PowerToys Window Hopper Makes Switching Windows in Windows 11 Easier

Microsoft has released a new version of its PowerToys utility suite, version 0.101.2362.0. The main highlight is the Window Hopper tool, which makes it easier to switch between windows of a single application. According to bleepingcomputer.com, it works similarly to Alt + Tab but only cycles through windows of the currently active program.

How Window Hopper Works

Window Hopper is activated by pressing Alt and the backtick key, i.e., the ` character in the top-left corner of the keyboard. According to windowscentral.com, holding Alt and repeatedly pressing the key cycles through the open windows of the same application. The shortcut can be customized in PowerToys settings.

The tool works with any application that can have multiple windows open, including File Explorer. Microsoft stated: "Once the utility is enabled, press the configurable Alt + backtick shortcut to cycle through that app's windows without having to go through everything else on your desktop. This is especially useful when you're working with multiple browser windows, terminals, File Explorer windows, or editor instances."

Other Improvements in the Update

According to bleepingcomputer.com, the update also adds a compact mode for Command Palette, which opens the tool as a search box in an adjustable vertical position. Additionally, support has been added for PowerDisplay, which allows adjusting brightness on all monitors simultaneously, and activation of Shortcut Guide with the Windows key.

Another new feature is the DemoMirror function in the ZoomIt tool for mirroring part of the screen, a window, or the entire desktop to a second monitor. A new Mouse Highlighter mode is also available for click effects.

History and Availability of PowerToys

PowerToys originally launched in the Windows 95 era as a collection of small freeware utilities. In 2019, Microsoft revived the suite as an open-source project. The current version can be downloaded for free from the official GitHub repository or from the Microsoft Store.