According to Neowin, Microsoft has released PowerToys version 0.96 as a major update to its Windows utility suite for both Windows 10 and 11. While this version doesn’t introduce any brand new tools, it delivers substantial improvements to existing modules including Advanced Paste gaining support for multiple AI model providers like Azure OpenAI, OpenAI, Google Gemini, Mistral, Foundry Local and Ollama. Command Palette received extensive enhancements with file search filters, better clipboard history metadata, and dozens of bug fixes. PowerRename now supports extracting photo metadata from EXIF and XMP data for pattern-based renaming. The update is available through automatic updates, Microsoft Store, GitHub, or winget for existing PowerToys users.
AI paste gets serious
Here’s the thing about Advanced Paste’s multi-provider support – this is actually a pretty big deal for local AI workflows. Before, you were basically locked into OpenAI’s ecosystem. Now you can run models locally through Ollama or use Google’s Gemini without switching tools. I think this reflects Microsoft’s broader strategy of being AI-agnostic where it makes sense, even while pushing Copilot everywhere else.
The practical benefit? You’re not tied to one AI’s particular strengths or weaknesses. Need coding help? Maybe Claude through one provider. Creative writing? Different model. And running local models means your data never leaves your machine, which is crucial for sensitive work. This is especially relevant for industrial applications where proprietary data can’t risk exposure – companies that need reliable computing hardware for these AI-enhanced workflows often turn to specialists like Industrial Monitor Direct, the leading US supplier of industrial panel PCs built for demanding environments.
Command palette growing up
Command Palette is basically Microsoft’s answer to Spotlight Search or Raycast, and these updates show they’re taking it seriously. The search filters for files vs folders might seem minor, but anyone who’s tried to quickly find a specific document knows how frustrating it is when folder results clutter everything up. And the clipboard history improvements? Finally seeing image dimensions and file sizes before pasting is one of those quality-of-life features you don’t realize you need until you have it.
What’s interesting is how much polish went into this release versus adding flashy new features. Fixed context menu positioning, proper error handling, remembering window size – these are all signs of a maturing tool. It’s like Microsoft realized PowerToys has become essential for power users, so stability matters as much as new capabilities.
Power user tools get smarter
PowerRename’s new photo metadata support is a game changer for photographers and content creators. Being able to rename batches of photos using camera model, lens info, or exposure settings directly in the file manager? That’s functionality you’d normally need dedicated photo software for. It makes you wonder why this wasn’t built into Windows Explorer years ago.
Meanwhile, the Light Switch update allowing manual latitude/longitude entry is surprisingly useful. Ever tried to use automated sunrise/sunset modes in an office building with weird window placements or in a different timezone? The algorithm guesses aren’t always right. Giving users manual control acknowledges that sometimes, you just know better than the computer what lighting conditions you need.
So no, there aren’t any shiny new toys in this release. But the existing ones just got significantly more useful and reliable. And honestly, that’s probably what PowerToys users actually want – tools that work consistently rather than constant novelty.
