PowerToys is getting a new monitor utility for Windows 11 and 10

PowerToys offers a wide range of tools and utilities that enhance the stock user experience, with recent additions such as Light Switch, a tool for automatic theme switching (something that Microsoft still won"t implement on the system level). Now, it looks like Microsoft is working on another tool that should tap into external hardware, particularly your monitor.

Nielse Laute, a Program Manager at Microsoft working on stuff like PowerToys and the Windows Developer Platform, posted on their X a screenshot of the upcoming monitor utility. Not much is known about this one at this point, but it appears that the tool will let you tweak multiple monitor settings, something that traditionally required using the monitor"s built-in OSD menu. Some manufacturers offer dedicated apps for managing certain settings, but they often are not very user-friendly. Apps like TwinkleTray fix that by providing universal monitor control applications, and PowerToys is now getting similar capabilities.

The post on X has a screenshot attached, showing sliders for various settings like brightness, contrast, and volume for built-in speakers. A proposed pull request on GitHub also shows additional tweaks like color temperature and more.

Microsoft is not saying when the "Power Monitor" module (as proposed on GitHub) will make it to the general public.

Meanwhile, if you need an app for controlling brightness and other features of your monitor, you can check free apps like TwinkleTray (available for free in the Microsoft Store) or DisplayBuddy (available for $8.99 in the Microsoft Store with a free trial). Note that apps like these may not be compatible with every monitor, so your experience could vary depending on your display.

In addition to monitor controls, PowerToys may soon get a new webcam utility that can help you look better during calls by placing a ring of light on your monitor.

You can download PowerToys from the Microsoft Store or GitHub.