Windows has long been the operating system of choice for millions, offering a blend of familiarity and powerful features. Beyond the basics, Microsoft has developed several exclusive tools that can significantly boost your productivity. Here are five must-try Windows tools that you might not be using yet.

1. Windows PowerToys: The Ultimate Productivity Suite

Windows PowerToys is a set of utilities for power users to tune and streamline their Windows experience. Originally introduced in the Windows 95 era, it was revived for Windows 10 and continues to evolve.

Key Features:

  • FancyZones: A window manager that makes it easy to create complex window layouts.
  • PowerToys Run: A quick launcher similar to Spotlight on macOS, but with plugin support.
  • Color Picker: Quickly grab any color from your screen with a simple shortcut.
  • Image Resizer: Right-click any image file to resize it instantly.

PowerToys is open-source and regularly updated, making it a must-have for anyone looking to customize their workflow.

2. Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL): Developer’s Dream

For developers, WSL is a game-changer. It allows you to run a Linux environment directly on Windows, without the overhead of a virtual machine.

Why Use WSL?

  • Seamless Integration: Access Linux tools and commands directly from Windows.
  • Performance: Near-native performance for Linux applications.
  • Versatility: Supports multiple Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, Debian, and Fedora.

WSL 2, the latest version, includes a full Linux kernel, making it even more powerful. Whether you're a web developer, data scientist, or system administrator, WSL can streamline your workflow.

3. Windows Sandbox: Safe and Isolated Testing

Windows Sandbox provides a lightweight, isolated desktop environment to run untrusted applications safely. It’s perfect for testing software or opening suspicious files.

Benefits:

  • Disposable: Everything is deleted when you close the Sandbox.
  • Secure: Uses hardware-based virtualization for isolation.
  • Easy to Use: No complex setup—just enable it from Windows Features and launch.

This tool is invaluable for IT professionals and curious users who want to test software without risking their main system.

4. Notepad’s Hidden Features: More Than Just a Text Editor

Notepad has been a Windows staple for decades, but recent updates have added powerful features that make it more useful than ever.

New Features:

  • Dark Mode: Easier on the eyes during late-night coding sessions.
  • Line and Column Numbers: Helpful for debugging and editing.
  • Search with Bing: Highlight text and search directly from Notepad.
  • Improved Performance: Handles large files much better than before.

While it’s still a simple text editor, these updates make Notepad a surprisingly capable tool for quick edits and notes.

5. Snipping Tool & Snip & Sketch: Advanced Screen Capture

Windows offers two built-in tools for screen capture: the classic Snipping Tool and the newer Snip & Sketch.

Features:

  • Multiple Capture Modes: Rectangular, freeform, window, and full-screen snips.
  • Annotation Tools: Draw, highlight, or add text to your screenshots.
  • Quick Sharing: Easily share screenshots via email or other apps.

For power users, keyboard shortcuts (Win + Shift + S) make capturing and annotating screens a breeze. These tools eliminate the need for third-party screenshot software.

Bonus: Windows Terminal

While not as hidden as the others, Windows Terminal deserves a mention. It’s a modern, tabbed terminal application that supports Command Prompt, PowerShell, WSL, and Azure Cloud Shell.

Why It’s Great:

  • Customizable: Themes, fonts, and profiles let you tailor it to your needs.
  • GPU-Accelerated Text Rendering: Smooth scrolling and rendering.
  • Tab Support: Manage multiple shells in one window.

Windows Terminal is a must for developers and power users who spend a lot of time in the command line.

Conclusion

Windows is packed with powerful tools that often go unnoticed. From PowerToys for customization to WSL for development, these utilities can transform how you use your PC. Whether you're a developer, IT professional, or just someone looking to get more out of Windows, these tools are worth exploring.

Enable them today and unlock a new level of productivity!