What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
PowerToys 0.93 refreshed the app’s Settings dashboard to make utility status, keyboard shortcuts and quick launching easier to scan. The redesign was a response to user feedback about navigation—not a redesign of every PowerToy—and the available reporting describes its intended benefit, not a measured improvement in first impressions.
What changed in the PowerToys dashboard?
The change covered the Settings home page in PowerToys 0.93, as reported by Windows Central on August 14, 2025. It reorganized three things users commonly need: quick launching, shortcuts and utility on/off controls. Utilities could also be launched directly from the homepage.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The point was to make those controls more glanceable: users should be able to spot what is enabled, locate a shortcut, or open a utility without hunting through the settings. This was a Settings-dashboard update, not a visual overhaul of all the tools themselves.
Recommended Free Tools
Why did Microsoft change it?
Windows Central reported that users had told the PowerToys team the old dashboard was difficult to navigate, that utility on/off states were unclear, and that shortcuts were hard to find. The article quoted the team’s release rationale: “A lot of you told us the old dashboard was a bit tricky to navigate.” No individual speaker was named.
#1 Best Overall
- 1.1 GHz (boost up to 2.4GHz) Intel Celeron N5030 Quad-Core
The three reported pain points suggest practical ways to judge the redesign:
- Status visibility: Can you tell which utilities are on or off?
- Discoverability: Can you find a utility’s shortcut?
- Action speed: Can you launch a utility from the homepage?
These are useful evaluation questions, not published scores. Microsoft’s general Windows app design guidance recommends clear, concise language and predictable navigation, among other usability principles; it does not independently establish how well this particular dashboard performs.
Rank #2
- 256 GB SSD of storage.
- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
Did the redesign prove that first impressions improved?
No measured result is reported. The coverage describes the feedback behind the change and what the new layout was intended to make easier, but it does not cite a user study, satisfaction score or controlled comparison of the old and new dashboards. “Improve first impressions” is therefore best understood as the goal, not a demonstrated outcome.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →How does the dashboard fit into PowerToys?
Microsoft describes PowerToys as a free, open-source collection of Windows utilities for power users and developers. Its tools cover jobs such as window management, keyboard remapping, command launching, image resizing and bulk file renaming. The dashboard is the place to manage and access those separate tools; its refresh changed how some controls are organized, not what every utility does. See Microsoft’s PowerToys overview for the current project and utility information.
Rank #3
- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
Are the Command Palette performance figures about the dashboard?
No. Windows Central also reported performance figures for Command Palette, a separate PowerToys component. Those numbers should not be treated as evidence that the Settings dashboard became faster or easier to use.
| Reported Command Palette change | Figure | What it describes |
|---|---|---|
| Lower startup memory use | 15% lower | Command Palette, not the Settings dashboard |
| Faster load time | 40% faster | Command Palette, not the Settings dashboard |
| Faster built-in extension loading | 70% faster | Command Palette extensions, not the Settings dashboard |
| Smaller installation size | Approximately 55% smaller | Command Palette, not the Settings dashboard |
These are figures from PowerToys release material reproduced in the Windows Central report. They concern Command Palette and do not quantify usability or first impressions.
Rank #4
- 【Efficient Performance】 Powered by Intel Core i3 processor (2 cores, 4 threads, up to 3.4GHz) with 12GB RAM and 256GB SSD. Handles multitasking, office software, online classes, and HD video streaming smoothly. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Backlit Keyboard & Complete Package】Comes with a cool backlit keyboard. Comes with awebcam, dual stereo speakers (8Ω/1.0W each), DC charger, and user manual – ready for late-night studying, online classes, video conferencing, and daily productivity
- 【Vibrant Display】 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with 16:9 aspect ratio delivers crisp images and vivid colors – perfect for studying, watching lectures, or entertainment. Thin-bezel design maximizes viewing area
- 【Fast Connectivity & Expansion】 Equipped with WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2 for stable, high-speed wireless. Features 3 x USB 3.0, HDMI 2.1, Type-C (supports PD3.0 fast charging), and a TF card slot expandable up to 2TB – easily connect external monitors, mice, drives, or expand storage for all your files
- 【Long Battery Life & Portable】 Built-in 11.55V 5000mAh/57.75Wh high-capacity battery delivers approximately 7 hours of mixed-use battery life – enough for a full day of classes and assignments. Lightweight at just 1.63kg (3.6 lbs) and 19.5mm thin, plus a compact packing size – easily slips into a backpack for campus, library, or coffee shop
What changed in later PowerToys releases?
The 0.93 dashboard refresh is distinct from interface changes described later. Microsoft’s August 2026 PowerToys 0.101 release post described a redesigned update experience with Stable and Insider channels, along with an opt-in compact mode for Command Palette. Those later changes should not be confused with the 0.93 Settings homepage work.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
