Unveiling the Hidden Features of PowerToys on Windows 11: Insights You'd Be Glad You Found

Unveiling the Hidden Features of PowerToys on Windows 11: Insights You'd Be Glad You Found

Unleash the full potential of Windows 11 with PowerToys, the ultimate game-changer for the OS. Though some tools may grab headlines, the true gems are often hidden from view. While most folks might be familiar with FancyZones, Color Picker, Peek, and the PowerToys Run (soon to be replaced by the Command Palette), here are three under-the-radar features that you'll wish you knew sooner:

1. Backup and Restore

PowerToys comes equipped with a backup feature that lets you save and load your custom configurations for the various tools. This feature is a lifesaver when transitioning to a new computer, reinstalling the operating system, rolling back to a previous configuration, or sharing your setup with others. Many users overlook this feature, as they quickly dive into enabling and tweaking the different tools PowerToys offers.

To create a backup of your PowerToys setup:

1. Click on the Windows Start menu.
2. Search for PowerToys and select the app.
3. Click on General.
4. Click on "Back up and restore your settings."
5. (Optional) Click the Location button and select a folder location to store the backup.
6. Click the "Back up" button.
7. Confirm that the backup was created successfully under the "Backup information" section.

To restore your settings, simply click the "Restore" button. Keep in mind that this option only works if the settings are distinct from those in the backup. If you want to restore your configuration on another computer, ensure that you've selected the backup location before clicking the "Restore" button.

While the backup covers most settings, some utilities like FancyZones might have their custom layouts stored in specific files (e.g., zones-settings.json in %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\PowerToys\FancyZones). Although the built-in backup aims to include these, it's good to be aware of their manual locations for advanced troubleshooting or if you encounter issues with specific utility settings after a restore.

2. Plugins

In PowerToys, plugins expand PowerToys Run's capabilities by providing specialized functionalities that integrate seamlessly into its search bar. When you type into the PowerToys Run, various plugins interpret your input and display relevant results. Although the tool comes with its own extensions, you can always add more.

For example, you can find the SpeedTest Plugin on GitHub, which lets you assess your internet connection without requiring you to open third-party websites.

To install a third-party extension for PowerToys:

1. Navigate to this GitHub page.
2. Click the download button and save the package to your computer.
3. (Tip) The developer offers downloads for x64 and ARM64 devices, so make sure you select the appropriate installer for your device.
4. Open File Explorer.
5. Open the location where you downloaded the package.
6. Select the SpeedTest-x.x.x-xxx.zip file and click the "Extract" button.
7. Click the "Extract" button.
8. Click the "Up" button in File Explorer.
9. Right-click the "SpeedTest-x.x.x-xxx" folder and choose the "Copy" option.
10. Paste the copied folder into the "Plugins" folder: *%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\PowerToys\PowerToys Run\Plugins*
11. Right-click the PowerToys icon in the Taskbar and choose the "Exit" option.
12. Restart the PowerToys app.

With these steps completed, you can utilize the tool from the PowerToys Run (accessible from the System Tray or via the keyboard shortcut "ALT + Space").

The PowerToys community offers several other plugins you can install and use with the feature. While the provided instructions show you how to install plugins, keep in mind that some plugins may have different installation procedures, particularly those that extend the functionality of a specific software.

It's important to note that the Command Palette is set to replace PowerToys Run, but at present, third-party plugins aren't working with the Command Palette.

3. Logs

PowerToys generates log files to help diagnose issues and provide insights into its operations. You can usually find these logs in two locations. The first is the general PowerToys logs location within the %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\PowerToys folder.

Inside this folder, you'll often find subfolders named after specific PowerToys tools, such as FancyZones, PowerToys Run, Image Resizer, etc. Inside these subfolders, you'll find the actual "Logs" folder, which contains logs (usually .txt files) for that specific feature, often organized by date or version number.

For low-privilege processes (such as preview handlers), you can find the logs within the %USERPROFILE%\AppData\LocalLow\Microsoft\PowerToys folder.

This location is less common for general troubleshooting, but if you're having issues with features that interact with File Explorer's preview pane, you might find relevant logs here.

To access the logs, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Windows Start menu.
2. Search for "Run" and select the app.
3. Type either the general logs location path (%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\PowerToys) or the less common logs location path (%USERPROFILE%\AppData\LocalLow\Microsoft\PowerToys) and press Enter.
4. Open the folder for the feature and access the "Logs" folder.
5. Right-click on the log file and open it with Notepad.

By following these steps, you can review the logs to troubleshoot any issues you may be experiencing with PowerToys.

1. Microsoft's Windows 11 operating system can benefit greatly from the addition of PowerToys, a suite of tools developed by the software giant.
2. The Xbox gaming console is not directly related to the PowerToys application, but Microsoft, the developer of both, continues to bridge the gap between PC and console gaming.
3. During the update process of Windows 11, Microsoft often releases new features and improvements, some of which may enhance the functionality of PowerToys.
4. The Windows 10 operating system serves as a predecessor to Windows 11, and many PowerToys tools are compatible with this older version of the software.

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