This huge PowerToys update introduces a new Windows Hopper tool for easy navigation

Published Aug 25, 2026, 2:39 PM EDT Simon is a Computer Science BSc graduate who has been writing about technology since 2014, and using Windows machines since 3.1. After working for an indie game studio and acting as the family's go-to technician for all computer issues, he found his passion for writing and decided to use his skill set to write about all things tech. Since beginning his writing career, he has written for many different publications such as WorldStart, Listverse, and MakeTechEasier. However, after finding his home at MakeUseOf in February 2019, he would eventually move on to its sister site, XDA, to bring the latest and greatest in Windows, Linux, and DIY electronics. Sign in to your XDA account Summary Window Hopper: use Alt+` to cycle windows inside the active app; hotkey is customizable Thinner Command Palette and a clearer preview-builds hub keep PowerToys unobtrusive PowerToys has been a huge hit among XDA writers; one writer uninstalled six apps because of it. If you're a Windows power user, there's a very good chance you're already a fan of PowerToys. If you haven't, it's an optional suite of tools that can really enhance your Windows experience. Now, PowerToys has received a new update that lets you essentially Alt-Tab within your apps. PowerToys' new Window Hopper makes jumping around inside your apps a lot easier No more losing your place Credit: Microsoft In a post on the PowerToys GitHub repo, the community details what's new with the latest update. The real star of the show is a brand new tool called the Window Hopper. The Window Hopper is best imagined as an Alt-Tab function but within your apps. Much like how your can Alt-Tab through different apps, you can use Alt-Backtick to go through the windows in your active app. And in true PowerToys fashion, you can change the hotkey if Alt-Backtick doesn't suit your workflow. PowerDisplay is also getting an update with this new version. It can now link the brightness of several monitors together; when you tweak the brightness on one, the changes reflect on the linked monitors. It also introduces a brightness slider which you can set to adjust either all linked monitors or the one you're currently on. There are a few more other key features in this update, such as a clearer home for PowerToys preview builds and a thinner Command Palette that gets out of your way when you're working. So, if you're interested, head over to the GitHub page and give the full notes a read. If you're still unsure as to how PowerToys can help you, plenty of us here at XDA have fallen in love with the suite. For instance, Samarveer uninstalled six apps because PowerToys did their job.