Microsoft PowerToys: 30 Years of Free Windows Upgrades Still Going Strong

Executive Briefing

• Offers roughly 30 free utilities that enhance Windows with features Microsoft hasn't natively built in
• Highlights include Power Display for multi-monitor management, Command Palette for quick search, and Peek for file previews
• Traces roots to Windows 95 in November 1996, making PowerToys approximately 30 years old this year
• Remains open source and distributed directly from Microsoft at no cost to users
• Critics note Microsoft under-promotes PowerToys despite its practical value for everyday Windows users