PowerToys 0.98: A Guide to New Features and Time-Savers

AI-generated, human-reviewed.

The latest PowerToys 0.98 update introduces significant upgrades to several key utilities, making everyday tasks on Windows faster and more efficient. If you rely on your PC for work or multitasking, these changes can streamline your workflow immediately.

On Hands-On Windows, Paul Thurrott highlighted the standout features and enhancements in this release, focusing especially on improvements to Command Palette, Keyboard Manager, and other indispensable PowerToys utilities.

What’s New in PowerToys 0.98

PowerToys is a free set of Windows utilities maintained by Microsoft, designed to add power-user functionality and customization. While PowerToys 0.98 doesn't add entirely new tools, it brings major upgrades to existing features, notably:

• Command Palette Dock: An optional docked toolbar that floats at the top (or side) of your screen. This makes it even easier to launch apps, search files, and access extensions without opening the Start Menu.
• Keyboard Manager Redesign: A completely revamped interface for remapping keys and shortcuts, offering a clearer, more flexible experience.
• Cursor Wrap Upgrades: Additional customization so multi-monitor users can fine tune how their mouse behaves at screen edges.
• Always on Top Enhancements: Now lets you enable this feature directly from the title bar, not just a keyboard shortcut.
• New Advanced Features: Like improved hotkey support in Advanced Paste, video trimming in ZoomIt, and additional context menu tweaks.

Why These Changes Matter

Modern Windows users juggle apps, documents, and browser tabs all day. The upgraded Command Palette can now replace a lot of what you do with the Start Menu and taskbar—launching apps, searching files, running extensions, and handling quick conversions like currencies. The new dock gives you persistent access to tools and widgets, even if you auto-hide your main taskbar for extra screen space.

The Keyboard Manager redesign greatly reduces friction for customizing your favorite shortcuts, so you can adapt your keyboard layout to precisely what you need—no technical know-how required.

Highlights of the New Tools

Command Palette Dock: A Game-Changer for App Launching

• Access the Command Palette from a new dock (toolbar) at the top or sides of your screen
• Pin extensions and quick actions for instant access
• Move the dock to any screen edge (unlike the native Windows taskbar)
• Hide the default taskbar to maximize workspace yet still see system info like the clock

Keyboard Manager: Smarter Key Remapping

• Modern, user-friendly interface for mapping keys and keyboard combos
• Instantly see, edit, or disable custom mappings—toggle on/off without deleting settings
• Map keys to launch apps, open URLs, insert text, or restrict a mapping to specific apps

Enhanced Cursor Wrap and Always On Top

• New options for Cursor Wrap let you control wrapping only for multi-monitor or single-monitor setups, reducing confusion in complex setups
• Always on Top can be activated via right-click on the title bar, so you don’t have to remember key combos

Key Takeaways

• PowerToys 0.98 adds game-changing functionality to Windows for power users and multitaskers
• The Command Palette Dock bridges the gap between Start Menu and taskbar, offering more customization and access to tools/extensions
• Keyboard Manager now makes remapping and shortcut creation less intimidating and more accessible to everyone
• System extensions like the currency converter reduce the need for extra browser tabs or third-party tools
• Updates to Always on Top and Cursor Wrap streamline common Windows frustrations

What This Means for You

If you’re a Windows user who craves efficiency, these updates make PowerToys more essential than ever. Whether you want fast access to commands, smarter keyboard customization, or smoother multi-screen support, the 0.98 release brings real, practical improvements.

Most features are immediately useful, with minimal configuration out of the box. Optional extensions and advanced settings let you customize as much or as little as you like.

The Bottom Line

Paul found that PowerToys 0.98 offers vital daily enhancements—and for anyone serious about productivity or personalization on Windows, this free update is a must-install. With smarter workflows, streamlined utilities, and more customization than ever, PowerToys should be on every Windows system.

Try the latest version today and unlock a smoother, more powerful Windows experience.

Subscribe to Hands-On Windows:
https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows/episodes/184