Microsoft PowerToys 0.86 adds new Advanced Paste features with OCR, UI adjustments & more

Microsoft has launched Microsoft PowerToys 0.86, with a new Advanced Paste module, which now supports converting images to text (OCR) and allows pasting as text, PNG, or HTML files. This update is designed to optimize workflows for users who frequently perform pasting tasks.

The update also includes a reorganization of the settings interface, grouping modules in the left navigation for easier access. A new telemetry opt-in setting in the General tab enables users to contribute anonymous usage data, assisting in the ongoing development of PowerToys. This feature is off by default, ensuring user privacy unless they choose to participate.

Several modules have been refined, including Mouse Jump, which has improved maintainability and restored telemetry events for detailed usage tracking. Mouse Without Borders has enhanced its logging classes for better error tracking and debugging. The New+ module has been updated with bug fixes for Unicode character handling and folder name conflicts, and its icons now feature a modern fluent design. Other improvements include faster folder enumeration in the Peek module, expanded digit support in the Unit Converter plugin, and extended support for the Serbian Cyrillic alphabet in Quick Accent.