Microsoft PowerToys

Microsoft PowerToys at a glance

Microsoft PowerToys is a popular open-source collection of Windows utilities for power users (FancyZones, PowerRename, Run and more). Microsoft ships frequent releases; the built-in updater and winget keep it current.

For admins PowerToys is a user-space tool, modest in security terms, but some modules hook deeply into the shell and input, so keep it current and source it officially. Updates are frequent and usually smooth, bringing new utilities and fixes. In managed environments, decide deliberately whether to allow it and keep it in the software inventory and patch cycle rather than letting users install stale copies. New versions occasionally change or retire modules — a quick look at the release notes avoids surprises. It runs with the user's rights, so its risk profile matches the account it runs under.