PowerToys update streamlines FancyZones UI and brings several fixes

Snapping and managing windows is easier with PowerToys' streamlined FancyZones UI.

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What you need to know

Microsoft’s PowerToys is a handy utility that adds several features to your Windows PC. The features it adds are generally for power users, such as renaming several images at once within a set of rules or using File Explorer add-ons. PowerToys recently received an update to version 0.31.1 that includes several new features and improvements.

With the latest build comes a streamlined user interface for FancyZones, a tool that lets you arrange and snap windows into different layouts.

Here’s a list of highlighted changes, as found on thePowerToys release page on GitHub:

General

ARM64 Progress

Color Picker

FancyZones

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File explorer

PowerToys Run

Installer

This version of PowerToys does not include the Video Conference Utility. Microsoft plans to roll out a DirectShow based version this month. The company hopes to merge it with the main PowerToys repository this month or next month.

Tools that make life just a bit easier

PowerToys has a growing set of useful tools. It’s most recent update improved the FancyZones user interface, making it easier to manage and snap your windows.

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.