PowerToys v0.71.0 brings support for file preview, color history, and many other new features and bug fixes

Microsoft has released the latest Microsoft PowerToys version 0.71.0, compatible with Windows 11 and Windows 10, focusing on improvements, a redesigned Settings app title bar in line with Windows 11 guidelines, and fixes for issues causing crashes and performance lag.

Several features have been modified or introduced for the different tools in the suite, including support for previewing archive files using Peek (an alternative to services like QuickLook), The ColorPicker feature (similar to Instant Eyedropper) now stores color history in a separate file and FancyZones (a windows manager like AquaSnap or Rectangle for Mac) has a new feature for toggling multiple zones spanning using the middle click. File Locksmith (an alternative to the old Unlocker) now only shows in the extended context menu. The update also includes developer files preview support for various file types, improved UX for hosts, and fixes for Mouse Without Borders device layout issues (really similar to Logi Flow, from Logitech Options, where you can use your mouse across different PC/Mac devices).

Additional enhancements include improved file type support and optimized window behavior for Peek, new signs and symbols for Quick Accent, and a new default setting for opening .reg files in Registry Preview. The Text Extractor (an OCR utility alternative to Text Grab) and Settings app have also seen improvements, with the latter receiving styling fixes and a new Reset button. There are many more new changes that we can't cover here, but it's worth checking them out in the release notes. Users can manually update by navigating to the General section in the app, selecting Check for Updates, and clicking Install Now.

Our take: At this point, PowerToys is an essential tool for any Windows user, with a dozen utilities that honestly should come default with the OS, but it seems that won't happen for a long time. For now, PowerToys manages to gather many alternatives to third-party services in one place, which is quite convenient. If you haven't already, you should give it a try. I'm sure you'll find something useful for you among its catalog.