Microsoft PowerToys' latest update delivers some handy new features. Unfortunately, that doesn't include the much-anticipated Video Conference utility.
Although the Video Conference tool has been in development for months, it is still yet to feature. However, there are plenty of other updates in the open-source project for your consideration.
What's in Microsoft PowerToys Release v0.27.0
PowerToys is a collection of system utilities developed with Windows power users in mind.
The project began life back in the days of Windows 95 but is now an open-source project that anyone can contribute to or use. Utilities include FancyZones, a screen management tool, Color Picker, an integrated HEX and RGB color picking tool, and Keyboard Manager, a tool for remapping keys and shortcuts.
PowerToys update 0.27 includes updates to several utilities.
- FancyZones receives an update to its multi-monitor discovery and editing experience, allowing it to modify your configuration more easily. There's now also an option to have no specific layout, moving your monitors anywhere in the editing tool.
- Color Picker arrives with an updated user interface, along with a new Color Picker editor.
- Image Resizer receives a new and updated interface, which makes resizing and managing images easier.
- PowerToys Run, a similar tool to the macOS Spotlight tool, and PowerRename both receive tweaks to help performance.
- General updates include a new PowerToys dark mode, which is always welcome, multiple accessibility fixes, and localization tweaks.
The goals for the PowerToys 0.27 update were "end-user experience, stability, accessibility, localization, and quality of life improvements." The introduction of a dark mode certainly helps to achieve that goal for end-users.
When Will the Video Conference Tool Arrive?
Many users are waiting on the PowerToys Video Conference tool.
The tool will allow users to kill the video and audio in an online meeting rapidly. The tool is a response to the massive increase in remote working and online meetings due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The PowerToys release notes mention that the Video Conference tool "will be coming in about a week's time" and that the tool needed "additional work" before shipping.
If you want to start using Microsoft PowerToys, head to the PowerToys Release page on GitHub, find the latest release, then download the PowerToysSetup. Once your download completes, double-click the file to run the installer, then follow the on-screen instructions.