Microsoft has released a new version of its PowerToys expansion pack for Windows 11 and Windows 10. The update delivers a whole bunch of improvements and bug fixes as well as an overdue feature. COMPUTER BILD has the information.
Always in the foreground: prevent loss of focus
After Microsoft recently built in fresh features for the new Mouse Utilities in the PowerToys, version 0.53.1 now brings a new window function called “Always on Top”. If you want to keep a certain program window in the foreground, click on it and press the keyboard shortcut WIN + Ctrl + T – The window is then given a colored border and a signal tone indicates that it is now always visible. With the feature, Microsoft ends a classic usage dilemma in Windows, the so-called loss of focus. In future, you can save yourself additional programs or dangerous interventions in the registry in order to prevent the annoying overlaying of an important window. You end the prioritization with the same shortcut.
Further improvements
In addition to the new function, the update contains various improvements. Version 0.53.1 comes with a completely new installer. There are also dozens of improvements for the Color Picker, FancyZones, Image Resizer, the PowerRename renaming tool and the File Explorer add-ons.
PowerToys Run, the Spotlight-like search field, now also supports web search and automatically transfers expressions to the favorite search engine of the standard browser: Type in a search term and click on the symbol with the globe and the magnifying glass. In the relatively new video conference muting under Windows 11, the shortcut Win + N to Win + Shift + Q changed to avoid conflicts with the operating system. You will find an overview of all new features in the release notes, instructions for all functions of the tool collection in the PowerToys guide.
Install PowerToys
If you are not yet using PowerToys, use the free download from COMPUTER BILD to install it. If you are already using an earlier version, perform an update:
- Open the PowerToys settings by clicking on the program icon in the notification area of the taskbar. If it is not visible, hide it beforehand by clicking on the arrow Show hidden symbols one.
- Click below General on Check for updates, then if necessary under “An update is ready for installation” Install now as well as on Yes.
- This does not work in older PowerToys versions. In this case, just use the download above.