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5 simple Windows tools that solve problems you didn’t know you had
A great saying I usually live by is “if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it”. But if you can get things a bit better, you realize you’ve had a problem you didn’t even know about. Whether you’re a productivity enthusiast, a troubleshooting novice, or simply someone looking to get more out of your system, these built-in utilities offer elegant solutions to problems you didn’t even know about with minimal fuss. Let’s dive into these tools and discover how they can transform your Windows experience.
Snipping Tool
There’s more to it than seen with the naked eye
Snipping Tool is a built-in solution that goes far beyond a simple screenshot utility. Its intuitive interface allows you to capture your entire screen, a specific window, or any custom area you select. But did you know you can include a delay timeout? That handy feature lets you capture transient menu states or hover effects that would otherwise vanish when you try to snap the shot.
Once you’ve captured the image, you have immediate access to basic editing tools, such as annotating, cropping, and sharing directly from the app. This means you don’t have to jump between multiple programs or install third-party software just to mark up a stray screenshot. Whether you’re prepping visuals for a presentation, saving a quirky online moment, or troubleshooting by capturing error screens, Snipping Tool solves the problem of rapid, hassle-free image capture without cluttering your workflow.
Clipboard History
Copy-pasting like it’s nobody’s business
If you find yourself constantly copying and pasting bits of text, files, or images between applications, the Windows Clipboard History is a lifesaver you might have overlooked. Activated with a simple shortcut (Win + V), this tool stores up to 25 items and lets you scroll back through your recent clipboard content. Gone are the days of losing that critical snippet or link because you copied something else by mistake.
Clipboard History organizes these items into a list and even supports pinned entries you know you’ll need repeatedly. So, whether you’re a professional or a casual user, this small tool removes the frustration of re-finding text fragments, links, or images that vanish as soon as you overwrite them. Here’s another tip: you can connect up to four devices using Mouse Without Borders and share the Clipboard History between them, or just sync it between your devices if you're logged in with the same Microsoft account.
Virtual Desktops
A bit more organization never hurt anyone
The Virtual Desktops feature offers a powerful yet simple way to organize your workspace on Windows, and you might have overlooked its benefits. With a few keystrokes (Win + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow), you can create multiple desktops tailored to different aspects of your life; one for work projects, another for personal browsing, and even one for your gaming or creative endeavors.
This tool will certainly reduce desktop clutter by allowing you to group related applications and tasks, meaning you’re no longer forced to sift through a sea of icons and open windows. Moreover, the desktops can be renamed and rearranged, ensuring that your digital environment is as structured as your physical workspace. By separating distractions from work, Virtual Desktops help improve focus and maintain efficiency. It’s a simple multitasking tool that might just solve that problem you didn’t know you had.
Steps Recorder
Handling repetitive processes
Steps Recorder (psr.exe) is one of Windows’ hidden gems that comes in very handy when troubleshooting or documenting repetitive processes. Often ignored, this small utility records every action you take. It captures screenshots, mouse clicks, and keystrokes along with brief descriptions. The result is a detailed, step-by-step log of your activity that you can save and share with tech support or even use for personal review.
Steps Recorder is particularly useful when you encounter a persistent issue on your computer and need to explain exactly what you did to trigger it. So, in other words, it offers a straightforward method to capture all the essential details when you’re trying to retrace your digital footsteps. However, it’s also a good tool if you want to create a step-by-step guide on how to perform certain tasks on a PC.
Windows PowerToys
A whole toolbox of wonders
Microsoft’s PowerToys is not a single tool, it’s a collection of utilities designed to enhance your workflow, making everyday tasks more customized and efficient. Something that was initially created as a testbed toolset for advanced users has grown into a robust suite that tackles everyday problems.
Anyway, inside PowerToys, you will find amazing apps like FancyZones, which allows you to create custom window layouts so you can organize multiple open applications. Other modules, like PowerToys Run, optimize your search capabilities by acting as an instant launcher for files, apps, and even system settings.
Need to rename a batch of files? The PowerRename utility handles that with precision. If you need a quick image resizing tool, you’ve got Image Resizer that blends right into File Explorer. I could go on and on, but the beauty of PowerToys is in its modular nature. If one feature doesn’t suit your needs, you can simply disable it without affecting the others.
Let’s call them improvements, not problems
These Windows tools illustrate just how powerful and versatile your operating system can be when you explore beyond the surface. Each tool tackles a unique challenge, whether organizing your workspace, getting that perfect screenshot, or simply streamlining everyday tasks. The beauty of these utilities is that they’re right there, fully integrated into Windows, waiting to improve your workflow without any extra installation or cost.