PowerToys is a set of Windows utility tools launched by Microsoft, suitable for office, design and system enthusiasts. The core functions include: 1. FancyZones provides fast window layout, supports custom split screen and precise drag and drop; 2. PowerRename implements batch renaming, supports regular expressions and complex rules; 3. Quick Launcher quickly searches and launches programs, files or web pages through shortcut keys; 4. Color Picker and Screen Ruler support color extraction and screen measurement to improve design efficiency. After installation, you need to manually turn on each function and set hotkeys. Proficient in using it can significantly improve operation efficiency.

PowerToys is a set of practical tools launched by Microsoft for Windows users, which can help you improve efficiency and optimize your operating experience. If you are a person who often works on a computer, designs, or likes to mess with system settings, this free tool is worth installing.

The following functions are the most commonly used and practical, and are suitable for most users to use.

1. Quick window layout: FancyZones

FancyZones is one of the most popular features in PowerToys, which allows you to quickly arrange windows in preset layouts like you do with Mac or Linux, especially for multitasking.

• After startup, open FancyZones in PowerToys settings
• Press Shift Ctrl Esc to call up the layout editor and select your favorite split screen method (such as left and right columns, three columns, grid, etc.)
• When using it, drag the window to the edge of the screen. The dotted box prompt position will appear. If the mouse is released, it will automatically align it.

Tips : You can also hold down the Shift key and drag the window to enter "Precise Mode" and manually select which area to put in.

2. Batch rename file: PowerRename

If you often need to organize a large amount of files, PowerRename can save a lot of time. It supports regular expressions, and can also batch replace keywords, delete some characters, adjust order, etc.

• Right-click multiple files in Explorer and select "PowerRename"
• Enter the content you want to find and replace, and preview the modification results in real time
• Check "Use Regular Expressions" to achieve more complex rule matching

For example : If you want to remove the "old" in all file names, you just need to enter old in "Search" and leave the replacement box blank, and you can do it with one click.

3. Quick Search Starter Program: Quick Launcher

Quick Launcher is similar to Mac Spotlight. You can call out a search box through shortcut keys and enter keywords to quickly open an application, file or web page.

• The default shortcut key is Alt Space
• The first time you use it, you need to configure the index path, such as your common program directory or document folder
• Supports custom alias, such as entering "calc" to open the calc

Although the searches that come with Windows are good nowadays, Quick Launcher is lighter and more responsive, especially suitable for users who are accustomed to keyboard operations.

4. Screenshots and color recognition: Color Picker and Screen Ruler

These two functions are icing on the cake:

• Color Picker : Press Win Ctrl C to extract color codes at any location on the screen, which is very convenient when developing web pages or designing materials.
• Screen Ruler : Can quickly call up a ruler to measure window size or page element spacing

They won't be used every day, but they can save a lot of trouble in specific scenarios.

After installing PowerToys, only the basic module is enabled by default, and other functions need to be enabled one by one in the main interface. It is recommended to set hotkeys and default options according to your usage habits when opening the first time.

Basically, it is not complicated but it is easy to ignore some details, such as the shortcut keys of FancyZones and the regular support of PowerRename. The efficiency will be significantly improved if you use it carefully.

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