Microsoft PowerToys

by Microsoft · Utilities

Open sourceWindows

Free Microsoft utilities that add power-user features to Windows.

Official download from learn.microsoft.com (opens in a new tab)

Opens learn.microsoft.com, Microsoft's own site. No mirror, no bundle.

Overview

What is Microsoft PowerToys?

PowerToys adds FancyZones window layouts, a quick launcher, a colour picker, bulk file renaming, text extraction from the screen and more. Install it from the Microsoft Store, GitHub or winget as described on Microsoft's install page.

Key features

  • FancyZones window layouts
  • PowerToys Run / Command Palette launcher
  • Colour picker and text extractor
  • Bulk file rename

Best for

  • Arranging windows on big monitors
  • Keyboard-driven launching
  • Windows power users

Included in starter kits

Install

How to install Microsoft PowerToys

  1. 1Open the official Microsoft PowerToys download page on learn.microsoft.com.
  2. 2Pick the build for your system (Windows; check x64, ARM or Apple silicon where offered).
  3. 3Run the installer and read each screen; decline anything you did not ask for.
  4. 4Keep it updated from the app's own updater or your package manager.

Install from the command line

  • Windows · winget

    winget install --id Microsoft.PowerToys -e --source winget

Package IDs checked against the public winget, Homebrew and Flathub repositories on 1 Nov 2026. Build a script for several apps.

Safety

Download Microsoft PowerToys safely

  • Check the domain

    The real download lives on learn.microsoft.com. Look-alike domains and search ads are the most common trap.

  • Skip mirrors

    Download portals can wrap installers in adware or old versions. You never need them for this app.

  • Verify if you can

    If the publisher lists a checksum, compare it with our in-browser checker before running the file.

  • Watch the installer

    Untick extras, browser changes or trials you did not ask for.

Open the checksum checker

Alternatives

Microsoft PowerToys alternatives

Other utilities apps, closest platform match first.

All utilities

FAQ

Microsoft PowerToys questions

Where can I download Microsoft PowerToys safely?

Download Microsoft PowerToys only from Microsoft's official site at learn.microsoft.com. Avoid mirror and "download portal" sites, which can bundle extra software with the installer.

Is Microsoft PowerToys free?

Yes. Microsoft PowerToys is open-source software and free to use.

Does Microsoft PowerToys work on Windows?

Microsoft PowerToys is available for Windows. Check Microsoft's download page for exact system requirements and whether your processor (x64, ARM or Apple silicon) is supported.

Can I install Microsoft PowerToys from the command line?

Yes, with winget on Windows (winget install --id Microsoft.PowerToys -e). Package managers fetch the publisher's files and make updates easy.

What are good alternatives to Microsoft PowerToys?

See the alternatives section on this page and the full utilities list on AltFTool, which shows each app's licence and platforms side by side.