In order to increase productivity, users are constantly looking for tools and features that make their workflow easier. Microsoft PowerToys is one such valuable toolkit that offers Windows users a range of advanced features. In this post, we will discuss one of the newest and most useful features of PowerToys, the About working areas will be discussed. We'll show you how to install PowerToys and give you a detailed look at what the Workspaces feature is for.

What are Microsoft PowerToys?

Microsoft PowerToys is an open source, free toolkit that offers advanced features for Windows users. It is designed to improve the user experience and increase efficiency with features such as quick window management, customizable keyboard shortcuts, and much more. PowerToys is constantly being updated with new features to keep up with user needs.

How to install Microsoft PowerToys?

Installing PowerToys is a quick and easy process that can be completed in just a few steps:

  1. Download PowerToys:
    • Visit the PowerToys GitHub page to download the latest version.
    • Find the latest release and download the PowerToysSetup-.exe file.
  2. Run the installer:
    • Open the downloaded .exe file and follow the instructions in the installation wizard.
    • During installation, you can choose which PowerToys features you want to use.
  3. Start PowerToys:
    • After the installation is complete, PowerToys will start automatically or you can find the applications in the Start menu.
    • In the app interface, you can customise the settings for different devices.

Work areas: managing an effective working environment

A Work sites is one of the outstanding features of PowerToys that allows you to create and manage different working environments. This can be particularly useful for those who run multiple projects or workflows at the same time and want to organise their applications and windows.

What is the Workspaces service for?

Workspaces are designed to allow users to easily switch between different working environments without having to reopen all applications and windows. For example, if you are working on a business project and also on leisure activities, you can create separate Workspaces for each activity. This way you can quickly switch between work and play without distractions.

Main Functions

  • Creating working environments: Define different working environments for different projects or tasks.
  • Quick changeover: Use quick keyboard shortcuts to switch between different Workspaces.
  • Window treatment: Each workspace gets its own window layout, so you don't have to manually rearrange windows.
  • Customizability: You can set which applications and windows open automatically when you start a Workspaces.

How to Use Workspaces?

  1. Creating a working environment:
    • Open the PowerToys app and navigate to the Workspaces module.
    • Click on the "Create workspace" button and name the workspace (e.g. "Work", "Leisure").
  2. Add applications:
    • Choose which applications and windows should appear in the Workspaces you create.
    • You can set these applications to start automatically when you activate the working environment.
  3. Managing working environments:
    • You can easily switch between different Workspaces in the PowerToys interface.
    • You can use keyboard shortcuts to switch quickly.
  4. Customization and optimization:
    • You can fine-tune your working environment to your needs, for example by changing window layouts or adding new applications.

Benefits and use cases

Workspaces offers many benefits for users:

  • Increases efficiency: You can switch between tasks more quickly because all the apps and windows you need are pre-set.
  • A more organised workflow: Each project or task has its own working environment, making it easier to track and manage tasks.
  • Reduces distractions: Minimize the number of unnecessary windows and applications when you're focused on a particular work environment.

Examples of use

  • Separation of professional and personal tasks: Create separate Workspaces for your work and personal activities to avoid confusion.
  • Project management: By defining a separate working environment for each project, you can easily keep track of tasks and deadlines.
  • Learning and research: Creating a dedicated working environment with learning materials and research tools increases learning efficiency.