Clipboard History Archives

Winsage

January 20, 2026

I raced to my PC to install this new PowerToys update — but its best new feature is one control away from greatness

Microsoft's PowerToys has released version 0.97, enhancing the Windows 11 experience with a new utility and significant updates to the Command Palette. The Command Palette now features a Personalization page for customizing its interface, including background images and color tinting. It also includes fallback ranking for search results, allowing users to manage command order through drag-and-drop. A new extension enables control of PowerToys features directly from the Command Palette, and the Peek feature allows file and folder previews. Additional updates include support for Pinyin, a Remote Desktop extension, custom search engine selection, and drag-and-drop support for File Indexer and Clipboard History. The new CursorWrap feature allows seamless mouse movement across multiple monitors. The Quick Access flyout has been optimized for faster launch times and can be customized or disabled. PowerToys now offers expanded CLI support for utilities like FancyZones and Image Resizer. Other changes include the Light Switch feature following the Night Light setting, a revamped "What's new" dialog, and improvements to the Advanced Paste feature. CursorWrap shows promise but has minor bugs and user requests for further refinements.

Winsage

January 8, 2026

How to get started with PowerToys Command Palette on Windows 11 — an answer to macOS Spotlight for Windows PCs

The Command Palette is a feature in PowerToys for Windows 11 that allows advanced users to access applications, settings, and system tools quickly, similar to macOS Spotlight. To install it, users must install PowerToys via Command Prompt or the Microsoft Store. Configuration involves enabling the Command Palette, customizing activation shortcuts, and adjusting display settings. Users can search for applications, settings, and files, perform calculations, access clipboard history, and execute system commands. Keyboard modifiers enhance functionality, and users can create custom search shortcuts with community plugins. The Command Palette also includes a Registry browser extension for navigating the Windows Registry.

Winsage

December 24, 2025

10 Hacks Every Windows Power User Should Know

Windows is a widely used computing platform that integrates applications, synchronizes Microsoft Office documents, and provides a gaming environment. It has introduced the Command Palette, a keyboard launcher for accessing various functions, which can be enabled through PowerToys and accessed using the shortcut Windows + Alt + Space. Users can replace the default File Explorer with the Files app, which offers a better interface and features like tabs and dual-pane mode. The ExplorerPatcher app allows users to revert to the Windows 10 Taskbar, while Start 11 enables customization of the Start menu. Seelen UI provides a customizable menu bar and Dock for users transitioning from Mac. PowerToys includes Light Switch for automating dark mode transitions. Snap Layouts helps organize multiple windows, accessible via the Maximize button or Windows + Z shortcut. Winget is a package manager for installing applications with a single command, and UniGetUI offers a graphical interface for app management. Clipboard History can be accessed with Windows + V, and the Ditto app enhances clipboard functionality. Focus Sessions in the Clock app serve as a Pomodoro timer, and the Keyboard Manager in PowerToys allows users to create custom shortcuts and remap keys.

Winsage

November 27, 2025

Microsoft Goes Wild for Black Friday, Windows 11 Pro Drops 94% Like They Forgot the Price Tag

A Windows 11 Pro license, typically priced around 0, is currently available for just under through StackSocial, representing a 94% discount. Windows 11 Pro includes features such as Universal Search for easy access to apps and documents, Virtual Desktops for customized workspace organization, keyboard shortcuts for enhanced workflow efficiency, and OneDrive integration for file synchronization across devices. The promotion is time-limited and offers an affordable upgrade option for users transitioning from older versions of Windows or setting up new PCs.

Winsage

November 12, 2025

Windows 11 Pro Is Basically Pocket Change at 94% Off as Microsoft Quietly Kicks Off Early Black Friday

Windows 11 Pro is currently available at a 94% discount, priced just under through StackSocial, down from its typical price of around 0. Key features of Windows 11 Pro include Universal Search, which allows users to search apps, photos, documents, and the web from a single taskbar search bar; OneDrive integration for syncing files across devices; Virtual Desktops for creating customized desktops for different purposes; and enhanced clipboard functionality with keyboard shortcuts like Win + V for accessing clipboard history. This offer is available for a limited time.

Winsage

October 30, 2025

I don’t use the Windows Start menu anymore, because I have Raycast instead

Complaints about the Windows 11 Start menu are common, with users finding it sluggish and unreliable. Raycast, currently in beta for Windows, is an application launcher that allows for faster access to applications and system settings through customizable keyboard shortcuts. It includes built-in extensions like an emoji picker and clipboard history, enhancing its functionality. Raycast can be activated using various keyboard shortcuts, including the Windows key, making it easy to transition from the Start menu. It is effective across all operating systems, with a similar open-source alternative called Vicinae available for Linux users. Raycast has proven to enhance productivity significantly.

Winsage

October 2, 2025

I replaced Windows Search and I’ve never been happier

Windows 11's Search feature has been criticized for its inefficiency, often returning irrelevant web results instead of local files, and the indexing process is resource-intensive. Users express frustration over the clutter of advertisements and suggested apps in search results. Fluent Search is presented as a superior alternative, offering features similar to macOS's Spotlight, including quick access to various tools, seamless clipboard integration, a tagging system for organization, and the ability to execute terminal commands directly from search results. It also includes a Screen Search feature that allows keyboard navigation without switching to a mouse, enhancing efficiency and reducing strain. Users are encouraged to consider alternatives like Fluent Search, Everything, and PowerToys Run due to the declining quality of Windows Search.

Winsage

September 27, 2025

I switched from Flow Launcher to the new Raycast beta for Windows, and I already love it

Transitioning from Windows 11 to macOS led to the discovery of Raycast, a launcher that has become preferred over Flow Launcher. Raycast is currently in beta for Windows and offers enhanced productivity features compared to traditional launchers. It includes a clipboard management system that retains copied items for up to three months and an emoji selector that improves user experience. Raycast's performance in file searching is superior to Flow Launcher, which relies on the inconsistent Windows search indexer. The extension ecosystem for Raycast on Windows is expansive, with integrations for platforms like Slack, Notion, and Google Calendar, although some niche extensions are still missing. The Pro version of Raycast, which includes AI-related features, is considered expensive by some users who prefer a more affordable option without these functionalities.

Winsage

September 17, 2025

Stop struggling with Windows Search — try these 6 game‑changing alternatives

Windows 11's built-in search feature is often slow and inefficient, particularly with non-indexed locations and numerous files. It has a cluttered search home filled with advertisements. Several third-party tools are recommended as alternatives to enhance search functionality: - Command Palette: Part of PowerToys, it allows instant results for queries and supports command execution, quick navigation, and customization. - Fluent Search: Offers a comprehensive search experience with a native file indexer, rapid results, and OCR technology for searching visible content on screens. - Everything: Focuses on speed by indexing files and folders instantly, providing real-time results based on names, though it lacks additional features. - Listary: Integrates with Windows and File Explorer, allowing direct searches within these environments and offering customization for commands and automation. - Flow Launcher: A free, open-source app launcher that enhances search by integrating with the Everything indexer and includes built-in plugins for added functionality. - RayCast: An app launcher in beta for Windows, originally for macOS, featuring productivity tools and AI capabilities, allowing efficient task performance without a mouse. These tools cater to various user needs, improving the search experience on Windows 11.

Winsage

September 16, 2025

The Raycast beta for Windows already improves one of my favorite features

Raycast has launched a beta version for Windows, receiving positive feedback for its performance compared to its macOS predecessor. The Windows Input Panel includes clipboard history and an emoji selector but has limitations, such as cumbersome emoji searches and clipboard history that does not persist across reboots unless items are pinned. Raycast's emoji picker allows for custom keyboard shortcuts, provides larger emoji previews, and features a more forgiving search function. Its clipboard history retains data across sessions, with retention options up to three months for free users and unlimited for Pro subscribers. Raycast also offers a robust extension platform for various functionalities beyond basic Windows features.