PowerToys version 0.94 adds three major new features

• The latest PowerToys update (version 0.94) introduces three major features, including a new search box to quickly find settings, a shortcut conflict detection tool, and a new gliding cursor mode for Mouse Pointer Crosshairs.

PowerToys has received another update, and with it, the tool introduces at least three major changes, including a new search feature to locate settings more quickly, a new interface to display and resolve shortcut conflicts, and enhancements to the Mouse Pointer Crosshairs feature.

Settings with search

Similar to the Settings app, the PowerToys app includes a search box to make it easier to access and configure the different features.

The easiest way to access the search is to use the dedicated “Ctrl + F” keyboard shortcut. As you type, suggestions will appear, allowing you to select a specific page.

If you press “Enter” while typing a query or clicking the “Show all results” option, you’ll be directed to the results page.

Shortcut conflicts

Starting with version 0.94 and higher, PowerToys introduces the “Shortcut conflicts” feature, which, as the name suggests, is designed to notify you of keyboard shortcut conflicts between PowerToys features and conflicts with the operating system.

If you activated a feature in PowerToys that uses a shortcut already in use by the operating system or another PowerToys module, the “Home” page will display the conflict.

When you click the “Shortcut conflict” button at the top right, the page displays conflicts with the option to change the keyboard shortcut and resolve the issue.

However, if the problem is with the system shortcut, you won’t be able to modify the original shortcut. Instead, you’ll have to change the keyboard shortcut for the PowerToys feature.

Additionally, this feature is exclusive to PowerToys. This feature is not designed to resolve shortcut conflicts across applications that may be installed on your computer.

Mouse Pointer Crosshairs with new mode

In this release, the Mouse Pointer Crosshairs feature introduces a new gliding cursor mode, enabling more precise control over the mouse pointer’s movement.

This mode is designed as an accessibility feature for individuals who may struggle to control mouse movement.

To get started, you can use the “Windows key + Alt + . (period)” keyboard shortcut to start moving the pointer left to right. If you use the shortcut again, the pointer speed will slow down, and another hit of the shortcut will stop it in that position.

Invoking the shortcut again will cause the pointer to move up and down. If you use the shortcut again, the pointer speed will slow down, and another hit of the shortcut will stop it in that position.

You can also control this feature from PowerToys > Input / Output > Mouse Utilities > Gliding Cursor.

In future updates, the development team promises to add a module that will allow you to switch between light and dark color modes on schedule, a feature that Windows 11 has been missing for a long time.

However, you can still accomplish this using third-party tools like Auto Dark Mode, which not only switches between the light and dark modes automatically on schedule, but it can also change your desktop background and accent color.