Windows operating systems come equipped with a variety of Microsoft applications tailored for different purposes, from the user-friendly Photos and Edge to Clipchamp and the Office Suite. Depending on personal workflow, some users frequently rely on these built-in apps, while others may rarely use them. However, there are several powerful Microsoft applications that, despite their absence from default installations, offer significant advantages to enhance productivity.
In my experience, there are three indispensable Microsoft applications: Power Automate, PC Manager, and PowerToys. Each of these tools addresses specific challenges and significantly improves my daily productivity.
1 Microsoft Power Automate
Automating Repetitive Tasks with Ease
Have you ever found yourself bogged down by monotonous tasks? If so, Microsoft Power Automate could be the solution you’ve been searching for. This app acts like a personal assistant, seamlessly working in the background to automate repetitive chores that consume valuable time. Although it might take a bit to learn the ropes, the investment is definitely worthwhile.
Power Automate features a user-friendly visual interface that allows you to create workflows by dragging and dropping various actions. You can easily set up automated processes like saving email attachments directly to OneDrive, notifying your team upon file updates, or generating reports with a single click. Once set in motion, these workflows free up countless hours that would otherwise be spent on trivial tasks.
For instance, I utilize Power Automate to organize my desktop efficiently by automatically filing every screenshot I take. With the ability to automate nearly any repetitive duty, you’ll soon discover how much time you’ve been wasting on tasks that could easily be eliminated.
2 PC Manager
Comprehensive Maintenance Made Easy
Windows includes various maintenance options, but they are often scattered across different menus. Microsoft PC Manager consolidates system cleaning, performance monitoring, and essential security settings into a single, accessible application. This makes it one of the most effective maintenance tools available for PC users.
Currently, PC Manager is available in most regions, excluding certain European countries. If you cannot find the app in the Microsoft Store or notice the Get button is missing, consider changing your region to United States in Settings > Time & language > Language & region. After restarting your PC, try again.
As a lightweight application, PC Manager helps you clear out large or duplicate files that tend to consume storage space, monitor running processes, and pinpoint applications that slow down your startup. This consolidation allows you to manage all these tasks without the need for Task Manager, Settings, or Control Panel.
One of the standout features of PC Manager is the PC Boost option, which allows for quick freeing of memory and deletion of temporary files with a single click. You can even configure it to run automatically when temporary files exceed a threshold of 1 GB.
I also depend on PC Manager for effectively uninstalling apps and programs. Unlike the settings found in Control Panel, this utility not only removes the software but also cleans up residual files and registry entries. Additionally, the network check tool can run speed tests and provide insight into your connection quality.
3 PowerToys
Enhancing User Experience with PowerToys
PowerToys is a remarkable suite of utilities that leaves users wondering why these features aren’t integrated into Windows by default. This collection of tools is specifically designed to streamline everyday tasks, making them quicker and more efficient.
One of my favorite functionalities is FancyZones, which allows for the creation of personalized window layouts tailored for multitasking. This feature enables you to snap windows into a customizable grid rather than relying on the operating system’s basic snapping capabilities. Another valuable tool is PowerToys Run, serving as an agile replacement for the Start menu, enabling swift launching of applications, locating files, or executing quick calculations.
Add to this the Keyboard Manager, which provides the ability to remap keys and create custom shortcuts to suit your workflow perfectly. Moreover, PowerToys includes an Image Resizer for batch resizing photos directly from File Explorer and PowerRename for bulk file renaming. Other impressive utilities include keeping specific apps on top of your workspace and utilizing the Color Picker to extract precise colors from your screen.
This overview only scratches the surface of what PowerToys offers. With a comprehensive array of tools, it enhances user productivity significantly by eliminating the need for separate applications for minor tasks.
Choosing the right software solutions can effectively address common challenges we face in our daily computing tasks. These three underrated Microsoft applications not only provide essential features but also simplify workflows, enhance organization, and save substantial time each week.
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