Microsoft has just unveiled the first two new generation PowerToys. One of them, FancyZones, allows you to automatically manage the size and positioning of windows on the desktop. Here is how to use it.
Microsoft announced last May its wish to resuscitate PowerToys, small tools for Power Users to add new functions to Windows 10, by creating an open source project on Github. The Redmond firm unveiled a first glimpse of it a few days ago by publishing a first version with two PowerToys.
Among them, FancyZones, a tool for managing the organization of windows open on the screen. Concretely, the tool displays a template in transparency on your desktop, and is responsible for automatically resizing and maintaining the windows in the areas where you position them. The number of zones, their size and their positioning are fully configurable, in order to position and automatically resize open windows.
1. Download the PowerToys
Start by downloading and installing the PowerToys on your computer. The program only groups together two modules for the moment, but should be enriched with new features in the coming weeks.
Download Microsoft PowerToys (Free)
2. Activate FancyZones
Launch the PowerToys application on your PC, and open the program configuration window by deploying the hidden icon bar on the taskbar and then clicking on the PowerToys icon.
In General Settings, make sure the FancyZones button is active.
You can now open the FancyZones window using the Windows + ~ keyboard shortcut (Windows + é on azerty keyboards).
3. Select and customize an existing template
FancyZones offers several default organization templates (Templates). Select one and adjust the number of windows you need by pressing + or -.
At the bottom of the window, FancyZones proposes to display, or not, a margin of each zone, but also to define its size in pixels.
4. Create a custom template
If you want to create your own template, go to the Custom tab, click on Create new custom then on Edit selected layout. Then click on + to add as many zones as needed, move them and resize them according to your needs.
Then choose a name for your template and save it by clicking on Save and apply.
5. Place your windows
Activate FancyZones using the Windows + ~ keyboard shortcut (Windows + é on an azerty keyboard), select your skin template and open all the windows you will need on your workspace.
To add a window to a space, hold down the Shift key on your keyboard then, using the mouse, move the window while clicking on the top bar.
Once you release the click, the window is placed directly in the area dedicated to it and automatically resizes.
When all the windows are positioned correctly, you can close the FancyZones configuration window until you need it again.