Windows includes many useful tools that most people never explore. While many users rely on familiar apps such as File Explorer, Settings, and Task Manager, Microsoft also provides utilities that can help you manage applications, investigate system problems, automate everyday tasks, and understand what is happening inside your computer.

Some of these tools are built directly into Windows, while others are available as free downloads from Microsoft. They can be particularly useful for developers, IT professionals, power users, and anyone who wants more control over their PC.

In this guide, we will explore 12 hidden Microsoft utilities worth knowing about, explain what each one does, and show you how to get started with them.

1. Microsoft PowerToys

Microsoft PowerToys is a collection of free utilities designed to make Windows more convenient for advanced users. It adds practical features that are not always available in the standard Windows interface.

One of its biggest advantages is that you can install several useful tools in a single package rather than searching for separate applications.

Useful PowerToys features include:

• PowerToys Run: Quickly search for and open applications, files, and other items.

• FancyZones: Arrange application windows into custom layouts.

• Text Extractor: Copy text from areas of your screen, including text that may not be selectable normally.

• PowerRename: Rename multiple files at once using advanced search and replacement options.

• Always On Top: Keep a selected window visible above other windows.

• Keyboard Manager: Remap keys and create custom keyboard shortcuts.

• Color Picker: Identify a color displayed on your screen and copy its color code.

For example, if you regularly work with several browser windows, code editors, and documents, FancyZones can help you organize your desktop more efficiently.

How to get started: Search for Microsoft PowerToys in the Microsoft Store or download it from Microsoft’s official website. Open PowerToys and enable the features you want to use.

PowerToys is especially helpful for people who spend several hours a day working on a Windows computer.

2. Sysinternals Suite

The Sysinternals Suite is a collection of advanced troubleshooting and system-monitoring utilities from Microsoft. It is particularly valuable when ordinary Windows tools do not provide enough information to identify a problem.

These tools are commonly useful for developers, IT administrators, and experienced Windows users.

Some of the most useful utilities in the collection are described below.

Process Explorer

Process Explorer provides detailed information about running processes, including their resource usage and relationships with other processes.

It can help you investigate questions such as:

• Which process is using a particular file?

• Which application is consuming unexpected system resources?

• What processes are running under a particular application?

• Which process may be responsible for unusual system activity?

It offers a deeper view of running applications than the basic process list in Task Manager.

Autoruns

Autoruns helps you inspect applications and components configured to start automatically when Windows boots or when a user signs in.

Too many startup entries can make a computer take longer to become ready for use. Autoruns helps you identify entries that deserve further investigation.

However, do not disable unfamiliar entries simply because you do not recognize their names. Some are required by Windows, security software, drivers, or other applications.

Process Monitor

Process Monitor records detailed file-system, registry, and process activity. It is useful when an application fails to open a file, cannot access a registry setting, or behaves unexpectedly.

For example, a developer investigating an application error can use Process Monitor to see which files and registry locations the application attempts to access.

These tools are powerful, but their detailed output can be confusing at first. Start with a specific problem and use filters to narrow the results.

How to get started: Visit Microsoft’s official Sysinternals website and download the utilities you need. You do not have to learn the entire suite at once.

3. Windows Terminal

Windows Terminal is a modern application for working with command-line tools. Instead of opening separate windows for different command-line environments, you can use multiple tabs and panes in one place.

It supports environments such as Command Prompt, PowerShell, and Windows Subsystem for Linux when the relevant components are installed.

Windows Terminal is useful for:

• Running Windows commands and PowerShell scripts.

• Managing development projects.

• Working with Git and other command-line applications.

• Running package-management commands.

• Comparing output from different terminal sessions.

• Using Linux command-line tools through WSL.

One useful feature is the ability to split a terminal window into multiple panes. This can help developers monitor a running application while executing other commands.

For example, you could run a local development server in one pane and execute testing commands in another.

How to get started: Search for Windows Terminal in the Start menu. If it is not installed, check the Microsoft Store or Microsoft’s official Windows documentation for installation options.

If you regularly work with scripts, software development, or system administration, Windows Terminal is worth exploring.

4. Resource Monitor

Task Manager provides a convenient overview of CPU, memory, disk, and network usage. Resource Monitor offers a more detailed look at these resources.

It is built into Windows and can be particularly helpful when your PC becomes slow or an application appears to be using too many resources.

Resource Monitor includes separate views for:

• CPU: Inspect processes and services using processor resources.

• Memory: Review memory usage and related system information.

• Disk: See which processes are reading from or writing to storage.

• Network: Examine network activity associated with running processes.

Imagine that your computer becomes slow even though no obvious application appears to be using much CPU. Resource Monitor can help you investigate whether a process is performing extensive disk activity.

It can also help you identify applications generating unexpected network traffic, although it does not replace a complete network-security investigation.

How to open it:

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.

2. Type resmon.

3. Press Enter.

You can then select the resource category you want to investigate.

Resource Monitor is a useful first step when troubleshooting performance issues without installing additional software.

5. Reliability Monitor

Reliability Monitor is one of the most useful Windows troubleshooting tools that many users overlook.

It presents a timeline of system events, application failures, Windows errors, and other reliability-related information. This makes it easier to understand when problems began and whether they occur repeatedly.

For example, if a video editor starts crashing after a recent update, Reliability Monitor may show application failures around the time the problem appeared.

It can help you investigate:

• Applications that repeatedly stop responding.

• Software crashes.

• Certain Windows failures.

• Problems that began after software installations or updates.

• Patterns in system stability over time.

The tool does not always explain the exact cause of an error, but it can provide useful clues for further troubleshooting.

How to open Reliability Monitor:

1. Open the Start menu.

2. Search for View reliability history.

3. Open the matching result.

4. Select a date on the timeline to review the recorded events.

5. Open an event’s details to see the available information.

This is a good place to start if your computer has become unstable and you cannot remember when the issue first appeared.

6. Event Viewer

Event Viewer records information about Windows, applications, services, and security-related events. It is especially useful when you need more detailed information about a system problem.

Unlike Reliability Monitor, which presents a simplified timeline, Event Viewer organizes records into logs and categories.

Important areas include:

• Windows Logs: Contains Application, System, Security, and Setup logs, subject to your permissions.

• Application logs: Can help investigate software errors.

• System logs: Can provide information about drivers, services, and Windows components.

• Setup logs: May help investigate certain installation and update issues.

Suppose your computer restarts unexpectedly or a Windows service fails to start. Relevant events in Event Viewer may help you identify what happened before or during the failure.

How to open Event Viewer:

1. Press Win + R.

2. Type eventvwr.msc.

3. Press Enter.

4. Select the relevant log from the left panel.

5. Look for events recorded around the time the problem occurred.

Pay attention to the event’s source, time, description, and error details. A warning or error does not automatically mean something is seriously wrong. Windows records many events during normal operation, so focus on entries related to the problem you are investigating.

7. Windows Sandbox

Windows Sandbox provides a temporary, isolated desktop environment for running applications separately from your main Windows installation.

It can be useful when you want to test an unfamiliar program or examine a file without immediately introducing it into your normal working environment.

When you close Windows Sandbox, its temporary environment and the files stored inside it are discarded.

Common uses include:

• Testing software before installing it on your main system.

• Checking application behavior in a clean Windows environment.

• Exploring unfamiliar installers.

• Testing certain configuration changes.

• Reproducing software issues without changing your everyday desktop.

However, Windows Sandbox should not be treated as a guarantee of safety. Sophisticated threats may escape ordinary precautions, and files you copy between the host and sandbox can introduce risks.

Only download software from trustworthy sources, and follow your organization’s security policies when testing potentially dangerous files.

How to get started:

1. Check whether your Windows edition supports Windows Sandbox.

2. Search for Turn Windows features on or off.

3. If available, enable Windows Sandbox and restart if prompted.

4. Search for Windows Sandbox in the Start menu.

Availability depends on the Windows edition, hardware, and virtualization configuration. If you cannot find the feature, check Microsoft’s current requirements before troubleshooting further.

8. Windows Package Manager (WinGet)

Windows Package Manager, commonly known as WinGet, makes it possible to install and manage supported applications from the command line.

Instead of manually opening multiple websites to download common applications, you can use WinGet to search for and install packages from configured sources.

It can help with:

• Finding available applications.

• Installing supported software.

• Checking for application updates.

• Upgrading selected applications.

• Exporting and importing application lists for certain setup workflows.

For example, you can open Windows Terminal or PowerShell and run:

winget search firefox

This searches configured package sources for matching applications.

To check which packages have available upgrades, use:

winget upgrade

To upgrade a specific package, use its verified package ID:

winget upgrade --id Mozilla.Firefox

Package identifiers and available commands can change, so check the search results and command output before proceeding. Some applications require administrator permission or may use their own installation process.

WinGet is particularly useful when setting up a new PC or maintaining several development tools.

9. Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

Windows Subsystem for Linux allows users to run supported Linux distributions and command-line environments on Windows without requiring a traditional dual-boot setup.

It is especially useful for developers who need Linux tools while continuing to use Windows applications.

With WSL, you can work with:

• Linux command-line utilities.

• Bash and other supported shells.

• Development tools and package managers.

• Linux-based programming environments.

• Certain server and scripting workflows.

For example, a developer can use Windows for everyday tasks while running Linux-based build tools or scripts in a WSL environment.

WSL also supports integration with Windows tools, allowing you to work across both environments.

How to get started: On supported Windows systems, open Terminal or PowerShell with the required permissions and run:

wsl --install

Follow the prompts and restart your computer if required. The exact setup experience depends on your Windows version and configuration.

WSL is particularly useful for web developers, software engineers, and anyone learning Linux.

10. Snipping Tool and Text Actions

The Windows Snipping Tool is more than a basic screenshot application. Depending on your Windows version and available features, it can also help you capture screen content and extract text from images.

This can save time when working with screenshots, error messages, documents, or information displayed inside applications.

Useful features may include:

• Capturing a selected area of the screen.

• Taking window or full-screen screenshots.

• Recording supported screen activity.

• Copying text from a captured image using text actions.

• Hiding certain sensitive information in supported workflows.

For example, if an application displays an error message that you cannot select, you may be able to capture the message and extract its text instead of typing it manually.

How to get started:

1. Open the Start menu.

2. Search for Snipping Tool.

3. Capture the area you need.

4. Explore the available editing and text-related options.

Some features depend on your Snipping Tool version, Windows build, language, and device. Avoid capturing confidential information unless you have a suitable reason and understand where the screenshot will be stored or shared.

11. Storage Sense

Storage Sense is a built-in Windows feature that helps manage disk space by removing selected temporary files and other eligible items.

It is useful for computers that frequently run low on storage, particularly when temporary files and unused items accumulate over time.

Depending on your settings, Storage Sense can help manage:

• Temporary system and application files.

• Certain files in the Recycle Bin.

• Locally stored cloud files that meet configured conditions.

• Other eligible storage items.

It is important to review the available settings before enabling automatic cleanup. For example, files in the Downloads folder may be important, and you should not configure Windows to remove them automatically unless that behavior suits your needs.

How to enable Storage Sense:

1. Open Settings.

2. Select System.

3. Open Storage.

4. Find Storage Sense.

5. Review its settings and choose a cleanup schedule that works for you.

Storage Sense is a safer starting point for routine storage maintenance than manually deleting unfamiliar folders from the Windows directory.

It will not solve every storage problem, but it can reduce the need for repeated manual cleanup.

12. Quick Assist

Quick Assist is a Microsoft tool that allows one person to provide remote assistance to another Windows user.

It can be useful for troubleshooting a family member’s computer, helping a colleague, or providing technical support when you cannot physically access the device.

Depending on the session and permissions, Quick Assist can support screen viewing and remote interaction.

Typical uses include:

• Helping someone locate a Windows setting.

• Troubleshooting an application problem.

• Guiding another user through a configuration change.

• Providing basic technical support remotely.

How to use Quick Assist:

1. Open the Start menu and search for Quick Assist.

2. The person providing assistance signs in and generates an assistance code.

3. The person receiving help enters the code.

4. The recipient reviews the request and grants the required permission.

5. The helper provides assistance within the approved session.

Only accept remote assistance from someone you trust. Never share an assistance code with an unknown caller or someone claiming to represent a company without verification.

Quick Assist is useful for legitimate support, but remote access should always be handled carefully.

Which Microsoft Utility Should You Use?

The best tool depends on the task you want to complete. This table provides a quick reference.

You do not need to install or learn every tool. Start with the utilities that address your current needs, then explore more advanced features as you become comfortable with them.

Tips for Using Advanced Windows Utilities Safely

These utilities can provide greater control over your computer, but some also expose settings that can affect system stability.

Keep the following practices in mind:

1. Download tools from Microsoft or trusted sources. Avoid unofficial download sites that bundle additional software or modify installation files.

2. Understand changes before applying them. Do not disable startup entries, services, or system components simply because their names are unfamiliar.

3. Create a backup before making major changes. Back up important files before changing system settings or performing significant troubleshooting.

4. Use administrator permissions carefully. Run tools with elevated permissions only when required, and understand what the command or operation will do.

5. Keep Windows and your applications updated. Updates can include security fixes, compatibility improvements, and bug fixes.

6. Avoid deleting files you do not recognize. A folder or process that looks unfamiliar may belong to Windows, a driver, or a legitimate application.

7. Use diagnostic information in context. An isolated warning in Event Viewer or a brief increase in CPU usage does not necessarily indicate a serious problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are hidden Microsoft utilities free?

Many utilities included with Windows are available without an additional purchase. Microsoft also offers free downloads such as PowerToys and Sysinternals tools. Availability and features may depend on your Windows version and device configuration.

Which Microsoft utility is best for advanced Windows users?

PowerToys is a good starting point for everyday productivity. Resource Monitor and Reliability Monitor are useful for troubleshooting, while Sysinternals tools provide more detailed information for advanced diagnostics.

Can these tools improve Windows performance?

Some can help you identify performance problems, organize applications, and manage storage. However, installing or opening these utilities will not automatically make a computer faster. The results depend on the underlying problem and how you use each tool.

Is Windows Terminal better than Command Prompt?

Windows Terminal is a modern terminal application that can host Command Prompt, PowerShell, and other supported command-line environments. It adds features such as tabs and panes, but the commands available still depend on the environment running inside it.

Is Microsoft PowerToys safe to use?

PowerToys is a Microsoft utility collection designed to extend Windows functionality. Download it from a trusted official source and review individual features before enabling them, particularly on work-managed computers.

What is the difference between Resource Monitor and Task Manager?

Task Manager provides a convenient overview of applications, processes, and system resource usage. Resource Monitor offers more detailed views of CPU, memory, disk, and network activity for troubleshooting.

Do all these utilities work on Windows 11?

Many work on Windows 11, but some features depend on the Windows edition, build, installed components, or hardware. Check the requirements for each utility before installing or enabling it.

Should beginners use advanced Windows tools?

Yes, provided they start with straightforward tools and avoid changing unfamiliar system settings. PowerToys, Storage Sense, and Resource Monitor are reasonable starting points. Tools such as Autoruns and Process Monitor are better approached with a clear goal and some understanding of their output.

Final Thoughts

Windows includes far more useful features than many users realize. Microsoft PowerToys can improve everyday productivity, Sysinternals tools can help investigate complicated problems, and utilities such as Resource Monitor and Reliability Monitor can make troubleshooting easier.

Other tools, including WinGet, Windows Terminal, and WSL, are especially valuable for developers and people who manage applications through the command line.

You do not need to use every utility to benefit from them. Choose the ones that match your workflow, learn their basic functions, and make changes carefully. With the right tools, you can understand your Windows computer better and handle many common tasks more efficiently.