How does PowerToys/Keyboard Manager manage updates? Does each update have to be downloaded/installed manually by an admin user?

Question

This question is regarding the Keyboard Manager tool of PowerToys.

*** Moved from Windows / Windows 11 / Apps / Windows apps ***

Answer 1

Hello, Kevin J138

Welcome to the Microsoft Community.

Thank you for your feedback here. It seems that you would like to ask about the update behavior of PowerToys and whether administrator privileges are required.

In order to help you better, can I ask what environment you are using, is it a domain environment such as an organization or company, or are you just using updates at home, etc.?

I will start by sharing some information for you that may help:

1. PowerToys update mechanism

PowerToys checks for new versions by default and prompts the user to update. It has a built-in automatic update feature, but due to the permissions restrictions under which it operates, updates need to be downloaded and installed manually, and usually require administrator privileges.

Update features:

Update installer: PowerToys will detect a new version in the background and prompt the user for an update via a notification (system tray), but it will not automatically perform the download and installation.

Administrator privileges are required to install updates:

This is because many features of PowerToys (e.g. Keyboard Manager, FancyZones, etc.) require elevated privileges (e.g. global hotkey remapping, desktop management features).

Installing a new version of an executable file involves overwriting existing files and system permission adjustments, and therefore requires administrator privileges.

2. Is it possible to avoid each manual administrator installation?

Currently, PowerToys does not have the ability to fully automate updates - each update still requires the user to do it manually and obtain administrator privileges. This is designed to ensure security and avoid unauthorized automated updates.

However, you can simplify the update process:

Here are some ways to simplify managing PowerToys updates:

Method 1: Installation through the Microsoft Store

If you install PowerToys through the Microsoft Store, updates are completed automatically and do not need to be downloaded and installed manually.

Steps:

Open the Microsoft Store.

Search for “PowerToys” and install.

The Microsoft Store will process the update automatically without further action.

Pros: Updates are completely automatic.

Cons: Versions installed through the Microsoft Store may be a little behind on updates compared to versions downloaded directly.

Method 2: Enable automatic update checking

If you are still installing standalone versions of PowerToys through the official website, you can enable automatic update notifications to make sure you are aware of updates as soon as possible.

To check for and enable automatic update notifications

Open the PowerToys main interface.

Click General in the left menu bar.

Verify that the following options are enabled:

“Download updates automatically (optional, off by default).

Check “Check for updates on start”.

When prompted for a new version, manually download the installer and complete the update using administrator privileges.

Best regards

Bobhe | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Answer 2

Hi Bobhe,

Thanks for the response, to answer your question, we will be using Keyboard Manager within a domain environment in our organization. We want to see if we can manage updates by pushing the installation when available.