Windows 11 plays matching game with PowerToys tool update; take a sneak peek

For Windows 11 update, Microsoft PowerToys tool, meant for power users, is getting a fresh coat of paint. Here’s what it could look like.

Windows 11 update:Microsoft PowerToys tool can be used to better control the operating system, in this instance, Windows 11. (Microsoft via GitHub)

Microsoft Windows 11 is going to be the company's biggest update to its operating system since Windows 10 was released six years ago, and the company has already allowed users to test early builds of the upcoming upgrade. Along with several new features coming to the OS, Microsoft is also updating the system theme across Windows other products, giving everything a fresh coat of paint, so to speak, on top of adding new features. This will also extend to system apps like the calculator, email and calendar and the screenshot tool, which have also received visual tweaks.

Now, it appears that a recent build of Windows 11 that the company has provided users for testing, also includes an updated PowerToys app that has been given a visual overhaul to better match the Windows 11 interface, as spotted by OnMSFT. Microsoft's PowerToys tool is an open source collection of system utilities that can be used to better control the operating system for power users. The updated PowerToys feature is expected to be available once Windows 11 rolls out later this year.

Wrapping up a PR with a new UX for #PowerToys Settings - fresh look and feel, replicating @windows 11 Settings, new @WindowsUI controls, accessibility improvements and easier to maintain :)!

For details:https://t.co/rv2CxZ4mE9#fluentdesign #fluentfriday #uwpdev #windev pic.twitter.com/LnhM4YKyoQ

— Niels Laute (@Niels9001) August 23, 2021

Windows enthusiasts, especially power users who are looking forward to seeing PowerToys with the new redesign, should keep in mind that the design is not complete and is still being worked on by the company, on GitHub. This means that users can tell the company what they think about the changes and suggest improvements, which might be considered for the next release. Windows 11 is currently available for testing in two channels, the unstable Dev channel and the Beta channel, and any Windows user with a compatible PC can sign up to receive these builds.

We have previously covered the redesign of some Windows apps that have received visual improvements to match the company's Fluent design which includes rounded corners, new icons and the new WinUI controls. These include the Windows Snipping Tool, the Paint app, the Mail and Calendar app, and the Calculator app. We can expect to see more of the company's apps updated to the new design before the operating system is released in the coming months.