FREE Windows Secret Upgrade Every Researcher Should Install [PowerToys]

Key Concepts:

• PowerToys: A free, open-source set of utilities for Windows power users.
• Always on Top: A feature to keep a specific window visible above all others.
• Awake: A utility to prevent the computer from going to sleep.
• Text Extractor: A tool to copy text from images or any area on the screen.
• PowerToys Run: A quick launcher similar to macOS Spotlight, activated with Alt+Space.
• Color Picker: A tool to identify and copy the color code of any pixel on the screen.
• FancyZones: A window manager that allows users to create custom window layouts.
• Workspaces: A feature to launch a set of applications in custom positions with one click.

1. Introduction to PowerToys

• PowerToys is described as a "hidden upgrade pack" for Windows that is free and open source.
• It offers a range of utilities to enhance productivity and streamline workflows.
• The presenter emphasizes that these tools are particularly useful for academics and researchers.
• "It's like discovering Windows has a secret sidekick."
• The presenter promises that once you start using these tools, you won't want to use your PC without them.

2. Installation of PowerToys

• To install PowerToys, search for "Microsoft PowerToys" on the Microsoft website.
• The software is available on GitHub as a free and open-source project.
• Download the appropriate executable (.exe) file for your system from the GitHub releases page.
• Install the software like any other Windows application.
• The presenter highlights the fact that it is open source, meaning people are constantly adding to it.

3. Always on Top

• The "Always on Top" feature allows users to pin a window so that it remains visible even when other windows are active.
• The default activation shortcut is Windows key + Ctrl + T, but this can be customized.
• Example: Keeping notes visible while working on another document.
• The presenter expresses joy at the simplicity and usefulness of this feature.
• "Something so simple brings me so much joy."

4. Awake

• The "Awake" utility prevents the computer from going to sleep, which is useful for long-running tasks or updates.
• Users can choose to keep the computer awake indefinitely or for a specified time interval.
• The settings can be adjusted directly within PowerToys without affecting global power settings.
• The presenter emphasizes the frustration of a computer shutting down during important tasks and how this tool prevents that.

5. Text Extractor

• The "Text Extractor" tool allows users to copy text from images, videos, or any area on the screen.
• The activation shortcut is Windows key + Shift + T.
• Example: Copying text from online lectures or images where text selection is not normally possible.
• The presenter claims this tool has saved them hours of work.
• "That has saved me hours. Thank you, Power Toys."

6. PowerToys Run

• "PowerToys Run" is a quick launcher similar to macOS Spotlight, activated with Alt + Space.
• Users can type the name of an application or file to quickly open it.
• The presenter jokingly compares using the Start menu to being a "Neanderthal" and suggests PowerToys Run is a more "trendy" option.

7. Color Picker

• The "Color Picker" tool allows users to identify and copy the color code of any pixel on the screen.
• The activation shortcut is Windows key + Shift + C.
• The tool provides various color code formats (e.g., HEX, RGB).
• Example: Picking the exact color of a logo for poster presentations.

8. FancyZones

• "FancyZones" is a window manager that allows users to create custom window layouts.
• Users can define zones on their screen and then snap windows to those zones.
• The layout editor can be opened to create and customize layouts.
• The presenter demonstrates creating custom grid layouts and merging zones.
• This is particularly useful for tasks that require multiple windows to be open simultaneously.

9. Workspaces

• The "Workspaces" feature allows users to launch a set of applications in custom positions and configurations with one click.
• This can save time by automatically setting up a specific workspace for a particular task.
• The presenter encourages users to use this feature to save time and get to the "tea room" faster.

10. Other Utilities

• The presenter mentions other utilities available in PowerToys, including:
  • Advanced Paste
  • Keyboard Manager
  • Mouse Utilities (including a mouse highlighter)
• The presenter encourages viewers to explore the full range of tools and choose the ones that are most useful for their workflows.

11. Conclusion

• PowerToys is a valuable set of utilities that can significantly enhance productivity for Windows users, especially academics and researchers.
• The presenter encourages viewers to try out the different tools and share their favorite ones in the comments.
• The video ends with a promotion of another video about creating posters in PowerPoint.