Microsoft PowerToys
Free, open-source set of Windows utilities for power users and developers.
Alternatives
Choose DisplayFusion if…
- you need independent taskbars on each monitor
- you want automated window layouts via event‑based Triggers
- you prefer a usable free tier without a subscription
- you want a one‑time license for advanced features
Choose Wox if…
- you need a launcher that works on Windows, macOS, and Linux
- you want to add functionality via community plugins
- you prefer a lightweight tool that starts instantly
- you rely on keyboard‑only navigation across multiple OSes
Choose Flow Launcher if…
- you need a global hotkey to launch apps instantly
- you want to run custom shell commands from the launcher
- you rely on community plugins for extra services
- you prefer a lightweight tool without unrelated utilities
How to Decide
Microsoft PowerToys is a free, open‑source collection of Windows utilities that power users, developers, and IT professionals rely on for tasks like window snapping, quick launching, key remapping, and screen OCR. The alternatives split into a few clear camps: DisplayFusion leans into deep multi‑monitor management and event‑based window automation with a freemium model and a one‑time lifetime license option; Wox emphasizes a cross‑platform, plugin‑rich application launcher that is completely free and open source.
When comparing PowerToys to its rivals, focus on (1) platform coverage – PowerToys is Windows‑only while Wox runs on macOS and Linux, and DisplayFusion is Windows‑only but adds multi‑monitor features; (2) pricing structure – PowerToys and Wox are free, whereas DisplayFusion offers a free tier plus paid Pro features or a lifetime license; (3) core capability focus – PowerToys provides a broad toolbox of system utilities, DisplayFusion specializes in monitor and window automation, and Wox centers on fast launching with extensible plugins; and (4) extensibility – PowerToys has a fixed set of utilities, DisplayFusion adds automation via Triggers, and Wox offers an extensive plugin ecosystem for custom functionality.
All Alternatives
“PowerToys offers FancyZones for custom window layouts on multi‑monitor Windows setups.”
“Microsoft PowerToys includes the Run/launcher utility that lets Windows users quickly launch apps, mirroring Wox’s function.”
“PowerToys includes a Run utility that lets Windows users launch apps with a hotkey, a direct alternative to Flow Launcher.”
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