download the PowerToys MSI installer from the project’s GitHub repository. On the Releases page, find the newest release (at the top of the page), and click the MSI link under the “Assets” section to download the installer.
Run the installer once it’s downloaded. You should be able to click straight through the installer, unless you want to change the installation directory or startup settings. Once installed, you’ll have all the current tools available, as well as the PowerToys management interface.
Open “PowerToys (Preview)” from the Start menu to start using the app. The PowerToys icon will appear in your taskbar tray area. Double click the icon to open the management interface.
The General page allows you to change basic PowerToys settings, including the management app’s theme and whether to run as adminsitrator. You most likely won’t need to change these settings at this stage.
You’ll find the settings for the individual tools on their own pages accessible via the menu on the left. Each tool has a toggle button at the top of its settings page that allows you to turn it on or off. All tools are enabled by default. Disabled tools won’t be usable.
Discussing each tool is out of the scope of this guide. You should now be equipped to start using PowerToys, which include the FancyZones window layout manager and the new Keyboard Manager shortcut remapper. When an update is released for the suite, simply revisit the GitHub page to download and run the new installer.
