Since the public beta of Raycast for Windows launched last November, I have found it to be a valuable addition to my productivity toolkit. This application provides a swift app launcher and command bar experience that I had longed for, allowing me to open applications, execute actions, and navigate my system without the hassle of sifting through menus. For a time, it became a staple utility I would install on every Windows PC I encountered.
However, the recent update to Microsoft PowerToys caught my attention, particularly with the introduction of the Command Palette. Although I had previously viewed PowerToys as a collection of useful extras, I began to see its potential to replace some of the third-party tools I had integrated into my daily workflow. As I explored the Command Palette more, I discovered that it seamlessly connected with the other features of PowerToys, enhancing my overall experience.
Command Palette replaced Raycast for Windows for me
It does the launcher job well enough that I didn’t need another app
Raycast for Windows, still in beta, has impressed me with its keyboard-first launcher capabilities. The ability to hit a shortcut, type my request, and reach my destination without navigating through the Start menu or clicking around the taskbar has been a game changer. My primary use has been launching apps and executing quick actions while keeping my hands firmly on the keyboard.
With the PowerToys Command Palette now covering much of the same functionality, Raycast no longer felt indispensable. Microsoft describes it as a quick launcher for apps, commands, and tools, which aligns perfectly with my needs. I can access applications, run commands, and utilize PowerToys features all from one convenient interface. This integration is particularly beneficial, as I was already leveraging other PowerToys functionalities instead of relying on separate utilities.
While I wouldn’t categorize Command Palette as a complete replacement for Raycast, it certainly meets my requirements for a fast app launcher. Raycast remains a more expansive option, especially for users who rely on extensions and deeper integrations. However, for my purposes—quickly opening apps and executing actions—Command Palette suffices, and its inclusion in PowerToys means one less external utility cluttering my system.
PowerToys: It’s one less separate utility I need
FancyZones slowly replaced GlazeWM for me
In my quest for better window management, I initially turned to GlazeWM, a program that brings a Linux-style tiling window manager experience to Windows. Inspired by i3, it emphasizes structured, keyboard-driven window management. While it serves a purpose, I found that I wasn’t utilizing GlazeWM to its full potential. Instead, I gravitated toward Windows 11 Snap Layouts, which allowed me to quickly arrange windows without the need for a full tiling manager.
This realization led me to FancyZones, which offers a more tailored approach to window layouts. Rather than adapting my entire desktop to a tiling system, FancyZones enables me to create specific zones that align with my usage patterns. This flexibility allows me to snap windows into place as needed, enhancing my productivity without the overhead of a complete tiling manager.
Text Extractor replaced my quick OCR workaround
I mainly use it to grab text from images
Text Extractor stands out among the PowerToys features as it didn’t directly replace a specific application but rather streamlined a workaround I had been using for optical character recognition (OCR). I often found myself needing to extract text from images—be it a screenshot, product name, or error message—without a dedicated OCR tool at my disposal.
With Text Extractor, I can effortlessly select text from images by pressing a shortcut and dragging a box around the desired area. While it may not be perfect for lengthy documents or complex formatting, it effectively addresses quick image-to-text tasks, allowing me to maintain my workflow without interruption.
PowerToys cuts down on the little stuff I used to fix myself
While PowerToys may not be essential for every Windows user, it has proven invaluable for my needs. It doesn’t aim to replace every dedicated utility but rather consolidates several everyday tasks into one cohesive suite. Features like Command Palette, FancyZones, and Text Extractor enhance my experience by minimizing the need for multiple separate tools. In essence, PowerToys helps create a more polished and efficient Windows environment, aligning seamlessly with my workflow and reducing the clutter of unnecessary applications.
