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Newsletter 02/06/2022 Back to Contents

PowerToys in the XCross Hairs

Microsoft released an update to PowerToys this past week.  Among the improvements were many bug fixes.  150 different file types, mostly of use to software developers, were added to the File Preview List in File Explorer.  There were also major features added to the Mouse Utilities.  Among other new features, the Mouse Utilities now offers a crosshairs that allows a user who might be visually impaired to focus on a specific part of the computer screen.  With a cataract thrice diagnosed in my right eye, and a possible torn retina in my left eye, I would say I am a wee bit visually impaired.

To produce this blog requires me to pay very close attention to the screen.  To be able to put my focus on one very small part of the screen has been very beneficial to me.  So let's upgrade PowerToys.  And if you did not catch my last posting about PowerToys, it's on the Contents list.
When you click the PowerToys icon either from the Notification area or the apps list, you will see the PowerToys General Screen.  From there, updating PowerToys is very much like what we just reviewed with Windows Update.  Click the Check for Updates Button.  The most  current version as of this writing is v. 055.1.

Once the update is installed, click Mouse Utilities.  From there, you can customize how the xHairs appear and behave.  The keyboard shortcut to display the xHairs is Control + Alt + P.  Learn that, and you can toggle the xHairs on and off. 

And if you know someone who is truly vision impaired but still must use a computer, introduce the PowerToys xHairs to them.  You will be their Super Hero for a Day.

Gerald Reiff
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