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PowerToys Run

Microsoft finally has a better looking Run dialog for Windows 11
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.
The 7 apps I always install first on a Windows 11 PC — and they're all FREE
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.
I replaced Windows Search and I’ve never been happier
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.
Google is testing its own official app on Windows that competes with my favorite PowerToys feature
Winsage
September 17, 2025

Google is testing its own official app on Windows that competes with my favorite PowerToys feature

PowerToys Run in Windows 11 is being compared to a new app launched by Google for Windows, which allows users to search without switching windows by pressing Alt + Space. This app can search across computer files, installed applications, Google Drive files, and the web, and includes Google Lens integration for selecting and searching screen content. The app is currently only available in the United States and offers enhanced AI-powered responses in AI Mode. It closely resembles PowerToys Run but provides specific advantages for users within the Google ecosystem. The app utilizes web access for Google Drive functionality, eliminating the need for a Windows client.
Who should consider Windows PowerToys?
Winsage
August 24, 2025

Who should consider Windows PowerToys?

Windows PowerToys is a collection of utilities for the Windows operating system, originally created for power users in the Windows 95 era and revived as an open-source project in 2019 for Windows 10 and 11. It is actively maintained by Microsoft engineers and volunteers. Key features include: - FancyZones: A window manager for creating custom snap layouts. - PowerToys Run: A launcher for quickly opening applications and files. - Keyboard Manager: Allows remapping of keys and creation of new shortcuts. - Text Extractor: Enables copying text from images or on-screen elements. - Mouse Utilities: Includes cursor highlighting and keyboard control of the mouse. PowerToys also offers File Explorer add-ons, a Color Picker, and utilities for batch renaming or resizing files. It is beneficial for users looking to streamline tasks and customize their systems, but may not be necessary for those engaged in basic computer activities. There may be a learning curve and occasional bugs due to its open-source nature.
6 PowerToys features I can't believe don't ship with Windows 11 by default
Winsage
July 23, 2025

6 PowerToys features I can’t believe don’t ship with Windows 11 by default

Microsoft's PowerToys suite includes several features that enhance productivity for Windows users, yet many of these tools have not been integrated into the Windows operating system. 1. Registry Preview: Allows users to view the contents of a registry file before importing it, enhancing safety and accessibility in modifying the Windows Registry. 2. Quick Accent: Simplifies the insertion of accented characters by displaying options when a user holds down a key, making it easier to type in multiple languages. 3. Find My Mouse: Dims the screen around the cursor to help users locate the mouse pointer more effectively than the basic highlighting feature in Windows. 4. Command Palette (or PowerToys Run): An efficient application launcher that allows for quick and reliable launching of applications, addressing a gap in Windows' functionality compared to other operating systems. 5. Peek: Enables users to quickly preview files without opening them, improving file management and accessibility. 6. FancyZones: A window management tool that allows for customizable window layouts, providing enhanced control over desktop environments. These features could significantly improve user experience if integrated into the core Windows operating system.
One of the best PowerToys features just got even better — and it puts Windows Search to shame
Winsage
July 2, 2025

One of the best PowerToys features just got even better — and it puts Windows Search to shame

PowerToys has released version 0.92, introducing several enhancements: - Command Palette: Improved performance with Ahead-of-Time (AOT) compatibility for first-party extensions and core UX fixes. - Color Picker: Users can customize mouse button actions for a personalized workflow. - Bug Report Tool: Streamlined reporting process with progress indicators, improved compression, and automatic cleanup of old trace logs. - File Explorer Add-ons: Enhanced rendering stability, fixing issues with PDF previews, blank thumbnails, and text file crashes. Additional highlights include: - Crop & Lock: Updated window styling to match the current Windows theme. - Command Palette Extensions: New commands like "Copy Path" and improved input handling in the Calculator extension. - FancyZones: Resolved DPI-scaling issues for high-resolution displays. - PowerRename: Now supports date-based renaming with flexible formatting options. The development team has also made updates to enhance performance and security, including updates to .NET libraries and the WinAppSDK. PowerToys is available for free download through the Microsoft Store or GitHub.
I hope this PowerToys redesign becomes a reality — it's too easy to get lost in the app
Winsage
June 17, 2025

I hope this PowerToys redesign becomes a reality — it’s too easy to get lost in the app

PowerToys is evolving with new features for Windows 11 users, including a proposed redesign shared by software engineer Niels Laute on the PowerToys GitHub page. The new dashboard layout aims to enhance user experience by making essential tools more accessible and aligns with the aesthetics of Windows 11. Despite its versatility, many features of PowerToys are not well-known and require users to explore further. The envisioned dashboard seeks to highlight these lesser-known functionalities and simplify navigation. The concept is still in early development stages, indicating that significant changes may take time to implement.
I've used a lot of Windows launchers, but this is the best one by far
Winsage
June 15, 2025

I’ve used a lot of Windows launchers, but this is the best one by far

Flow Launcher is a desktop productivity tool for Windows 11 that excels in speed, opening instantly with a keyboard shortcut and providing audio cues. It features an extensive library of plugins, allowing users to enhance functionality with ease, including pre-installed plugins for searching bookmarks, managing files, and executing system commands. The plugin store offers a variety of extensions, catering to diverse needs, including tools for OneNote, Spotify, and gaming. Flow Launcher is highly customizable, enabling users to adjust extension functions, search result priorities, and activation shortcuts. It also allows the creation of custom hotkeys for quick access to frequently used tools, such as an enhanced clipboard history.
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