Microsoft PowerToys Gets a Boost with New Window Hopper Feature
A recent update to Microsoft’s PowerToys toolset has brought a welcome addition for productivity enthusiasts and power users alike. The new “Window Hopper” feature, part of version 0.101.2362.0, allows users to quickly switch between windows of the currently focused application using an Alt+Tab-like interface.
For those who work with multiple windows open at once – think browser tabs, terminal sessions, or file explorer panes – this new feature is a game-changer. With Window Hopper enabled, pressing the configurable Alt+backtick shortcut cycles through the app’s windows without cluttering up your entire desktop. This can be especially useful for tasks like web development, coding, or multitasking in general.
But what exactly does this feature do? In essence, it’s an extension of the traditional Windows key+Tab (or Alt+Tab) functionality, but one that’s tailored specifically to a single application rather than all open windows. This allows users to stay focused on their work without having to constantly navigate between different apps and windows.
The Window Hopper feature is not the only new addition in this release, however. PowerToys has also been updated with a compact mode for the Command Palette quick launcher, which can now be opened as a search box at a configurable vertical position. Additionally, support has been added for linked controls to adjust brightness across all displays at once, and Windows-key activation is now available for Shortcut Guide – a tool introduced in June that shows keyboard shortcuts for Windows and the current active app.
PowerToys itself has come a long way since its initial release during the Windows 95 era. What started as a collection of small freeware tools created by Windows developers has evolved into an open-source utility pack designed to enhance Windows functionality and streamline tasks previously requiring third-party tools. With this latest update, PowerToys continues to offer a wealth of features that can help users get more out of their Windows experience.
So what does this mean for you? If you’re a frequent user of multiple windows or rely on keyboard shortcuts for your workflow, the new Window Hopper feature in PowerToys is definitely worth checking out. And if you’re not already using PowerToys, now might be a good time to explore its other features and see how they can help improve your productivity.
Source: Bleeping Computer — 2026-08-25