Looking to boost productivity in Windows 11? Microsoft’s PowerToys gives you superpowers with a suite of tools and time-saving keyboard shortcuts.
In this blog, we’re covering the full PowerToys shortcuts list for Windows 11. You’ll learn how each utility works, what its shortcut is, how to customize it, and how to use these tools to solve real-world problems.
What is Microsoft PowerToys?
PowerToys is an official utility suite from Microsoft, designed to enhance Windows with power-user features that go beyond the default functionality. Each module is built to solve a common productivity or workflow problem.
PowerToys Shortcuts List for Windows 11
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the most useful PowerToys tools and their shortcuts:
Color Picker
Shortcut: Win + Shift + C
What it does: Instantly grab the color code (HEX, RGB, HSL, etc.) from anywhere on your screen.
Best for: Designers, developers, and UI testers.
Text Extractor (OCR)
Shortcut: Win + Shift + T
What it does: Uses OCR to extract text from any image or screen content.
Best for: Copying text from screenshots, PDFs, error messages.
Always On Top
Shortcut: Win + Ctrl + T
What it does: Keeps any selected window pinned above others.
Best for: Video calls, calculators, notes, or instructions while multitasking.
PowerToys Run
Shortcut: Alt + Space
What it does: Launch apps, files, web searches, and more — instantly.
Best for: Replacing the Windows Start Menu and boosting app launching.
FancyZones
Shortcut: Win + ~ (tilde)
What it does: Lets you arrange windows in custom layouts.
Best for: Multitasking on large or ultrawide screens.
Shortcut Guide
Shortcut: Hold Win key
What it does: Displays a cheat sheet of Windows key shortcuts.
Best for: Learning hidden shortcuts and navigation keys.
Keyboard Manager
Shortcut: No global shortcut
What it does: Remap any key or shortcut to another.
Best for: Customizing your keyboard layout or replacing annoying key combos.
PowerToys Peek
Shortcut: Ctrl + Space (or customizable)
What it does: Peek inside selected file (PDF, images, markdown, etc.) without opening.
Best for: Developers, designers previewing files in folders quickly.
Quick Accent
Shortcut: Press and hold the letter key, then press the activation key
What it does: Helps type accented characters (é, ñ, ü) easily.
Best for: Writing in non-English languages or adding accents quickly.
Mouse Utilities
Includes features like:
- Find My Mouse:
Shake the mouseorPress Ctrl twice - Mouse Highlighter:
Win + Shift + H - Mouse Pointer Crosshairs:
Ctrl + Alt + P
File Locksmith
Shortcut: No shortcut (Right-click context menu)
What it does: Shows which apps are using a file (to safely close or unlock it).
Best for: Fixing “file in use” errors.
Hosts File Editor
Shortcut: No shortcut
What it does: Simplifies editing of the hosts file in Windows.
Best for: Developers and testers working with local domains.
Environment Variables Manager
Shortcut: No shortcut
What it does: GUI to manage Windows environment variables.
Best for: Developers dealing with Python, Java, Node.js setups.
Registry Preview
Shortcut: No shortcut
What it does: Preview and safely apply .reg files.
Best for: Sysadmins and power users customizing the Windows registry.
Real Problems PowerToys Solves
| Problem | PowerToys Tool | How It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Extracting text from error boxes | Text Extractor | Use OCR to copy text |
| Need to copy screen color | Color Picker | One-click color detection |
| Too many windows | FancyZones / Always on Top | Organize or pin them |
| Tired of Start menu | PowerToys Run | Fast app launcher |
| Need accented characters | Quick Accent | Easy typing support |
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How do I enable PowerToys in Windows 11?
After installing PowerToys, open it and enable the utilities you need via the left panel.
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Can I change the shortcut keys in PowerToys?
Yes! Most shortcuts are fully customizable. Go to:
PowerToys Settings → [Tool Name] → Activation Shortcut -
Why are PowerToys shortcuts not working?
PowerToys may not be running in the background
Shortcut is conflicting with another app
You need admin permissions to use some features -
Is PowerToys safe and free?
Yes. PowerToys is open-source, free, and developed by Microsoft. You can download it from GitHub or the Microsoft Store.
Conclusion
The PowerToys shortcuts list for Windows 11 offers far more than just hotkeys. It’s a full-on productivity upgrade that solves common real-world problems for developers, designers, business users, and casual Windows fans alike.
If you’re not using PowerToys, you’re missing out on a faster, smarter, and more enjoyable Windows experience.
