Windows offers plenty of powerful features, but some of the most useful ones don't come built in-they're included in Microsoft PowerToys, a utility suite designed to enhance productivity with advanced tools. While many of these features target power users, a few are so practical that they really should be part of Windows by default.
Image Resizer
As a writer, I regularly work with images, often resizing them to fit different content management systems. Unfortunately, Windows doesn't offer a decent built-in image resizing tool. However, Microsoft PowerToys includes a convenient Image Resizer utility that lets you resize one or more images directly from the right-click context menu.
To use it, open the Image Resizer utility in PowerToys and enable the toggle next to "Enable Image Resizer." Once activated, select the images you want to resize, right-click them, and choose "Resize With Image Resizer." You can then pick from preset size options or enter custom dimensions before clicking "Resize."
You'll also have the option to keep the original files or replace them with the resized versions. You can also adjust encoding quality and automatically maintain aspect ratios.
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Keyboard Manager
It's surprising that, even after decades of updates, Windows doesn't include a built-in option to remap keys or create custom keyboard shortcuts. PowerToys, on the other hand, offers a Keyboard Manager utility that lets you swap complex key combinations for simpler ones. You can even choose whether the changes apply system-wide or only within specific apps.
Open Keyboard Manager and select "Remap a Key" or "Remap a Shortcut." Under "Select," choose the key or shortcut you want to modify, then assign a new function to it under "To Send." One of the best features is the ability to map an entire shortcut to a single key press. Just keep in mind that certain keys can't be remapped. Used wisely, this tool can streamline your workflow.
PowerToys Run
Windows Search can often feel slow and frustrating. Even with improvements, it's not always easy to find the right file, app, or setting. Fortunately, PowerToys includes a powerful alternative, PowerToys Run, that completely transforms the search experience. With a simple keyboard shortcut (Alt+Space), a lightweight launcher instantly appears on your screen.
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It lets you open apps, search for files, perform calculations, execute system commands, and even browse the web. It delivers instant results as you type and supports plugins, allowing you to extend its functionality even further. Instead of opening the Start menu and digging through results, you can access what you need within seconds.
PowerRename
Renaming a single file in Windows is simple via the right-click menu, but handling multiple files at once can quickly become tedious since Windows lacks a built-in bulk rename feature for consistent formatting, numbering, or text changes. That's where PowerToys' PowerRename comes in, adding a powerful bulk-renaming tool directly to the context menu.
With PowerRename, you can search and replace text across multiple file names, add sequential numbering, change letter casing, and much more. To use it, right-click the files you want to rename and select "Rename With PowerRename." Enter the text to replace in the Search box and the new text in the "Replace With" box, then click "Apply" to update all selected files.
Always On Top
While some apps allow you to keep them on top of other windows, Windows doesn't offer this feature natively. Without it, keeping a specific window visible often means manually resizing or moving other windows. Fortunately, PowerToys includes an Always On Top feature that lets you pin your active window above all others using a simple keyboard shortcut.
With this tool, important information remains visible at all times, eliminating the need to switch between overlapping windows constantly. As a writer who frequently works with multiple reference windows, I rely on this feature most. I really wish Microsoft would make this functionality a built-in part of Windows.
Text Extractor
While apps like Snipping Tool support Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to copy text from images, Windows doesn't provide a native way to extract text from your screen. PowerToys fills this gap with its Text Extractor feature, which lets you turn any on-screen text into editable content-whether it's in images, PDFs, videos, or apps that don't normally allow text selection.
Once enabled, simply press Windows + T, select the text area, and PowerToys instantly recognizes it and copies it to your clipboard. You can then paste the text and use it anywhere. It's incredibly useful for extracting information from tricky sources, and having this built directly into Windows would be a game-changer.
The PowerToys tools mentioned above make Windows faster, smarter, and more efficient-so much so that it's surprising they aren't included natively. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. PowerToys includes several other tools that can transform how you use your computer, allowing you to complete tasks that usually take multiple steps in just one or two.
