Windows 10: Manage Files and Images like a Pro with PowerToys

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Microsoft PowerToys is a super powerful open-source app supported by Microsoft that adds productivity features every user thinks Windows should have. In this post, we are looking at seven PowerToys features for file and image management. It’s a must for those who need to manage a lot of files every day and save time. Manage […]

This article Manage Files and Images like a Pro with PowerToys first appeared on TheWindowsClub.com.

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Can't install PowerToys.

Please try the non-Store installer.

Installing with Windows executable file from GitHub

To install PowerToys using a Windows executable file:

1. Visit the Microsoft PowerToys GitHub releases page.
   
2. Select the Assets drop-down menu to display the files for the release.
   
3. Select the PowerToysSetup-0.##.#-x64.exe or PowerToysSetup-0.##.#-arm64.exe file to download the PowerToys executable installer.
   
4. Once downloaded, open the executable file and follow the installation prompts.
   

Source:

Install PowerToys

 

PowerToys - Tools to increase productivity in Windows

Microsoft PowerToys are a set of tools that help users increase productivity while working on Windows. Some of the tools are FancyZone, Image resizer, Powertoys Run, File Explorer tools, etc. Each one is explained one by one below.





Download Powertoys

Powertoys are sourced on Github and maintained by the community, so you can download them from their releases page or download it from the Microsoft Store. Both links below:

PowerToys work on both Windows 10 and Windows 11. It is supported on both 64-bit and ARM Platforms.

PowerToys tools

Always on Top

If you want to pin a Window on the top if several apps are open so that it remains sticky, this Powertoy will help. You can also trigger this with the Win+Ctrl+T Shortcut.

You can configure a border around a pinned app, sound when the Shortcut is used, and exclude apps in its settings.

Awake

You can use the Awake tool to ensure the computer does not sleep or turns off the screen when not in use. It is beneficial if you have a time-consuming task done by Windows so that it does not stop.

In the Settings, you can configure the Power plan and mode. For mode, you can set Inactive/Keep awake indefinitely/keep awake until time set.

Color Picker

Want to find a color on the screen? In that case, Color Picker can help. It can help you identify the color on the screen, which additionally can be copied if you require it in your desired format. To quickly open it, press Win+Shift+T. Afterward, you can move the mouse pointer on the selected pixel to show the color in HEX format. Clicking the pixel opens Window like this, explaining the color:





FancyZones

FancyZones is a multiple Windows management tool for snapping open Windows into desired layouts. This is particularly helpful if you have an ultrawide monitor and want to organize Windows. Moreover, Microsoft integrated this sort of functionality in Windows 11 through Snap layouts, but the same does not allow custom layouts, which Fancyzones allow.

You can configure shortcuts, Zone behavior, and Zone appearance in the Settings. Additionally, the other Settings include Window behaviors and layout customization.

Add-ons for File Explorer

Customers can use several File explorer add-ons to enhance the user experience. The following list describes the same.

Enable Thumbnail preview for SVG, PDF, source code files like C, gcode, etc., which are not natively supported. The Settings allow individual toggle for all kinds of supported extensions.

Image Resizer

Image Resizer, as the name suggests, allows a user to resize the Image according to his requirements.

Right-click an Image/Images in the File Explorer and select Resize Image option. You can select from Small, Medium, or Large, or choose a custom size. Click OK to complete. The resized files would be saved in the same folder.

Keyboard Manager

Keyboard Manager allows you to remap keys and shortcuts built-in into Windows.

Depending on the user’s choice, one can remap a key to a shortcut or a key to another key. Of course, there would be exceptions like Fn and shortcuts like Ctrl+Alt+Delete.

The Powertoys must be running in the background for the key mapper to work. Additionally, entering your credentials does not work on the lock screen.

Mouse Utilities

The Mouse Utilities help you to :

• Find the pointer on the screen
  
• Show a visual indicator when a button on the mouse is pressed
  
• Show Crosshair on the Mouse Pointer.
  

Power Rename

PowerRename tool helps you to rename multiple files at once using specific filters. Additionally, you can search for particular files and rename them accordingly. You can preview the file names before approving a rename and undo if you have already done a rename operation. You can also use the regular expression filter if your files have regular expressions. The rename option can be accessed using right-click Context menu in the File Explorer.

PowerToys Run

PowerToys Run is a modern, quick launcher tool that allows you to quickly search and open items/files.

You can search for Programs, Files, running processes, Calculate math, convert units, open a web page, etc., from the launcher itself. It can be invoked using the Alt+Space buttons by default.





PowerToys Run

Video Conference Mute

This tool allows you to quickly turn on or off your Camera and Microphone, used in Video conferences/meetings. If this tool is enabled, pressing Win+N keys would turn off your mic and Camera in a second.

 

[HELP]Image recovery issues

Guys i am trying to fix my cousins Asus Eee netbook. It has a backup image file that is partitioned on the hard drive but when I go to use it the app will run through a few steps and stop. It is running Vista . Any suggestions?