Two long-requested features are finally making their way to Windows 11, and they’re arriving via PowerToys, not the core OS. Microsoft’s latest PowerToys update includes tools that let you auto-switch between light and dark modes and easily resolve shortcut conflicts.

PowerToys finally adds auto dark mode for Windows 11

Windows 11 users have had to manually toggle between light and dark themes, something iOS and Android have automated for years. That’s finally changing. A new PowerToys utility will let you schedule theme changes based on custom times or even sunrise and sunset.

It’s a simple feature, but a highly requested one and surprisingly absent from the system settings. The new utility is expected to roll out next month, bringing theme automation without the need for third-party workarounds.

Shortcut conflicts? PowerToys now shows you what’s clashing

The 0.94 version of PowerToys introduces a shortcut conflicts detector, a handy addition as PowerToys continues to expand. With so many modules available, overlapping shortcuts can become a problem. Now, the system flags conflicts in red, making it easy to reassign them before they cause chaos.

Here’s what the new conflict tool helps with:

• Detects duplicate or overlapping keyboard shortcuts
• Highlights conflicts in red for easy identification
• Allows users to quickly reassign shortcuts within the app
• Works across both Windows and PowerToys-specific commands

Whether it’s Quick Accent, FancyZones, or File Locksmith, you’ll know exactly which shortcuts are active and which ones need fixing.

More updates are on the way

Microsoft says future updates will include a revamped Keyboard Manager UI and additional utility improvements. PowerToys continues to serve as the feature lab for Windows, quietly fixing gaps the main OS still leaves behind.

Until these features make it into native Windows, PowerToys remains essential for anyone who actually uses their PC with purpose.