Microsoft's PowerToys now looks a bit more like Windows 11

Microsoft Powertoys
Microsoft Powertoys (Image credit: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • Microsoft's PowerToys recently received an update that brings it to version 0.49.0.
  • The update refreshes the PowerRename UI, adds a mouse utility, and merges the Video Conference Mute tool into the stable release.
  • Version 0.49.0 of PowerToys also includes several fixes and changes, including a change to how the color picker shows HEX format values.

Microsoft recently rolled out an update to PowerToys. The update brings the app to version 0.49.0 and includes several new features. PowerToys now has a refreshed PowerRename UI that lines up with Windows 11, a new mouse utility, and Video Conference Mute in the stable release of the app. The update also changes how the color picker in PowerToys displays HEX format values.

The PowerRename utility allows people to bulk rename files. Its new look appears more like Windows 11.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

The new mouse utility allows you to quickly find your mouse by double-pressing the left CTRL key on the keyboard.

Here are the highlights from PowerToys version 0.49.0:

  • Find My Mouse utility added! Utilize the functionality to quickly locate the cursor on your displays! Learn more on our Mouse Utility docs.
  • Accessibility and minor UI improvements to the settings page. Thanks @niels9001!
  • Added deep links to the Settings menus for various utilities within their respective editors. Thanks @niels9001!
  • Settings improvements to improve clarity for various options. Thanks @niels9001!
  • Improved settings window to adjust size and position as needed when multi-monitor conditions change. Thanks @davidegiacometti!

PowerToys now shows HEX format values without the "#" character. This makes it easier to paste values into certain programs.

The release notes for PowerToys version 0.49.0 state that the Video Conference Mute tool still has some known bugs. The app's developers are working on fixes for these issues.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.