Microsoft's Command Palette: A New Quick Launcher for Power Users Remember PowerToys Run? That handy little search bar that popped up when you hit Alt+Space, letting you quickly launch apps or do a quick calculation without touching the Start menu? Well, Microsoft has been busy, and they've just rolled out its intended successor: the Command Palette . It's designed to be a more powerful, more flexible quick launcher for those of us who like to keep our hands on the keyboard and get things done fast. What Exactly Is the Command Palette? Think of it as Microsoft's answer to macOS's Spotlight or perhaps the popular third-party tool Alfred . It's a single search box that appears on your screen, ready to take commands. But it's not just for launching apps anymore. Oh no. This thing is built to be a central hub for all sorts of tasks . You can still search for and launch applications, naturally. That's the bread and butter of any quick launcher. But you can also dig into your file system, searching for specific folders or single files . Need to do a quick sum? Just type it in, and the calculator function gives you the answer right there . It's super convenient for those moments you don't want to break your flow to open the dedicated Calculator app. Beyond basic searching and sums, the Command Palette lets you execute system commands directly. Typing something like > cmd will fire up the Command Prompt, or > Shell:startup opens your Windows startup folder . This is where the "power user" aspect really starts to shine. It's about giving you direct access to system functions without navigating through menus or remembering specific run commands. More Than Just a Search Bar One neat feature that's been integrated is the functionality previously known as Window Walker . If you have a ton of windows open (and who doesn't?), you can use the Command Palette to quickly switch between them . No more Alt+Tabbing endlessly through a sea of windows trying to find the right one. Just pop open the Palette, type a few letters of the window title, and jump straight there. Simple. Effective. Web browsing gets a boost too. You can launch websites directly from the results, or even kick off a web search without needing to open your browser first . And for those sites you visit constantly, you can add bookmarks for quick access . It's about shaving off those extra clicks and seconds that add up throughout the day. Accessing the Power So, how do you summon this new tool? By default, the magic key combination is Win + Alt + Space . It's a bit different from PowerToys Run's standard Alt+Space, but you can change the shortcut in the Command Palette's settings if you prefer something else . The settings also let you tweak things like using the Backspace key to go back through your search history or activating items with a single click . Customization is key here. The Successor Story Microsoft explicitly states that Command Palette is "intended to be the successor of PowerToys Run" . PowerToys Run has been around for a while now, nearly five years . It's been a solid tool, but Command Palette aims to take things further. The word on the street, and from Microsoft itself, is that it's designed to be faster, more customizable, and significantly more extensible . Why replace something that works? Well, technology evolves, doesn't it? While PowerToys Run is good, the Command Palette feels like a more modern foundation. It's not just about launching; it's about integrating more deeply with the system and other tools. The Promise of Extensibility Perhaps the most exciting part about the Command Palette is its focus on extensions . This is where it really differentiates itself and hints at its future potential. Microsoft is making it easier to find extensions directly within the Palette, and they're even encouraging developers to create their own . What does this mean for you and me? It means the Command Palette isn't limited to the features Microsoft builds in. Third-party developers can create extensions to integrate it with their apps, services, or specific workflows. Imagine extensions for controlling your smart home devices, interacting with project management tools, or triggering complex scripts – all from that single search box. The possibilities seem pretty vast, don't they? This extensibility is, in my view, the biggest reason to be optimistic about Command Palette's future . Where It Stands Now Command Palette has been available since early April and is part of the PowerToys suite, just like its predecessor. While it's the intended successor, both are currently available . Microsoft has been making tweaks and changes, including some ahead of their Build developer conference in May . Right now, it covers the basics well: launching apps, calculations, commands, web stuff, and window switching . But as one writer put it, while it's promising, it might not be a clear-cut recommendation over PowerToys Run yet . Its true power lies in that promise of easier extension discovery and creation . So, is it time to ditch PowerToys Run entirely? Maybe not immediately for everyone. But the Command Palette is definitely worth checking out. It's a glimpse into a potentially more integrated, more powerful way to interact with Windows, all starting with a simple keyboard shortcut. It's exciting to see where Microsoft takes this, especially with the emphasis on community-driven extensions.
