PowerToys Addresses Critical Flaw in Workspaces Feature

Microsoft’s PowerToys just got a significant update that finally addresses a hurdle that’s been holding back users, particularly those who utilize the Workspaces feature. This new version, 0.87.0, now includes support for Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) within Workspaces. For those who love streamlining their desktop, this means you can save an arrangement of your favorite apps and PWAs, launching them with just a single button press.

Previously, PowerToys allowed you to set up Workspaces, but you couldn’t really integrate a PWA. You could try to "capture" it—thinking you saved the PWA in your workspace—but in reality, you only saved the browser instance running it. Now, with this update, launching a workspace can directly open a PWA instead of just a browser window, adding much-needed functionality.

This enhancement significantly increases the utility of Workspaces, especially since PWAs often provide the best service experience compared to standalone apps.

Aside from this major change, PowerToys v0.87.0 introduces several other improvements. For example, the Screen Ruler now lets you view measurements in inches, centimeters, and millimeters, catering to a broader range of user preferences.

Let’s dive into some of the update’s highlights, as detailed by Microsoft on GitHub.

PowerToys v0.87.0 Highlights

1. Advanced Paste: There’s a new feature called "Advanced AI," which uses Semantic Kernel, allowing for orchestration of sequential clipboard transformations.
2. Workspaces: Now fully supports Progressive Web Applications and includes functionality for moving existing windows rather than just opening new ones.
3. Mouse Jump: Added settings for customizing the pop-up screen’s appearance. Kudos to @mikeclayton!
4. New+: Now compatible with Windows 10, thanks to @cgaarden.
5. Quick Accent: Users can now choose which character sets appear on the UI, a handy feature by @Sirozha1337.

Additional Enhancements

• Advanced Paste: Incorporates AI for sequential clipboard transformations.
• Awake: There are improvements in initialization, logging, and tray icon setup, contributed by @dend.
• File Explorer Add-ons: Preview Pane extensions utilize PerMonitorV2 DPI mode for better scalability, thanks to @davidegiacometti.
• Keyboard Manager: IME On/Off keys now come with labels, a useful addition by @kit494way.

Monaco Preview Enhancements:

• .ahk, .ion, and .srt files are now better supported, thanks to contributions from @daverayment, @octastylos-pseudodipteros, and @PesBandi.

PowerToys Run Updates:

• New scoring functions and support for UUIDv7 in plugins; courtesy of community contributors.

Various Fixes and Updates:

• Screen Ruler offers more measurement options.
• Visual issues in the settings dashboard have been addressed.
• Workspaces editor position saving, crash fixes, and improved application version detection are now in place.

Documentation and Development: Ongoing improvements such as language refinement in contribution guides and dependency upgrades are also part of this release.

This flurry of upgrades showcases PowerToys’ commitment to expanding usability and efficiency, providing enhanced tools for Windows users. The community contributions play a significant role in these improvements, making this update a well-rounded leap forward for the app.