Microsoft PowerToys cheat sheet: How to get it, and what can it do?

No matter how many features Microsoft crams into its Windows 10 operating system, there will always be users looking for a faster, better or different way of doing things. Microsoft’s acknowledgment of this force of human nature is the Microsoft PowerToys download. With the general release of Microsoft Windows 11, developers are now referring to this project as Microsoft PowerToys rather than Windows 10 PowerToys.

SEE: Get lifetime access to Microsoft Office 2021 with this deal from TechRepublic Academy

A set of slightly unusual free Windows tools has been a part of the Windows operating system landscape since Windows 95, but their availability was noticeably absent for Windows 10 and Windows 11 — at least until September 2019.

In 2019, Microsoft partnered with Janea Systems and released the first two PowerToys for Windows 10, accompanied by a promise of more releases in the near future. This TechRepublic cheat sheet describes each available tool or feature provided by Microsoft’s official Microsoft PowerToys and describes what each system utility can do.

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The first set of Microsoft PowerToys were first made available for Windows 95. That first set of 15 free utilities were published and endorsed by Microsoft and made available in a free download.

From the beginning, PowerToys were designed for “power users” who were seeking ways to tweak how the operating system functions. In some cases, inexperienced users were able to make a careless change while using a PowerToys utility, which could wreak havoc within the Windows operating system; as such, novice users have often been encouraged to use caution.

For the most part, though, PowerToys have allowed users — whether they considered themselves power users or not — to more easily make tweaks to the look and feel of Windows without a deep dive into configuration screens or the dreaded and dangerous edit of the Windows Registry file.

Even in the earliest iterations of PowerToys, Microsoft offered users many valuable functionalities. Windows 95 PowerToys included:

Through the years and various Windows versions, individual PowerToys have come and gone. Each Windows version inspired a new set of tools based on what developers perceived was needed to improve and enhance that version. Windows 10 inspired a completely new set of PowerToys.

Traditionally, each of the Microsoft PowerToys has been offered as a separate executable file, available as a free download from a specific Microsoft website.

For Windows 10 and Windows 11, Microsoft has taken a slightly different approach. All Windows 10 PowerToys are now included as part of a free downloadable system that users can configure. Figure A shows you what the Microsoft PowerToys system looks like.

Figure A

Windows PowerToys Version 0.70.0 is available on GitHub right now. Release v0.70.0 adds the Mouse Without Borders and Peek utilities to the toolset already available in PowerToys as well as makes some quality-of-life improvements and bug fixes.

Mouse Without Borders enables the ability to interact with other computers from the same keyboard and mouse and share clipboard and files between the machines. Peek provides a quick preview of files selected in File Explorer when users press a specified keyboard shortcut.

These PowerToys are currently available:

SEE: All of TechRepublic’s cheat sheets and smart person’s guides

Here is a list of available Microsoft PowerToys with a brief description of what each toy does.

FancyZones allows users to manage where and how each application window that is open on a Windows desktop will display.

SEE: Learn more about how to use and configure FancyZones.

For example, you could use FancyZones to set up a Windows 10 desktop where Outlook always displays on the right-hand side of the desktop, Twitter or other social media always displays on the left-hand side of the desktop, and Word or Excel always displays in the middle between the other two. There would be three distinct and perpetual zones displayed at all times (Figure B).

Figure B

The Windows key Shortcut Guide displays all of the available keyboard shortcuts for the current Windows desktop (Figure C). This PowerToy is activated by holding the Windows key down for the length of time specified in the tool’s configuration settings. The default is 900ms.

SEE: Here’s how to use the Windows key Shortcut Guide.

With this feature, users don’t have to remember so many Windows key-related shortcut combinations.

Figure C

The PowerRename Windows PowerToy provides users with advanced tools for bulk renaming of files. The toy extends the Windows Shell Context Menu to add an entry for PowerRename to File Explorer (Figure D).

Figure D

With PowerRename enabled, simple search and replace or more powerful regular expression matching are added to your toolset for the bulk renaming process. A preview area is displayed as you perform search and replace procedures, so you can see how file names will change before initiating the action.

This Windows PowerToy expands on the Preview Pane feature already available in the standard File Explorer application by adding additional file types. Preview Pane allows users to preview the contents of a file after clicking it in File Explorer without actually opening the file (Figure E).

Figure E

Version 0.16.0 adds preview support for Scalable Vector Graphics (.svg) and Markdown (.md) files. Subsequent PowerToys releases have added more file types including source code files and geometric code.

The Image Resizer Windows PowerToy adds more functionality to File Explorer by allowing users to apply bulk image resizing. Users can select images in File Explorer and then select the new Resize Pictures item on the context menu, revealed with a right-click on any image (Figure F).

Figure F

The Window Walker Windows PowerToy is designed to be an alternative to the standard Alt-Tab feature in Windows 10 and Windows 11. Users press the CTRL-Windows key combination instead of Alt-Tab to pull up a search box (Figure G). Users then enter keywords into the search box to narrow down the currently open apps and screens on their desktop.

Figure G

PowerToys Run acts as a quick launcher in Windows. It is another extension of the ALT-Tab concept and taps into the Windows file indexing system. To activate the tool, use the keyboard combination ALT-Space and start typing the name of your desired application (Figure H).

Figure H

PowerToys Run will search the system and start listing possible applications based on your search phrase. When the application you desire appears, click or tap to run.

The Keyboard Manager application in Microsoft PowerToys is a simple keyboard remapper. Run the application from the PowerToys menu (Figure I) and either remap a single key on your keyboard or remap a shortcut keyboard combination. Whatever you remap will remain active as long as Keyboard Manager is enabled and PowerToys is running in the background.

Figure I

Color Picker was contributed to the Microsoft PowerToys project by Martin Chrzan. The utility allows you to identify any color on your screen by either its HEX or RGB code and then save that information to the Windows clipboard for later use (Figure J). It is a simple tool, but it can save time and prevent frustration for developers and content creators working on color design.

Figure J

As a number of organizations shifted to remote work structures during the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us now rely on video teleconferencing for work and school interactions and collaboration. The Video Conference Mute tool in Microsoft PowerToys allows you to mute the audio and video on your PC with a single key combination (Figure K).

Figure K

You may mute both audio and video at the same time or independently. The same key combination will toggle the audio and video back to the on position. The Video Conference Mute tool works regardless of what app you are using or what app is currently in the foreground.

The Microsoft PowerToys tool Awake was contributed to the PowerToys project by the community with attribution given to Den Delimarsky. Awake allows users to keep their computer awake on-demand without having to manage its power settings (Figure L).

Figure L

Mouse utilities was contributed to the Microsoft PowerToys project by Raymond Chen. Mouse utilities is a collection of features that enhance the mouse and cursor functionality on Windows systems.

SEE: Learn how to activate and use the Windows Mouse utilities.

With two consecutive presses of the Left CTRL key, Find My Mouse will locate your mouse cursor and highlight its current position with a halo (Figure M). Pressing the Esc key will dismiss the highlight. The Find My Mouse feature is useful for presentations on large displays when you want to draw the audience’s attention to a specific area of the screen.

Figure M

Always on Top allows users to designate the application window currently in focus as “always on top” with a keyboard shortcut toggle (Figure N).

Figure N

Regardless of what commands, mouse clicks or other inputs are made from that point on, the designated window will remain at the forefront, superseding any other open windows until Always on Top is toggled off. The default keyboard shortcut for the Always on Top toggle is Windows Key + CTRL + T.

The Microsoft PowerToys utility, Screen Ruler is a quick and easy way to measure the pixels represented on your display screen (Figure O). The tool is perfect for determining the pixel size of a potential screen capture or for lining up objects in a document.

Figure O

Quick Accent is an alternative way to type accented characters, which is useful for when a keyboard doesn’t support that specific accent with a quick key combo (Figure P). Use this utility to create accented characters, especially for writing in languages other than English.

Figure P

The Microsoft PowerToys utility Text Extractor is a convenient way to copy text from anywhere on your screen (Figure Q). This code is based on Joe Finney’s Text Grab. Text Extractor uses optical character recognition to read the text on the screen, so it may require editing or proofreading.

Figure Q

The Microsoft PowerToys utility File Locksmith is a Windows shell extension for checking what files are in use and by which processes (Figure R). After installing, right-click on one or more selected files in File Explorer, and then select “What’s using this file?” from the context menu.

Figure R

The Window PowerToys utility Hosts File Editor is a quick and simple utility for editing a local hosts file (Figure S). Note, the application will only work if a hosts file exists.

Figure S

The Microsoft PowerToys utility Mouse Jump is a new feature for the existing set of mouse utilities (Figure T). Mouse Jump allows you to instantly move the mouse pointer great distances on the same screen and even jump from one screen to another, if you wish.

SEE: Learn more about the features that released with PowerToys 0.68.0.

Figure T

The Window PowerToys utility Paste as Text is a keyboard combination shortcut that allows users to paste formatted clipboard contents as plain unformatted text (Figure U). Using this tool will also replace the formatted text with plain text in the clipboard, so users can always paste as text.

Figure U

PowerToys Registry Preview, released in Version 0.69.0, is designed to simplify the process of visualizing and editing Windows Registry files (Figure V). The utility app also allows you to write registry changes directly to the Windows Registry file without using the standard Regedit app that comes built into the Windows operating system.

Figure V

PowerToys Mouse Without Borders, released in Version 0.70.0, gives users the ability to interact with other computers using the same keyboard and mouse they are using for their current PC (Figure W). With Mouse Without Borders, users can also share clipboard and files between the machines. Control of the other computers is granted using an encryption key.

Figure W

Peek, released in Version 0.70.0, allows users to see a quick preview of files they select in File Explorer when they press a specified keyboard shortcut (Figure X). The keyboard shortcut can be modified to a user’s preference.

Figure X

New Microsoft PowerToys are periodically added to the Windows library to address new user expectations and requirements. As new PowerToys are released, this list of available tools will be updated to reflect that expansion.

Microsoft PowerToys provide tools and features that can make users of the Windows operating system more productive and, by extension, happier. Over the years, many users have come to depend on one or more of these PowerToys for their daily computer productivity. For many power users, PowerToys improve their quality of work and life.

SEE: Build a Microsoft 365 Services Usage Policy with this template from TechRepublic Premium.

Beyond making users more productive, PowerToys have also provided a glimpse into what features and tools could and should become an integral part of the Windows operating system in the future. Many of these once-separate tools have become just another part of the operating system during its next iteration.

Editor’s note: This article was updated to reflect the latest version of Microsoft PowerToys.

I'm a homes expert- follow my cheatsheet for creating a modern scandi home office

A few years ago, most WFH spaces comprised of resting your laptop on your knees as you perched on the sofa, or moving the kids breakfast bowls to one side as you sat at the kitchen table. But now, home office ideas are as popular and as important as bedroom and living room ideas, as you'll be hard pressed to find a family home, student let or millennial apartment without one.

But achieving a space that promotes both style as well as productivity, can be tricky to get right, especially if your home office space is really just a 'zone' within another room of your house.

Luckily I am on hand to guide you, with my fail-safe 'cheatsheet' of essential ingredients to create an inspiring, streamline and stylishly scandi home office, that you can tick off as you go. 

With over 12 year of experience working on Interior Magazines, and a degree in Interior Design, I know my way around a successful room refresh. Every space in my home has seen a slow, yet complete DIY overhaul to create the bright, comfortable and colourful home that works for me and my family.

My own home office, like many others, was born out of lockdown, when I was fed up with tiptoeing around my husbands' Zoom calls at the kitchen table, as our newborn would very vocally demand my attention. 

So our junk-filled loft got converted into a smart WFH space, complete with heaps of storage, biophilic wallpaper and plenty of houseplants to bring the outside in. So if you're looking to create your own WFH space, no matter if you have a small home office or large, and love the timeless style of modern scandinavian design, these are the design ingredients you need to do it. 

If you spend long days at your desk, several days a week, you’ll really benefit from sharing your space with a selection of houseplants. Whether you opt for fresh or faux, such as as selection from Wyld Home- or even a mix of the two, they’ll breathe new life into your space, introduce moments of calm, and bring a sense of the outside in. 

If you’re lacking on surface space, why not make use of the ceiling, walls and floor: trailing plants look great hanging in holders and wall-mounted pots are perfect for air plants.

Having a dedicated spot to pin postcards, colour swatches, magazine clippings and anything else that inspires and excites you, will mean you’ll always have a go-to spot to focus on when you hit a mind-blank. It also helps to collate your ideas into one place, so you don’t end up having to sift through piles of paperwork or deep drawers to find what you’re looking for, as well as being a great home office wall decor idea.

If you don’t opt for a wire style like the Metal Farringdon memo board, £38, Garden Trading, a simple fabric covered canvas board works really well with a selection of smart pins, to keep your ideas in one safe place. 

If you WFH full time, you may not have the luxury of choosing a chair that’s both stylish and comfortable, as you’ll need to prioritise the health of your back over looks. 

But if you find yourself at your desk a little less frequently, and especially if your home office also doubles as your bedroom/living room/dining room, then opting for a desk chair that doesn’t look like it’s a prop from The Office, will help blend your working space with your living space more seamlessly. This pink velvet-covered office chair, £285, Rose & Grey on metal castors will bring a little glamour to your modern home office space but still give you the support you need while working at your desk.

A modern scandi space won’t suit heavy curtains, but if the option of shutters feels a little cold for the room, then opt for a sleek roman blind to cover windows instead. An oversized pattern will bring a bit of character to your scheme, like this Roman blind in Tranquil Mineral, from £121 including measuring and fitting, Calm Living range, Hillarys. but stay away from blousy florals or childish spots. 

Another option for filtering the light but still achieving privacy is window film. The modern equivalent to net curtains, you can opt for frosted or even on-trend reeded films that allows natural light in, but praying eyes or ugly views of the neighbours bins, out.  

No doubt you’ll have all sorts of ‘life admin’ that needs a place to be stored, as well as the kids' old school work, photo albums and back copies of your favourite, inspiring interiors magazines, so a storage locker in a sunny shade like the Fern Middle double locker with shelves in Tickleweed, £299, Bisley, is a great solution for home office storage ideas. 

If you’re worried hiding things ‘out of sight’ completely, will lead to ‘out of mind’ immediately, opt for open shelving, but keep everything in neat box files, either colour matched to the room, or covered in wallpaper off cuts that compliment your decor.   

Providing the ideal spot for taking screen breaks, a comfortable armchair will be your saviour after an afternoon of back to back Zoom calls. It can also be a spot for a much needed cuppa (or glass of wine) after a hard day's graft, or at least somewhere for the cat to snooze that’s not your lap. 

For a truly scandi home office vibe, choose one with plenty of curves, light wood legs and in a warm, pastel shade and add a couple of bright cushions too. Position a simple side table alongside it and hang some plants from the walls or ceiling to create a Nordic nook that will help while away any stresses.

If your office space is within another room of your home, such as a living or dining room, clearly zone the area with a colourful rug, or even a block of colour on the wall behind your desk, a great home office layout idea. This will help to separate a clearly defined office space from the rest of the room and help you to keep work clutter in one space.

To achieve this smart ombre effect on your wall, choose three shades from the same colour family and paint the bottom third of your wall with the darkest, the next third of your wall with the middle shade and use the lightest shade on the top third of your wall. 

So there you have it, my cheatsheet of ideas for creating the perfect modern scandi home office, so that your WFH space can inspire and delight you all the while promoting productivity and enthusiasm.

The Best Office Chairs To Make Your Working Hours More Comfortable

As writers and editors who log hours upon hours at our desks, we know firsthand the importance of scouting out the best office chairs. For starters, the chair you select should have an ergonomic design that supports your body to prevent aches and pains throughout the work day (and after). Additionally, an attractive seat can add to your overall office décor, imparting professionalism to the entire space. One of our favorite desk chairs is the Hon Ignition 2.0, a sleek and attainably priced pick that’s built for comfort. But you’ll find many other options below, along with expert tips on choosing and positioning your chair for optimal support.

The best office chairs, including the Herman Miller Aeron, offer more than a few adjustability ... [+] features for optimal comfort.

Prioritize comfort and customizability when narrowing down your selection. “The main features of ergonomic chairs are that they are supportive, highly adjustable and comfortable,” says Dr. Rahul Shah, a board-certified orthopedic spine and neck surgeon based in southern New Jersey. Beyond that, it’s important to consider additional features like whether you want a chair with wheels or arms, and what kind of design aesthetic you’re going for. With this in mind, we narrowed down the best office chairs based on lumbar support, material, additional accessories and overall value. From the splurge-worthy Herman Miller Aeron to the budget-friendly Mimoglad chair, there’s a pick for any type of office on this list.

Amazon

Hon Ignition 2.0 Mesh Back Task Chair

Dimensions: 28.5 x 27 x 44.5 inches | Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty | Base movement: Swivel

If you’re looking for a high-end office chair, you might think you’d need to make a bigger investment. Good news: The Ignition 2.0 gives you many of the features you can find in pricier chairs—at a lower cost. Constructed from breathable mesh, the bestselling chair will help you stay cool as you field calls, type at a furious pace or just sit back and relax. Its nifty contoured seat will also help you maintain a high level of comfort during your workday.

This chair offers ample adjustment opportunities: You’re able to tweak the height and width of the arms, for one, and you’ll also enjoy pneumatic seat height adjustment and tension control to get that just-right angle. To help you get around without getting up, there are also five casters on which to roll around.

What the reviews say: “It has everything necessary for a top quality desk chair at a fairly reasonably price,” reports a buyer. “[After using a] chair that contributed to serious lower back and leg issues, it’s refreshing to sit at my desk in a chair that supports me properly. [The] lumbar, arm rests, back and seat cushion are all adjustable so one can align oneself properly. And it glides around the floor like you’re on air. It’s also incredibly easy to assemble.”

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Dimensions: 26 x 26 x 43 inches | Warranty: 5-year limited warranty | Base movement: Swivel

While some people aren’t into armrests for their office chairs, others prefer them—and want something incredibly comfortable. Sure, you’re unlikely to buy a chair based on armrests alone, but the Alera Elusion offers next-level comfort for your forearms that you can feel good about. The armrests are topped with soft polyurethane pads, and you can easily adjust the height and width. The chair itself also offers several options for height and tilt. And, because the back is made of mesh, you don’t have to stress about getting sweaty while you work.

What the reviews say: One repeat customer raves, “I have bought three of these chairs (two for my house and one as a gift) and I love them. [They are] very easy to assemble and adjust and the support is fantastic.”

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Dimensions: 21.2 x 18.9 x 45.3 inches | Warranty: 30-day money-back guarantee; 1-year warranty | Base movement: Swivel

Can you find a cheaper office chair out there? Sure. But this option from Noblewell manages to offer the perks of a more expensive chair with a budget price tag. This chair offers a high, breathable mesh back and even an adjustable headrest, so you can enjoy support all up and down your spine.

The chair has ample adjustment opportunities, too. The armrests, lumbar support, seat height, and waist height can all be tweaked to help you find the perfect position. You can also tilt between 90 to 135 degrees with the backrest, in case you get a moment to kick back.

What the reviews say: “I fell in love with this chair the moment I started to take it out of the box,” shares a happy reviewer. “The parts are heavy duty. The building process was super easy and straightforward. When I lean back it feels super sturdy. Overall this computer chair is high A+ quality and heavy duty.”

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Dimensions: 26 x 23.6 x 42 inches | Warranty: 90-day money-back guarantee; 5-year warranty | Base movement: Swivel

Proper lumbar support is key to keeping your neck and spine properly aligned throughout the day, and the Duramont Ergonomic Office Chair offers an adjustable design that lets you move its lumbar support in two different ways. Using dials on the back of the chair, you can move the piece up and down, as well as in and out, to find the most comfortable position for your body.

This chair has several other useful features, as well. It has a contoured seat cushion and adjustable armrests, backrest and headrest (via tilt). Plus, it’s backed by a 5-year warranty.

What reviews say: “The very first thing I noticed was the firmness of the seat cushion,” reports a reviewer. “I feel like I'm sitting on it [as opposed to] my other chair, where I was sinking in it. It's so firm and comfortable and keeps me in a solid upright position. The second thing I noticed was the excellent lumbar support.”

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Dimensions: 24.5 x 26 x 40.75 inches | Warranty: 12-year warranty | Base movement: Swivel

The Sayl Chair from Herman Miller offers a unique modern design that’s extremely comfortable and highly adjustable. It has a flexible elastomer back that keeps your spine in proper ergonomic alignment. You can also opt for adjustable lumbar support to help reduce back pain. There are a variety of other adjustable features available for armrests and seat, but keep in mind that they aren’t included in the base price.

You can also tailor the Sayl Chair to aesthetically fit your space. There are several base colors available, and a wide range of upholster options for the seat. It’s also available with two types of caster wheels—one for carpet and one for hard floors. (By the way, if you’re a serious gamer, the Sayl Gaming Chair—which comes in a handful of splashy hues—is worth checking out.) Further, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that it’s backed by the company’s 12-year warranty.

What our editors say: “I splurged on the Sayl after transitioning to working from home, and it's been a worthy investment. My favorite part about the chair is how adjustable it is—it's a cinch to change the armrests, back and height. The curved back support is somehow both firm and flexible; it feels like a hug for my back. Herman Miller also offers an awesome 12-year warranty, which made me feel confident in my purchase.” —Anna Perling, reviews editor

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Dimensions: 16.75 x 27 x 41 inches | Warranty: 12-year warranty | Base movement: Swivel

For those who spend eight hours (or more) per day sitting in an office chair, the Aeron from Herman Miller is a worthwhile splurge. Made from top-quality materials, it’s super sturdy and features a supportive mesh seat. When ordering, you can customize nearly every aspect of the chair, from its frame and base finishes to its back support style to the armrest adjustability; it even comes in three sizes to “fit” the user (small, medium and large). Adjustability-wise, you can play with the Aeron’s tilt range, seat angle, armrest position, lumbar support, height and more. And at this price, it’s worth noting that Herman Miller backs is chairs with a 12-year warranty to protect your investment.

What our editors say: “I’ve had my Hermon Miller Aeron chair for a few years now and the quality is undeniable. The amount of adjustments offered lets me customize my seat so its just right. The Aeron is super comfy and cool—I especially love the tilt feature that lets you lean back!”–Karen Tietjen, updates editor

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Dimensions: 23 x 34 x 44 inches | Warranty: 12-year warranty | Base movement: Swivel

The Steelcase Gesture Office Desk Chair is undoubtedly pricey but it gives you dozens of options to customize its comfort and style. It begins with the order process: On the Steelcase website, you can “build” your chair by picking and choosing fabrics, color schemes and add-ons like a headrest, additional lumbar support and the choice between wheels for carpet or wood floors. Adjustability-wise, each chair offers a full range of ergonomic adjustments including height, seat depth, recline, 360-degree armrest adjustments and more. It’s also worth noting that big and/or tall users will be comfortable in this high-backed pick that also has a 400-pound weight capacity.

What our editors say: “About two years ago, I upgraded my home office to a Steelcase Gesture after trying a handful of other, less expensive chairs. It was pricey, but I am thrilled with the result. The seat is comfortable for all-day use and does a great job of supporting my back no matter how I'm sitting. The optional headrest is a revelation—super adjustable and always there to support my neck and head when I need it. And the armrests are so easy to adjust that I find myself moving them around a lot to accommodate whatever I'm doing instead of leaving them in one place like I have done with other chairs I've owned.” —Dave Johnson, deputy editor

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MOST POPULAR

Dimensions: 27 x 27 x 37-41 inches | Warranty: 7-year warranty | Base movement: Swivel

One of Branch’s newest models, this striking chair offers adjustable spine support via its soft knit back and padded lumbar rest—features that are appreciated by several of our staffers, who own and love the chair. While it looks an awful lot like pricier models on our list, shoppers will be glad to note that this futuristic-looking chair is actually under $600. Verve also comes with several other helpful ergonomic features including adjustable seat height, and petite users, especially, will appreciate the ability to lower the seat to 16.5 inches. The Verve model is available in three colors including a cheerful peach hue (“Coral”), a shadowy black (“Galaxy”), and the grayish, off-white “Mist.” Refunds are available for chairs returned in their original packaging within 30 days.

What our editors say: “I don’t think I fully grasped the benefits of working in an ergonomic desk chair until I spent a full workday in the Branch Verve. The soft back cushions and supports you in all the right places, and thanks to its knit construction, it’s truly breathable. My only complaint is that my cat loves the chair, too.”—Amanda Arnold, home and kitchen editor

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Amazon

Oline ErgoPro Ergonomic Office Chair

Dimensions: 26 x 26 x 53 inches | Warranty: 5-year warranty | Base movement: Swivel

Mesh office chairs are ideal for hot summer days, as they’re extremely breathable and don’t retain heat. The Oline ErgoPro is a top choice in this category for its adjustability for maximum comfort. Plus, it’s available in several colors to match your space.

This chair allows you to adjust the headrest, armrests, height and knee tilt, as well as the tilt tension as needed. The dynamic lumbar support responds to the amount of pressure placed on it, and the chair comes with a 5-year warranty.

What reviews say: “Sitting in the chair was a ‘wow’ moment,” shares a reviewer. “The mesh material sits at an intersection of breathability, comfort and support that makes me question my previous life of sitting in cheap, boring ol' office chairs.”

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Dimensions: 25 x 25 x 30 inches | Warranty: 5-year warranty | Base movement: Swivel

The Mimoglad office chair has everything you need in a desk chair without the bells and whistles you don’t. The chair features a mesh back to help keep you from overheating while its ergonomic backrest—which fits snuggly against your spine—provides you necessary support. Thick padding helps cushion your butt, even during long hours at work. Another nice perk: The armrests flip up so you can slide your chair all the way under your desk to save space.

What reviews say: “This chair is exactly what I was looking for,” writes one buyer. “Reasonable price and the adjustable back support works like a charm. Already gave a recommendation to a friend looking for a chair. I work at my desk for hours at a time and my back was killing me. Now I can adjust the lumbar support to fit the exact spot throughout the day.”

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Dimensions: 25 x 25 x 37 inches | Warranty: 2-year warranty | Base movement: Swivel

If you’re looking for a modern desk chair that will look great in any environment, consider the Soho Soft Pad Management Chair from Laura Davidson Furniture. Available in several colors, this chair offers that classic Eames style: incredibly durable leatherette seating surface and a solid steel frame build.

The chair isn’t just beautiful—it’s comfortable too. There are adjustments for height, seat tilt and swivel, and the chair has foam back and seat cushions to keep you comfortable during long meetings.

What the reviews say: One reviewer raves, “Buying this chair was the best decision I made and I am happy with how comfortable it is. I am not that tired after my work since my back is not hurting after long hours of working with computer. As the result, it improved my daily productivity, and I am amazed to see how much difference the chair can make.”

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Amazon

Homall Gaming Chair

Dimensions: 33 x 26 x 21.5 inches | Warranty: 1-year warranty | Base movement: Swivel

Planning to game? This chair from Homall is designed to keep you comfortable while you get down to business (or gaming). It features high-density foam to support your whole body, plus you can adjust both the height and armchairs. Multi-directional wheels make it easy to cruise around while seated. There’s even a special function that allows you to rock back and forth when the mood strikes. Another selling point: It comes in a handful of eye-catching color combinations including black and lime and white and pink.

What the reviews say: “This gaming chair is great for both gaming and casual office work,” says a buyer. “I love the design and the colors of the chair as well as the neck pillow and lumbar pillow that provides me comfort. I was able to save money while also getting a snazzy chair for my office.”

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As writers and editors, we know from experience that choosing the right office chair can make you more productive, less antsy and less achy during (and after) those working hours. Additionally, our team has published hundreds of product roundups and reviews that include meticulous research as well as rigorous firsthand product testing. Our vast library of content includes dozens of furniture stories, so we know a thing or two about outfitting every room in your home.

For this particular piece, we consulted multiple experts, including Dr. Rahul Shah, a board-certified orthopedic spine and neck surgeon based in southern New Jersey and Deborah McKernan-Ace, program director of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at the Rutgers School of Health Professions. Several of our editors also use chairs within this article and deemed them worthy of inclusion. Finally, this story is updated frequently to ensure that our picks are in stock and up to date given the current offerings. It was last updated in April of 2023.

As home and kitchen experts who keep our pulse on the industry, we sought out reputable brands like Herman Miller, Hon Ignition, Steelcase and Branch to research chairs for this list. When narrowing down models, we made sure each pick was ergonomically designed and offered enough adjustment features for customizability. From the crowd-pleasing Hon Ignition 2.0 to the versatile and gamer-friendly Homall Gaming Chair, we aimed to offer variety for different lifestyles and budgets. We also asked staffers which chairs they enjoy sitting in every day and the Herman Miller Sayl, Herman Miller Aeron, Branch Verve and Steelcase Gesture all come personally recommended by Vetted team members. Finally, each of these options are buyer-approved, with hundreds (if not thousands) of customer reviews and an average rating of 4 stars or higher.

Here are the most important factors worth keeping in mind as you consider your options.

As you compare different office chairs, consider the materials they’re made of. Seats are often made from foam, and some are contoured to fit your body more comfortably. It’s common for chairs to have mesh backs, which are more breathable, while upholstered foam versions generally provide more support. There are several benefits to mesh office chairs: They’re extremely breathable, preventing your back from getting sweaty on hot summer days. They’re also very low-maintenance and typically quite durable, and the material stretches to contour to your back. That said, some people prefer a traditional back, which typically provides more overall support.

It’s important to look at an office chair’s weight limit before buying, especially if you’re a heavier individual. The most common weight capacity for desk chairs is 300 pounds, but some chairs can support more or less weight.

No two bodies are alike, and that’s something the best office chairs take into account. They’re the ones that can be adjusted to fit your unique body and personal workspace. “An ergonomic chair has adjustable seat heights, adjustable arm support, seat depth adjustment, tilting or reclining mechanism and back support,” says Dr. Shah. When considering adjustability features, these are some of the most important:

You’re going to want to look for an office chair that provides some type of lumbar support. Some have a brace that supports your lower back, while others might come with a pillow. Either way, this feature is essential to minimizing strain on your neck and back throughout the work day. It’s even better if the chair’s lumbar support can be adjusted, as this will allow you to tailor the support to your own individual needs.

When it comes to choosing the most comfortable office chair, you’re going to want to prioritize one thing above all else: adjustability. Ideally, you should be able to adjust just about everything on the chair, from the seat depth to the arm support and even the amount of back support (although lower-cost options may not have as many bells and whistles). Height adjustment is of particular importance; it’s one of the easiest ways to make sure your chair is really working for you and your unique body type. While splurge-worthy picks like the Herman Miller Aeron and the Steelcase Gesture are highly adjustable, the more affordable Hon Ignition 2.0—our top pick overall—also offers plenty of customizability.

Think about it: If you have a desk job and work a typical 40-hour (or more) workweek, you probably spend a good portion of your life in an office chair. If you use one that’s uncomfortable, that discomfort can last well beyond the workday, with residual aches, pains and pulls becoming chronic in your off-hours. Further, constant shifting can be a distraction that limits your overall productivity. Needless to say, it’s worth investing in a nice office chair, as long as that means finding one that fits your body and lifestyle just right.

While office chair prices run the gamut, for a chair that offers enough adjustability for comfort and quality for years of use, you’ll likely spend at least a few hundred dollars. We know everyone’s budget is different, so our list includes options from the under-$150 Noblewell Office Chair with just enough adjustability to the $1,400-plus Steelcase Gesture that offers high-end features and ample support for big and tall users. Models like the Hon Ignition 2.0, Oline ErgoPro and Duramont Ergonomic hit the sweet spot between quality and price at around $250 to $400.