Microsoft has issued a notable update to its PowerToys utilities suite, version 0.97, offering users a range of new productivity enhancements. The latest release focuses on refining existing tools and addressing frequently requested features, continuing Microsoft’s commitment to providing customizable experiences within Windows [[2]]. This update includes a new “CursorWrap” feature, designed to improve navigation, and expanded customization options for the Command Palette, aiming to streamline workflows for both casual and power users.
Microsoft’s PowerToys suite of utilities has received its first major update of 2026 with version 0.97, bringing a handful of new features designed to boost productivity and streamline workflows. While the highly anticipated ability to control screen brightness and other display parameters isn’t yet included, the latest release introduces a clever new tool called CursorWrap, aimed at eliminating the frustration of hitting the edges of your screen with your mouse.
Traditionally, when moving a mouse cursor to the edge of a display, users can only move it up or down along the border. Navigating to the opposite side of the screen requires lifting and repositioning the mouse.
CursorWrap bypasses this limitation. When the cursor reaches the boundary of a screen, it seamlessly reappears on the opposite side. This feature is particularly useful for multi-monitor setups, though testing in that configuration wasn’t possible at the time of this report. The smooth “cross-screen” movement can be toggled on or off using a customizable keyboard shortcut.
PowerToys continues to expand its collection of mouse and keyboard enhancement tools.
The update also delivers significant enhancements to the Command Palette. While the window doesn’t yet support transparency like other Windows elements, users can now customize its appearance with colors and background images. The blur and brightness of the background image, as well as the color saturation, are all fully adjustable.
Users also gain greater control over the order in which extensions are used when searching within the Command Palette. Individual modules – such as Calculator, Run Commands, and Find File by Path – can be manually reordered in the settings, determining the sequence in which they appear in search results. This customization is accessible through the extension management page.
The latest PowerToys release offers expanded customization options for the Command Palette.
Finally, users can now control specific functions within the PowerToys suite directly from the Command Palette. According to the development team, this functionality was a frequently requested feature. This capability is currently available only on Windows 11. The update reflects Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to providing users with more flexible and efficient ways to interact with their operating system.
Users can now influence the order of search results within the Command Palette.
The complete changelog and the PowerToys 0.97 installer are available on Github.
