Annotation
- Introduction
- Light Switch Utility
- Command Palette Enhancements
- Additional Improvements
- Pros and Cons
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
PowerToys 0.95: Light Switch Auto Theme & Faster Command Palette
PowerToys 0.95 introduces Light Switch for automatic theme scheduling and faster Command Palette searches, enhancing Windows customization for power users.
Introduction
PowerToys 0.95 brings Light Switch for auto theme scheduling and faster Command Palette searches, enhancing Windows customization.
Light Switch Utility
Light Switch automates light/dark mode changes using schedules or sunrise/sunset times. Configure for system, apps, or both, with keyboard shortcuts. Fills a gap in window manager options.
Command Palette Enhancements
New fuzzy matcher and fallback system cut search times; "access" searches drop from 633ms to 113ms. Competes with app launcher tools.
Additional Improvements
Resolves shortcut conflicts, adds mouse transparency controls, crosshairs, DSC v3 support, Welsh layout, smoother zooming. Enhances system optimizer value.
Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Auto theme switching with scheduling
- Faster Command Palette searches
- Better shortcut conflict resolution
- Customizable mouse features
- Additional language support
- Free and open-source
- Comprehensive utility pack
Disadvantages
- Windows-only, no macOS/Linux
- Manual install and updates
- Overlap with some Windows tools
- Learning curve for advanced settings
Conclusion
PowerToys 0.95 solidifies its role as a key productivity software for Windows, offering automation and performance gains without bloat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Light Switch utility in PowerToys 0.95?
Light Switch is a new PowerToys feature that automatically switches between light and dark modes based on custom schedules or local sunrise/sunset times with adjustable offsets for system, apps, or both.
How much faster is the Command Palette in PowerToys 0.95?
Command Palette searches are significantly faster, with "access" searches reduced from 633ms to 113ms and "copilot" searches from 257ms to 78ms thanks to new fuzzy matching and fallback systems.
What are the system requirements for PowerToys 0.95?
PowerToys 0.95 requires Windows 10 or Windows 11. It is not available for macOS or Linux.
How can I install PowerToys 0.95?
You can download and install PowerToys 0.95 from the Microsoft Store or the GitHub releases page. It's a free, open-source tool.
What other improvements are included in PowerToys 0.95?
The update adds shortcut conflict resolution, transparency controls for Find My Mouse, customizable crosshairs, support for Desired State Configuration v3, Welsh layout for Quick Accent, and smoother zooming in ZoomIt.
Is PowerToys 0.95 free to use?
Yes, PowerToys is completely free and open-source, with regular updates from Microsoft.