Dual Monitor Tools vs PowerToys FancyZones: Do You Need Both?
Microsoft’s PowerToys and DMT are both free — and they complement rather than replace each other.
Head-to-head
| Dual Monitor Tools | PowerToys FancyZones | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free (GPLv2) | Free (MIT, by Microsoft) |
| Window snapping | Hotkey-driven moves between monitors | FancyZones: drag windows into custom zone layouts |
| Cursor lock | Yes — the headline feature | No |
| Wallpaper mgmt | Yes (span / per-monitor) | No |
| App launcher | Magic words | PowerToys Run (separate module) |
| Learning curve | Hotkey-first, minimal GUI | Polished settings GUI |
Choose DMT if…
- cursor locking is what you’re after
- you live on keyboard shortcuts
- you want wallpaper and snap tools too
Choose PowerToys if…
- you want visual drag-to-zone window layouts
- you already live in the Microsoft ecosystem
Bottom line: Install both. Let FancyZones arrange windows with the mouse and DMT move them (and lock the cursor) with the keyboard. Total cost: $0.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use DMT or PowerToys?
Use both — they solve different problems. PowerToys FancyZones handles zone-based window snapping; DMT handles cursor locking and cross-monitor window hotkeys. They coexist peacefully.
Does PowerToys have cursor lock?
No. PowerToys has no cursor-locking feature, which is exactly the gap DMT fills for gamers and presenters.
Is PowerToys free?
Yes — it’s free and open-source, maintained by Microsoft.
Ready to try Dual Monitor Tools?
Free, open-source, and portable. Get version 2.13 now.
Download DMT v2.13 (Free)