Windows Search has long been a topic of discussion among users, often receiving less than favorable reviews. Interestingly, Microsoft offers not one, but two alternatives that outperform the built-in Windows 11 feature. These alternatives, PowerToys Run and Command Palette, provide users with enhanced functionality and efficiency.
PowerToys Run: A Versatile Launcher
PowerToys Run serves as a powerful launcher, enabling users to search for files, settings, and more with ease. It also allows for quick access to websites and the execution of terminal commands. Richard Devine highlights seven compelling reasons to incorporate PowerToys Run into your PC experience.
Command Palette: A Familiar Companion
For those familiar with PowerToys Run or macOS Spotlight, Command Palette will feel like a welcome addition. This utility functions similarly, allowing users to search their PC, run commands, open webpages, and execute system commands seamlessly.
Enhancements from GitHub
A recent pull request on GitHub has introduced a lightning-fast mode, which significantly improves the user experience. Key details from this update include:
- Reduction of visual and motion distractions during result list updates:
- The first interactable result item is selected promptly after the list updates, minimizing flashing and blinking.
- The removal of the list item selection indicator animation, which helps prevent temporary appearances on other items.
- A new “Results” section header is added above the home page results when no other sections are present, ensuring consistent visuals.
A video showcasing this lightning-fast mode demonstrates its improved speed, attributed to the elimination of certain animations. The addition of a “Results” section header further enhances the user interface.
CursorWrap: A New Utility
For those seeking immediate enhancements, the latest version of PowerToys introduces “CursorWrap.” This innovative tool allows the mouse cursor to wrap around the screen when it reaches the edges of the display. A recent update has even added the option to limit CursorWrap to horizontal or vertical use, providing users with greater control.
We invite you to share your experiences with PC searching. Do you prefer Command Palette, PowerToys Run, or Windows Search? Your insights are welcome in the comments!
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
PowerToys Command Palette is already better than Windows Search — the gap is about to widen
Windows Search has long been a topic of discussion among users, often receiving less than favorable reviews. Interestingly, Microsoft offers not one, but two alternatives that outperform the built-in Windows 11 feature. These alternatives, PowerToys Run and Command Palette, provide users with enhanced functionality and efficiency.
PowerToys Run: A Versatile Launcher
PowerToys Run serves as a powerful launcher, enabling users to search for files, settings, and more with ease. It also allows for quick access to websites and the execution of terminal commands. Richard Devine highlights seven compelling reasons to incorporate PowerToys Run into your PC experience.
Command Palette: A Familiar Companion
For those familiar with PowerToys Run or macOS Spotlight, Command Palette will feel like a welcome addition. This utility functions similarly, allowing users to search their PC, run commands, open webpages, and execute system commands seamlessly.
Enhancements from GitHub
A recent pull request on GitHub has introduced a lightning-fast mode, which significantly improves the user experience. Key details from this update include:
A video showcasing this lightning-fast mode demonstrates its improved speed, attributed to the elimination of certain animations. The addition of a “Results” section header further enhances the user interface.
CursorWrap: A New Utility
For those seeking immediate enhancements, the latest version of PowerToys introduces “CursorWrap.” This innovative tool allows the mouse cursor to wrap around the screen when it reaches the edges of the display. A recent update has even added the option to limit CursorWrap to horizontal or vertical use, providing users with greater control.
We invite you to share your experiences with PC searching. Do you prefer Command Palette, PowerToys Run, or Windows Search? Your insights are welcome in the comments!
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.