Microsoft releases preview of PowerToys for Windows 10

Microsoft has released the first two PowerToys tools for Windows 10 and put their source code on GitHub. It involves a shortcut guide to the Windows key and a window manager called FancyZones.

The v0.11.0 release of PowerToys is on GitHub, Microsoft reports. After installation, an icon for the set of tools appears on the taskbar and the user can adjust some settings for the first two PowerToys. The first two are Shortcut Guide and FancyZones.

The Shortcut Guide shows an overlay with hotkey capabilities in combination with the Windows key. The overview can be called up by holding down the Windows key. The user can adjust how long the key should be pressed as well as the degree of transparency of the overlay.

FancyZones provides window management capabilities. The user can choose from different layouts to arrange and lock open windows in positions. There is also the option to design your own layouts. The tool is useful, for example, for users who frequently multitask, with or without wide, high-resolution monitors.

Microsoft announced the return of PowerToys in May during Build 2019. The tools were available for Windows 95 and remained so until Windows XP. For example, one of the popular parts was Tweak UI.