Command Palette Archives

Winsage

January 31, 2026

Microsoft explores bringing Linux-like top menu bar to Windows 11 with new PowerToys feature

The PowerToys team at Microsoft is developing a new feature that introduces a menu bar for the Windows desktop, providing glanceable system information and music controls. This dock can be pinned to any edge of the screen and allows users to pin existing PowerToys extensions without code modifications. It can be enabled from Command Palette settings and aims to enhance quick awareness of system metrics like RAM usage and CPU temperatures. User feedback is encouraged to shape its development, and developers can test this feature in a dedicated branch, although it is not yet part of the main PowerToys release.

Winsage

January 31, 2026

Miss Windows 10’s movable taskbar? You still can’t relocate it in Windows 11, but new PowerToys feature could be the next best thing

A new menu bar concept is being considered for Windows 11 users, which could serve as an optional dock for the Command Palette within Microsoft's PowerToys suite. This feature aims to provide quick access to favorite tools and essential system-monitoring information. Windows 11 has faced criticism for not allowing the taskbar to be repositioned to the top of the screen, and the proposed top menu bar could offer a workaround. The Command Palette is envisioned as a future replacement for the Run utility, allowing users to launch applications and access utilities seamlessly. The dock could display information such as CPU usage and internet speeds, and users would have customization options for its appearance. While some users are concerned about losing desktop space, PowerToys allows users to choose whether to enable the Command Palette dock. There are suggestions that this dock could evolve into a full taskbar replacement, incorporating Windows 11 taskbar elements as widgets. PowerToys is designed as an add-on rather than a replacement for core Windows functionality. Microsoft is focusing on enhancing Windows 11, with hopes for user-requested features like taskbar repositioning.

Winsage

January 26, 2026

We’re talking about the best of Windows 11, and we want your input.

Expressions of affection for Windows are common, and while the author acknowledges some shortcomings in Windows 11, it remains an essential tool for productivity, creativity, and communication. Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 Plus platform is expected to indicate a significant transition toward Arm-based Windows devices. The Microsoft Store has become a reliable platform for discovering and downloading applications on Windows. Recent enhancements in Windows 11 have improved the experience for handheld gaming PCs. The Windows Package Manager, or winget, is highly regarded, and PowerToys is recommended as essential for Windows 11 users. The Command Palette allows users to launch applications using the keyboard and execute commands. The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) provides a genuine Linux experience within Windows 11. Phone Link facilitates effortless photo transfers. The 12-inch Surface LCD is slightly thinner than the Surface Pro 11. The Windows Central community is engaged in discussions about the standout features of Windows 11.

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 9, 2026

The Secret Microsoft App That Improves How I Use Windows

PowerToys is a suite of utilities developed by Microsoft, available for free on GitHub and other platforms, which enhances the Windows user experience with frequently updated functionalities. Key utilities include: - Command Palette: A tool for launching applications, searching for files, and locating open windows, with a Bookmarks feature for quick access to folders and websites. - Light Switch: Allows users to toggle dark mode with a keyboard shortcut and schedule it based on fixed hours or local sunset times. - Peek: Enables quick file previews by pressing the Space bar, allowing seamless navigation through files. - Text Extractor: A utility for extracting text from images faster than Windows' built-in OCR, using the shortcut Windows + Shift + T. - Image Resizer: Simplifies the process of resizing images through a right-click option in File Explorer, offering preset sizes and custom resolutions. - Awake: Keeps PCs active beyond default sleep settings, allowing users to choose a duration for their systems to remain awake. - FancyZones: Provides custom window layouts for efficient workspace organization, allowing users to snap windows into designated zones.

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

December 5, 2025

Microsoft finally has a better looking Run dialog for Windows 11

Microsoft is redesigning the Run dialog prompt in Windows, introducing a dark mode and a modernized interface that aligns with Windows 11 aesthetics. The revamped Run dialog resembles a contemporary launcher while retaining its core functionality, allowing users to access applications via commands. Users can toggle the new design on and off in the advanced system settings of Windows 11. Although no official announcement has been made, the modern Run prompt is expected to be included in upcoming builds. Additionally, Raycast has launched on Windows, offering a launcher, clipboard manager, and shortcut system, which may prompt further refinements to the Run dialog.

Winsage

December 1, 2025

5 Essential Windows Apps Everyone Should Be Using In 2025

Everything is a free application from Voidtools that indexes file and folder names quickly, allowing searches of up to a million files in a minute. It can index mapped network drives and supports Boolean operators and wildcards for advanced search needs. Flow Launcher is an open-source application that serves as a quick launcher and search utility, integrating with Everything for fast file searches and allowing users to open applications, search for files, and perform calculations from a single interface. NanaZip is an open-source archive manager derived from 7-Zip, supporting various archive formats and offering faster processing times, improved encryption, dark mode, and context menu integration. Microsoft PowerToys is a suite of utilities for power users that includes tools like Command Palette, PowerRename, and FancyZones, available for free from the Microsoft Store. Ferdium is an open-source tool that consolidates web applications into a single platform, allowing users to manage multiple web apps within one window, supporting multiple instances of the same app and offering workspace management and a built-in To-do list panel.

Winsage

November 11, 2025

The 7 apps I always install first on a Windows 11 PC — and they’re all FREE

PowerToys is an open-source collection of utilities that enhances productivity for Windows 11 users, featuring tools like FancyZones for window management and Image Resizer. Google Chrome is a popular web browser known for its synchronization across devices. Steam is a primary gaming platform with a robust library and the ability to stream games to a Steam Deck. The Heroic Games Launcher is a third-party alternative to the Epic Games Launcher, offering customizable features and support for GOG and Amazon Games libraries. GIMP is a powerful open-source photo editing tool that provides advanced features without the cost of commercial software. The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) allows seamless integration between Windows and Linux, supporting applications like Docker Desktop and Visual Studio Code. Spotify is used for audio entertainment, helping users maintain focus during work. Tools like Ninite, the Microsoft Store, and winget streamline the installation of applications on Windows 11, with winstall.app providing a user-friendly interface for generating installation scripts.