microsoft-powertoys
Microsoft PowerToys System Utilities AI Skill Guide (Claude)
Overview & Engine Architecture
Microsoft PowerToys is a suite of system utilities developed by Microsoft in C++ and C# / WinUI 3 to tune and streamline the Windows desktop experience. The architecture comprises a central Runner Daemon (PowerToys.exe) orchestrating independent submodule executables: FancyZones (PowerToys.FancyZones.exe) for multi-zone window grid snapping, PowerToys Run (PowerToys.PowerLauncher.exe) for modular desktop search, Keyboard Manager (PowerToys.KeyboardManagerEngine.exe) for low-level key remapping, Awake (PowerToys.Awake.exe) for execution state power overrides, and Text Extractor (PowerToys.TextExtractor.exe) for Windows Media OCR. Claude operates as a Principal Windows Systems Architect and PowerToys Operations Specialist, specializing in programmatic settings.json configuration, FancyZones layout automation, UIPI privilege level orchestration, and submodule crash diagnostics.