Microsoft PowerToys Update: Power Display, Grab & Move, and More
Supercharge Your Windows Experience: The Best New Features in Microsoft PowerToys
If you’ve been looking for ways to make Windows feel faster, more intuitive, and just plain cooler, you need to know about Microsoft PowerToys.
PowerToys is a free, open-source project by Microsoft and the developer community. It adds a layer of "power user" features to Windows that really should have been there from the start. In the latest update, there are a few standout features that are absolute game-changers.
What is Microsoft PowerToys?
Think of it as a Swiss Army knife for Windows. It’s a single app that houses dozens of small tools designed to improve productivity. One of its most famous features is PowerToys Run, which replaces the standard Windows Search with a much faster, cleaner interface.
It’s important to note that Microsoft recently introduced the Command Palette as well. While they look similar, they are actually different features. PowerToys Run is the classic, lightning-fast launcher most users know, while the Command Palette is its modern successor, built for deeper extensibility and advanced command workflows.
But today, let’s talk about the newest additions that are making waves.
1. Grab and Move: Window Management, Linux Style
If you’ve ever used Linux, you might be familiar with how easy it is to move windows around. PowerToys has finally brought that functionality to Windows.
-
Move Windows Anywhere: Simply hold the Alt key and left-click anywhere on a window to drag it. You no longer have to aim specifically for the tiny title bar at the top!
-
Easy Resizing: Hold Alt and right-click anywhere on the window to resize it. No more hunting for those pixel-thin corners.
It sounds simple, but once you start using it, going back to the "old way" feels incredibly slow.
2. Power Display: Complete Brightness & Contrast Control
Many users rely on third-party apps like Twinkle Tray to manage their monitor brightness from the taskbar. PowerToys now has a built-in alternative called Power Display.
Located right in your system tray, Power Display allows you to:
-
Adjust monitor brightness with a slider.
-
Control contrast (something many other apps miss).
-
Switch input sources or rotate your screen.
It’s one less app you need to install because PowerToys handles it all in one place.
3. The Command Palette Dock (Beta)
There is also a new Dock feature currently in beta. When enabled, it places a slim bar at the top of your screen where you can pin apps, widgets, and your command palette for instant access. While it’s still being polished, it shows how Microsoft is looking to modernize the way we interact with our desktops.
Why You Should Install It
PowerToys is arguably one of the best pieces of software Microsoft has released. It’s lightweight, incredibly useful, and constantly getting better. Whether you want to snap windows into complex layouts, batch rename files, or just move windows more easily, there is something here for everyone.
Get Started Today:
-
Download from GitHub: Microsoft PowerToys GitHub
-
Get it on the Microsoft Store: PowerToys on Microsoft Store
I’ve also made a video on this topic — you can watch it below.
Check out my other posts, I post useful tutorials and tech tips, maybe you will find something useful 😉.