Microsoft Rolls Out PowerToys Update With Stability Fixes and Improvements

Microsoft has released PowerToys version 0.98.1, a follow-up update that focuses entirely on stability and refinements after the recent 0.98 release. While it doesn’t introduce new features, it brings a range of fixes and improvements, so let’s see what’s new in this update.

PowerToys 0.98.1 Overview

PowerToys 0.98.1 is a maintenance release that focuses on polishing the overall experience. It includes several behind-the-scenes improvements, along with fixes targeting stability and usability across key tools.

Always On Top Gets Better Control

The update brings improvements to the Always On Top utility, which now supports separate hotkeys for adjusting window opacity independently from the main pin shortcut. This allows users to fine-tune transparency without affecting pinned window behavior.

Command Palette Fixes Crashes and Missing Features

Command Palette receives multiple fixes aimed at restoring functionality and preventing crashes. Microsoft resolved issues where context menu actions were missing in app search results and fixed problems with primary commands failing to load after delayed extension initialization.

The company also addressed crashes related to negative array sizes and pop-up handling. Scrolling issues have been fixed, UI elements refined, and visual flickering during settings changes has been significantly reduced.

Improved Stability and Performance

Microsoft improved resource cleanup processes across the app. These changes should lead to better performance, fewer slowdowns, and a more stable overall experience during extended use.

Keyboard Shortcut Manager Adjustments

The Keyboard Shortcut Manager has been updated with stability in mind. Microsoft temporarily removed the separate toggle for the Keyboard Manager Service to prevent issues.

The update also adds support for whitespace-only shortcuts, expanding customization options for advanced users.

Settings Issues Resolved

Several bugs affecting the Settings experience have been fixed. Microsoft resolved a crash caused by a missing PowerDisplay.Lib.dll dependency and fixed an issue where clicking the Settings button would open a blank page instead of the Home screen.

No New Features, Just Refinement

PowerToys 0.98.1 is focused entirely on polishing the experience after the major 0.98 update. The release prioritizes bug fixes, stability improvements, and usability refinements rather than introducing new functionality.

Users can install the update directly through the app or download it from the official GitHub repository.

In other news, Microsoft has also pushed a recent Windows 11 KB5079391 update to the public while tightening policies around legacy driver support.

Via Neowin