Microsoft’s PowerToys utility suite has received a major update with the release of version 0.86. This iteration introduces the Advanced Paste feature with optical character recognition (OCR) and a reorganized interface to streamline the user experience. These new tools build on Microsoft’s focus on enhancing productivity for Windows 10 and 11 users.
Advanced Paste Expands Clipboard Capabilities
Central to this update is Advanced Paste, which significantly broadens how users can handle clipboard content. By using the Win+Shift+V shortcut, users can paste text as plain text, markdown, or JSON. The OCR capability allows for quick extraction of text from images in the clipboard, turning them into editable text that can be pasted anywhere on the system. This local processing ensures that no data is transferred online, emphasizing user privacy.
A practical addition is the ability to paste clipboard content directly as .txt, .html, or .png files within File Explorer. For those requiring more from their clipboard management, the tool includes an AI integration that leverages OpenAI’s API. This feature, which requires an API key, allows users to format, summarize, translate, or rewrite text creatively, adding depth to content management.
PowerToys 0.86’s redesigned user interface categorizes utilities into five main sections: System Tools, Windowing & Layouts, Input/Output, File Management, and Advanced. This change makes it easier to find tools and settings within the suite, catering to those who use multiple utilities frequently. The dashboard now showcases active and inactive tools, while app settings are consolidated under the general tab for simplicity.
Telemetry Control and Customization
The latest update also introduces an opt-in telemetry feature, giving users more control over data sharing. Microsoft has emphasized that enabling this feature can help guide future development efforts based on user interaction and feedback. Version 0.86 doesn’t stop here. Other utilities received key updates as well:
- Mouse Jump: Refactoring for smoother operation and reintroduced telemetry events.
- Mouse Without Borders: Improved logging.
- Peek: Faster file and folder previewing.
- PowerToys Run: Enhanced error handling for right-to-left languages and improved UI for plugins like WebSearch and Unit Converter.
- Quick Accent: Support for Serbian Cyrillic characters was added, expanding its usability for international users.
- Registry Preview: The Monaco Editor has been incorporated, refining the text editing experience. Known for powering Visual Studio Code, this code editor engine is highly regarded for its performance and adaptability, particularly in coding and text-editing tasks within various development environments.
Recent Progress in PowerToys Development
PowerToys has evolved through 2024 with consistent updates aimed at refining user productivity tools. Version 0.86 marks another step in making PowerToys a vital part of the Windows experience for advanced users and developers alike. The update, compatible with Windows 10 version 2004 or later, is available for download on GitHub and the Microsoft Store.
New+ and Language Selection in v0.85 (October 2024): PowerToys version 0.85 introduced the New+ utility, a highly anticipated feature that allows users to create files and folders using customizable templates directly from the File Explorer context menu. This tool is particularly useful for power users and developers who frequently create files with predefined content, such as scripts or project templates. New+ offers flexibility compared to the default “New” menu in Windows, allowing users to specify templates for various file types or directory structures, streamlining repetitive tasks.
Workspaces and Future Modules in v0.84 (September 2024): By September, PowerToys version 0.84 introduced the much-anticipated Workspaces tool, enabling users to create templates that open multiple apps at once with predefined window positions and settings. This feature was aimed at users managing complex workflows across different applications. The release also previewed upcoming modules such as the File Actions Menu, which improves context menu options, and New+, a tool for creating custom file and folder templates.
Awake and Policy Enhancements in v0.83 (July 2024): In July, version 0.83 brought significant updates to the Awake tool, which prevents computers from going to sleep. These updates included a redesigned tray icon to reflect the current mode and improvements to the UI responsiveness. The release also reorganized GPO policies for easier navigation and added new policies for Mouse Without Borders. Additionally, bug fixes were made across multiple tools, including PowerToys Run, which improved its handling of DPI scaling issues.
Stability-Focused v0.82 (July 2024): In July, version 0.82 emphasized enhancing existing modules over introducing new features. Notable improvements included better performance in tools like Power Rename and Peek, as well as a more responsive Color Picker. The update integrated the Monaco Editor into the Developer Files Preview, boosting the efficiency of code previews. This editor, also used in Visual Studio Code, is valued for its lightweight and flexible coding environment.
AI-Integrated Clipboard in v0.81 (May 2024): Earlier this year, Microsoft introduced an AI-powered clipboard tool in version 0.81. This feature allowed users to manipulate text through tasks such as language translation, code conversion, and personalized formatting. Developers, for instance, could convert code between programming languages or reformat text using unique prompts.
