Microsoft has shipped a major PowerToys update to its free, open-source utility suite aimed at power users. Version 0.101 lands with a brand-new window-switching tool called Windows Hopper, local AI enhancements, and significant upgrades to the Command Palette — making this one of the more substantial releases in recent memory.
PowerToys has long been a go-to download for Windows users who want more control over their desktop than the operating system provides out of the box. This latest PowerToys update continues that tradition, packing several workflow-focused improvements into a single release. Here is everything we know about what changed and what it means for you.
#1 Windows Hopper
The headline feature is Windows Hopper, a new tool built to help you move between open application windows. It arrives as an alternative to the classic Alt+Tab switcher, giving you another way to jump between the programs you have running.
For users who keep dozens of windows open at once — common among developers, writers, and anyone juggling research across multiple apps — a faster, more intuitive window-switching method can save a meaningful amount of time over the course of a day. Windows Hopper is meant to slot into that workflow, though the exact gesture or interface it uses was not detailed in the announcement.
Think of it as Microsoft adding another layer to the window-management tools PowerToys has offered for years, alongside features like FancyZones for arranging windows into custom layouts and Always on Top for pinning a window above the rest.
#2 Local AI
This PowerToys update also introduces local AI capabilities, aligning the suite with Microsoft’s broader push toward on-device intelligence. Rather than sending your data to the cloud, local AI runs models directly on your machine.
The appeal is twofold: privacy, since your information stays on your PC, and speed, since you are not waiting for a network round-trip. As Windows itself has layered Copilot and other AI features throughout the OS, PowerToys is extending that same direction to its utility tools.
It is worth noting exactly what the local AI features do has not been spelled out in detail, so treat the specifics as preliminary until Microsoft publishes a fuller breakdown of the new capabilities.
#3 Command Palette upgrades
The Command Palette — PowerToys’ quick-launch bar that lets you search and run commands, apps, and files without hunting through menus — received major enhancements in this release.
If you have used the Command Palette before, you will likely notice it feels snappier and more capable. The upgrades are expected to tie into the new local AI features, meaning your searches and commands could become smarter and more responsive over time.
The Command Palette has grown into one of PowerToys’ most popular features since its introduction, and these improvements signal that Microsoft intends to keep investing in it as a central hub for interacting with your system.
#4 More enhancements
Beyond the three headline features, Microsoft described this as a “massive” update, implying additional tweaks and improvements across the suite. The full changelog typically lists smaller refinements to existing tools, bug fixes, and performance work that are easy to overlook but add up.
As with any large release, some of these changes will matter more to power users than to casual users. If you rely on specific PowerToys tools daily, it is worth scanning the official changelog for anything that touches your workflow.
What This PowerToys Update Means for You
For everyday Windows users, this PowerToys update is entirely optional but worth considering if you lean on the suite. The tools are free, contain no ads, and do not require a subscription, so there is little downside to installing it.
The new window-switching tool and improved Command Palette will have the most immediate day-to-day impact, while local AI is a longer-term play that should mature over upcoming updates. If you frequently switch between windows or live out of a quick-launch bar, these are the changes you will notice first.
How to Get It
You can update PowerToys v0.101 through the Microsoft Store, which will prompt you to install the new version automatically. You can also grab the latest release directly from the official PowerToys GitHub repository, where the suite is hosted as open-source software.
Once installed, open PowerToys and check the version in settings to confirm you are running 0.101. If a feature like Windows Hopper does not appear immediately, a quick restart of the app should surface the new options.
Source: Neowin
Over to you: Will Windows Hopper replace your reliance on Alt+Tab, or do you prefer sticking with the classic window switcher?
