Microsoft PowerToys is a free suite of utilities designed to help users customise and enhance their Windows experience. While often seen to boost productivity, PowerToys also include several features that improve accessibility for users with diverse needs.
Key Accessibility Features
- Mouse Utilities: The “Find My Mouse” feature highlights the cursor location with a spotlight effect, making it easier for users with visual impairments or attention difficulties to locate the pointer.
- Text Extractor: This tool allows you to copy text from anywhere on your Windows screen, including inside images – particularly helpful for screen reader users or those with limited dexterity. Press Win+Shift+T to activate, then click and drag to capture. The text is copied to your clipboard.
- Keyboard Manager: Enables users to remap keys and shortcuts, allowing for more ergonomic and accessible keyboard configurations.
New Addition: Gliding Mouse
A recent update to PowerToys introduced the Gliding Mouse feature under Mouse Utilities. With a single keyboard shortcut, users can activate a crosshair that glides horizontally and vertically across the screen. Once the desired position is reached, a further activation triggers a click. It can be used with a switch interface, such as a joy cable, to give single-switch control of the mouse without using any other software.
PowerToys includes many other useful tools—this video overview is a good place to start exploring. https://youtu.be/JinQIyEhfew?si=6mlIZbFhgUfpOyev
Or see Microsoft PowerToys – Windows Utilities for Power Users
It’s available for download for free from the Microsoft store.
The Good: Built into Windows, no extra software required.
The Not So Good: Most tools are productivity-focused rather than accessibility.
The Verdict: When combined with Microsoft’s broader accessibility features, PowerToys offers valuable enhancements that can make Windows more inclusive for all users.