I hope this PowerToys redesign becomes a reality — it's too easy to get lost in the app

PowerToys general settings
PowerToys has 28 utilities, which can be difficult to navigate at times. (Image credit: Future)

PowerToys is a powerful and versatile app on Windows 11. It receives new features regularly, but it could also get a new look.

Niels Laute, a software engineer who works on PowerToys and WinUI, shared a concept currently in development.. An image shared by Laute shows the PowerToys dashboard with a layout that looks more like Windows 11 than the current version of the app.

PowerToys could soon feature a new interface that aligns visually with Windows 11. (Image credit: Microsoft)

The redesigned dashboard includes several elements that appear throughout Windows 11. It also makes it easier to find specific settings. Laute explained that the new design has:

  • A full list of modules with toggle switches to turn them on/off (each one deep links to its settings page).
  • A central list of all shortcuts, so it's easier to find and remember them.
  • Quick-launch buttons for modules that can be launched directly, right at the top for easy access.

Since PowerToys has gained so many capabilities over the last few years, the app has become a bit unwieldy. There are 28 utilities in PowerToys and many of them require dedicated sections for settings or controls.

Our Mauro Huculak highlighted three secrets of PowerToys on Windows 11 and discussed how some features are hidden away or require digging.

"PowerToys has quietly become the Swiss Army knife of Windows 11," said Huculak.

"However, the best tools aren't always front and center. While many people may know about FancyZones, Color Picker, Peek, and PowerToys Run (being replaced by Command Palette), some capabilities are less known and sometimes buried deeper, unlocked only when you know where to look."

The new dashboard for PowerToys would bring features forward and make them easier to find, especially for new users.

While the concept looks promising, it is in its early stages. It could be a while before we see any changes to the PowerToys interface.

PowerToys | Free at GitHub | Free at Microsoft Store

PowerToys | Free at GitHub | Free at Microsoft Store

This collection of utilities includes a large library of features to enhance the Windows experience. PowerToys is designed with power users in mind, but it has handy features for people who just use their PC for everyday computing too.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a news writer and apps editor for Windows Central with 11+ years of experience. A Nottingham Trent journalism graduate, Sean has covered the industry’s arc from the Lumia era to the launch of Windows 11 and generative AI. Having started at Thrifter, he uses his expertise in price tracking to help readers find genuine hardware value.

Beyond tech news, Sean is a UK sports media pioneer. In 2017, he became one of the first to stream via smartphone and is an expert in AP Capture systems. A tech-forward coach, he was named 2024 BAFA Youth Coach of the Year. He is focused on using technology—from AI to Clipchamp—to gain a practical edge.

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