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PowerToys – open-source Windows utilities

fourth-wall.co.uk

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Re: PowerToys – open-source Windows utilities

#3

Many, if not most of these tools contain functionality that is built into other major OSes, and had been for a long time. I don't really understand why Microsoft doesn't include them by default.

It's probably a combination of 1. retaining backwards compatibility with applications that don't interact well with these features and 2. exposing users to behaviors that are hard to understand and undo once they are activated by accident.

Re: PowerToys – open-source Windows utilities

#6

Many, if not most of these tools contain functionality that is built into other major OSes, and had been for a long time. I don't really understand why Microsoft doesn't include them by default.

Instead we get “Paint 3D”, “Mixed Reality Portal”, and “Your Phone”. Absolute essentials that I’m certain are chart-toppers in the telemetry activity charts.

Re: PowerToys – open-source Windows utilities

#7
post #5

Wait, is this an official MS utility? https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/powertoys/ Why aren't these just bundled by default??

Many things in 11 were at least inspired by powertoys, like window groups and snap layouts[0], although these are non-customizable.

0: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/snap-your-window...

Re: PowerToys – open-source Windows utilities

#9
post #5

Wait, is this an official MS utility? https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/powertoys/ Why aren't these just bundled by default??

Probably because changing stuff in the main OS is pretty complex and needs approval from many different actors at Microsoft. Releasing a simple utility application on the other hand should be much easier and isn't bound to any release cycle.

Re: PowerToys – open-source Windows utilities

#10

Many, if not most of these tools contain functionality that is built into other major OSes, and had been for a long time. I don't really understand why Microsoft doesn't include them by default.

Most of the tools are gated behind obscure key combos and are useless for many people. Why not make people install them if they want them? The cost of installing them is less than the cost of learning the hot key memorizations.
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