Microsoft PowerToys enhances window switching with new Window Hopper utility

Microsoft has introduced a new Window Hopper feature in PowerToys 0.101, allowing Windows users to cycle through open windows within the same app, improving productivity and window management.

Microsoft has added a more targeted way to move between windows in PowerToys 0.101. The new Window Hopper utility lets Windows users cycle only through the windows that belong to the app they are already using, rather than stepping through every open programme on the desktop. According to Microsoft’s announcement, the feature is triggered by a configurable shortcut, with Alt + backtick set as the default.

The practical value is clear for people who keep several windows open inside the same application. BleepingComputer noted that the tool is especially useful for browsers and File Explorer, while Thurrott highlighted its value for terminals and editor instances as well. In effect, it gives Alt + Tab a narrower scope, which should reduce the time spent skipping past unrelated apps when, for example, several Chrome windows are open alongside messaging tools and system utilities.

Window Hopper does not replace the standard task switcher. It is designed to sit alongside Alt + Tab, which remains the better option for moving between different applications. For users who want broader switching features, third-party tools already exist, but Microsoft’s approach has the advantage of being built into PowerToys and free to use without additional software.

PowerToys 0.101 also brings other refinements. Microsoft has added a compact mode for the Command Palette, allowing it to appear as a smaller search box before expanding as needed. Thurrott reported that search ranking and icon loading have also been improved, while Advanced Paste now supports Microsoft’s Phi Silica on-device model on compatible PCs, enabling AI-powered clipboard actions without a cloud endpoint or API key.