In this article, we will look at how you can customize Windows, adjusting the appearance and functionality of the operating system to your preferences. This can be done using both built-in tools and third-party programs.
When customizing Windows, it's important to remember that most third-party programs make changes to system files and the registry. This can lead to malfunctions, conflicts between utilities, and problems after operating system updates.
Any interference with system settings can reduce system stability. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct such experiments with your Windows only after creating a full backup, especially when it comes to a personal PC.
List of utilities that will be covered in this article:
PowerToys
WinAero Tweaker
ExplorerPatcher
Rainmeter
TranslucentTB
EarTrumpet
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PowerToys
Microsoft PowerToys is a set of free utilities from Microsoft for advanced Windows users that help expand and customize the functionality of your operating system to increase productivity. This open-source project, which originated back in the days of Windows 95, has been revived for Windows 10 and 11.
Let's move on to the most interesting part—the PowerToys features that will make your work easier and more efficient. In this review, we will look at the most useful and popular ones. The full list of utilities is available here.
FancyZones
This is a powerful window management tool that extends the capabilities of the standard window snapping feature in Windows ("Snap Layouts"). FancyZones allows you to create custom layouts for dividing your desktop into zones.
If you work in "multitasking" mode, I think this utility will greatly simplify your work and make it much easier.
PowerToys Run
This is a fast and versatile search launcher that replaces the standard Windows search. It is activated by the key combination Alt + Пробел and allows you to launch applications, search for files, perform mathematical calculations, and much more.
How it works:
Press Alt + Пробел.
Start typing text—the name of an application, file, folder, or query.
The launcher will instantly suggest results.
Who it's for:
Anyone who values speed and efficiency. PowerToys Run reduces the time spent navigating the Start menu and File Explorer.
Advanced users can use it to execute commands and access plugins that extend its functionality.
PowerRename
A utility for bulk renaming files, integrated into the File Explorer context menu. It allows you to quickly rename a large number of files by replacing their names according to specific rules.
How it works:
Select multiple files in File Explorer.
Right-click and select "PowerRename".
In the window that appears, you can specify text to search and replace, use regular expressions, and configure other parameters.
Who it's for:
Content creators and photographers, who process large volumes of files, can quickly organize their names.
Students and office workers, who need to organize documents, can efficiently rename files using a template.
Always On Top
Always On Top is a handy utility that allows you to pin any window on top of others. This increases productivity, as important information always remains in view, even when working with other programs. It's a very useful tool if you need a selected window not to be covered by others.
WinAero Tweaker
Winaero Tweaker is a free, versatile, and powerful program that allows you to change hidden Windows settings and parameters that are not accessible through the standard user interface. It works by modifying registry keys and provides hundreds of options for detailed system customization.
The main thing to remember when working with this utility is that it can kill your system in a couple of clicks. You should read the descriptions of all the features you want to enable, and especially disable, very carefully.
The utility can configure literally everything. Want to enable the Aero Lite theme? Go ahead. Change the font type and size in any system menu? Disable ads and automatic driver updates? Change the appearance of File Explorer and context menus by removing unnecessary elements? Restore classic utilities from Windows 7 or, for some reason, disable Windows Defender? Not a problem.
I haven't even described 10% of WinAero Tweaker's functionality. There are literally hundreds of different parameters, and what's nice is that the utility is free and continues to be actively developed.
ExplorerPatcher
While the utilities above are more for fine-tuning the system, ExplorerPatcher allows for serious customization of the appearance of File Explorer, the Start menu, and the taskbar. And yes, this program goes quite deep into the system and can cause crashes, and its functionality sometimes degrades after Microsoft updates, but the authors are still actively keeping the patcher afloat.
ExplorerPatcher will be useful for Windows 11 users who are not satisfied with the standard taskbar and the stripped-down Start menu. With it, you can restore the Windows 10 interface, including File Explorer, the context menu, and the old volume and network menus.
Of course, the utility also works on Windows 10. Yes, there will be fewer options, but small tweaks like changing the appearance of the ALT-TAB menu can be useful to many.
Rainmeter
Rainmeter is a free utility for the Windows operating system that allows you to customize your desktop with widgets or so-called "skins." With it, you can display any information on the screen, from system load data to the weather forecast, in a convenient and stylish way.
Basic principles:
Skins: This is the foundation of Rainmeter. Skins can perform many functions: display system metrics (CPU load, RAM, disk usage), show the time and date, weather information, RSS feeds, and also serve as application launchers.
Community: Most of the content is created by users and distributed through various sites like VisualSkins or DeviantArt. There are entire collections of skins, united by a common theme, called "suites."
Customization: Almost every aspect of a skin can be customized: size, color, font, position on the desktop, and much more. For deeper customization, you can use the built-in editor or edit the configuration files directly.
What you can do with Rainmeter:
System Monitoring: Monitor the status of your PC in real time by displaying CPU load, temperature, RAM usage, and disk space.
Information Widgets: Place a clock, calendar, weather forecast, and RSS feeds on your desktop so that all important information is always at hand.
Audio Visualizers: Display a beautiful sound visualization directly on your desktop that reacts to the music being played.
Application Launchers: Create convenient and stylish icons for quick launching of your favorite programs.
Desktop Decor: Turn your standard desktop into a work of art with a variety of themes and design elements.
TranslucentTB
TranslucentTB is a lightweight and free utility for Windows that makes the taskbar completely transparent, translucent, or blurred. You can configure the taskbar's transparency depending on the situation. Overall, there's not much else to write about this utility; it doesn't have a lot of functionality, but it nicely customizes the taskbar interface.
EarTrumpet
EarTrumpet is a free utility that replaces the standard volume control in Windows and provides a more convenient and functional mixer. It is especially useful for those who work with multiple audio devices or use several applications with sound simultaneously.
After installation, EarTrumpet adds its icon to the system tray, next to the clock. This icon looks like the volume icon but with a distinctive difference. Clicking on it opens a pop-up menu with volume sliders for each running application.
Key features of EarTrumpet:
Per-application volume control: Unlike the standard volume control, EarTrumpet allows you to quickly and independently adjust the sound level for each application. For example, you can lower the volume in your browser without affecting the volume of a game or media player.
Switching between audio devices: The utility simplifies switching between different audio outputs (e.g., headphones and speakers). This is convenient if you frequently change your sound output devices.
Modern interface: The pop-up menu of EarTrumpet has a more modern and customizable design that fits well with the overall look of Windows 10 and 11.
Hotkeys: It supports assigning hotkeys for sound control, which simplifies and speeds up the process.
Flexible settings: The user can customize the appearance and behavior of the mixer to their preferences.
Conclusion
In this article, we have reviewed six popular and interesting utilities for customizing Windows 10/11, and I hope they will help you in your work and make your operating system even more pleasant and convenient.
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This article is a supplement to my colleague's article, which you can check out here