Charles Esther
Despite complaints that each Windows release simplifies things too much, the OS still hides a treasure trove of built-in tools. Even with Microsoft retiring some classics like Paint or WordPad, there’s still plenty of power under the hood. For those wanting even more, Microsoft’s free PowerToys package adds a host of advanced features and time-saving utilities.
PowerToys — Your Extra Toolbelt
Download PowerToys from Microsoft’s site, launch it from the Start menu, and activate the features you need. From window management to keyboard tweaks, these tools can help you work smarter.
Awake — Keep Your PC From Sleeping
Awake prevents your computer from going into sleep mode. Perfect for long downloads, file transfers, running servers, or keeping background tasks alive without interruption.
Task Scheduler — Automation Without AI
While AI agents get all the hype, many repetitive jobs can already be automated using the Windows Task Scheduler. Combine it with scripts to trigger tasks at set times or in response to specific events.
FancyZones — Advanced Window Snapping
This PowerToy lets you create custom screen layouts. Drag or click windows into predefined zones for quick and precise multitasking.
File Locksmith — See What’s Using That File
Tired of being told “file in use”? File Locksmith identifies which app is locking the file and even lets you try to unlock it — something Windows should have done years ago.
Keyboard Manager — Disable Annoying Keys
Reassign or disable keys entirely. Gamers can block the left Windows key to avoid those game-breaking interruptions.
Snipping Tool & Text Extractor — Copy Anything on Screen
Go beyond screenshots: grab text from images, PDFs, or even protected pages. Just take a snip and extract the text instantly.
Explorer Preview, Details Pane & Peek — See More Without Opening Files
View file info or previews directly in File Explorer. The Peek PowerToy even lets you assign a shortcut to instantly preview any file in a larger window.
Process Explorer — A Task Manager on Steroids
From Microsoft’s Sysinternals, Process Explorer shows deeper details on running processes, including files they’re using. It’s a must-have for advanced troubleshooting.
Old-School Notepad — Still Around if You Need It
Even after Microsoft’s update with rich text and AI features, the original notepad.exe remains hidden — if you know where to look.
Command Palette — Lightning-Fast Searching
Like macOS Spotlight, Command Palette lets you search apps, files, and commands with just a keystroke.
PowerShell Scripting — Turn Your PC Into a Powerhouse
Learning PowerShell scripting unlocks the real potential of Windows automation, letting you perform almost any task without manual effort.
