Introduction

Microsoft's PowerToys suite has long been a favorite among Windows power users, offering a collection of utilities designed to enhance productivity and streamline workflows. The recent release of PowerToys version 0.90.1 underscores Microsoft's commitment to rapid iteration and responsiveness to user feedback, delivering key fixes that bolster stability and improve user experience.

Background on PowerToys

Originally introduced in the Windows 95 era, PowerToys provided users with advanced tools to customize and optimize their Windows experience. After a hiatus, Microsoft revived the project in 2019 as an open-source initiative, allowing the community to contribute and shape its development. The modern iteration includes utilities like FancyZones for window management, PowerRename for batch renaming files, and the Command Palette for quick access to commands and applications.

Key Fixes in Version 0.90.1

The 0.90.1 update addresses several critical issues identified in the previous release:

  • WinGet Installation Issue: Users encountered problems installing PowerToys via WinGet. This update resolves the installation failure, ensuring a seamless setup process. Source
  • Command Palette Launch Failure: The Command Palette, a powerful launcher introduced in version 0.90.0, failed to launch when WinGet was not present on the system. This issue has been rectified, allowing the Command Palette to function independently. Source
  • Administrator Privilege Crash: Launching the Command Palette with administrator privileges led to crashes. The update fixes this bug, ensuring stability regardless of user permissions. Source
  • Dependency Installation Redundancy: The Command Palette attempted to install dependencies that were already present, leading to unnecessary operations. This behavior has been corrected to prevent redundant installations. Source
  • .NET Package Update: The underlying .NET package has been updated to version 9.0.4, incorporating performance improvements and security patches. Source

Implications and Impact

These fixes collectively enhance the reliability and efficiency of PowerToys, particularly the Command Palette. By addressing installation and operational issues, Microsoft ensures that users can integrate these tools into their workflows without disruption. The proactive approach to resolving user-reported problems reflects a commitment to delivering a polished and dependable utility suite.

Technical Details

  • Installer Hashes: For verification purposes, the SHA256 hashes for the installers are provided:
    • Per user - x64: INLINECODE0
    • Per user - ARM64: INLINECODE1
    • Machine wide - x64: INLINECODE2
    • Machine wide - ARM64: INLINECODE3
Source
  • Command Palette Enhancements: Introduced in version 0.90.0, the Command Palette serves as an evolution of PowerToys Run, offering a quick launcher with extensibility at its core. It allows users to search for installed apps, execute shell commands, access files, and install WinGet packages, all through a unified interface. Source

Conclusion

The release of PowerToys v0.90.1 demonstrates Microsoft's dedication to refining and enhancing the Windows user experience. By swiftly addressing critical issues and incorporating user feedback, PowerToys continues to be an invaluable asset for power users seeking to optimize their workflows. Users are encouraged to update to the latest version to benefit from these improvements and contribute feedback for future enhancements.

Reference Links