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PowerToys Run

PowerToys 0.1 Arrives With Improvements to Several Utilities
Winsage
June 11, 2026

PowerToys 0.1 Arrives With Improvements to Several Utilities

Microsoft released PowerToys 0.1, featuring several enhancements: - The Shortcut Guide now appears as a side pane, detecting the active application and displaying relevant shortcuts. - The Command Palette includes an extension gallery for easy management of extensions and supports multiple monitor configurations, along with a new Battery widget. - PowerDisplay has improved startup speed, monitor identification, and settings preservation, with a new Max compatibility mode. - ZoomIt now supports a webcam overlay during recordings and allows appending multiple clips with transitions. - Transition to .NET 10 has optimized performance, reduced installation size by 15%, and improved the auto-update feature. Quick Access and Workspaces have migrated to WinUI with a refreshed UI. - Additional improvements include the Keyboard Manager using the new WinUI editor, a Refresh Connections feature in Mouse Without Borders, enhanced high DPI and multi-monitor reliability in Quick Accent, an option to disable file preview tooltips in Peek, and various calculator enhancements in PowerToys Run. PowerToys can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store, Windows Package Manager (winget), or the web.
PowerToys just made Command Palette extensions easier to install and manage
Winsage
June 10, 2026

PowerToys just made Command Palette extensions easier to install and manage

PowerToys has released version 0.100.0, introducing several new features and enhancements: - Command Palette now includes an Extension Gallery for managing extensions directly. - Improvements to Command Palette include enhanced parameter pages, bookmarks for inline parameters, and better accessibility. - Dock feature enhancements allow for separate customization for each monitor and drag-and-drop functionality. - Performance Monitor introduces a Battery widget and dock bands for CPU, memory, and network metrics. - Calculator enhancements include new functions and improved error messaging. - Reliability improvements include a pinned commands section and smoother navigation. - FancyZones received updates for better localization and guidance. - File Explorer fixes address crashes related to Markdown previews. - File Locksmith improvements enhance handling of Unicode file paths. - Grab And Move has been fully released. - Image Resizer supports live settings reload. - Keyboard Manager editor is redesigned and enabled by default. - Mouse Without Borders adds quick access to refresh connections. - Peek's settings allow toggling of file preview tooltips. - PowerDisplay is optimized for better performance. - PowerToys Run improves calculator functionality and documents third-party plugins. - Quick Accent updates enhance UI consistency and language support. - Settings interface has been refreshed for better usability. - Shortcut Guide redesigned for reliability and includes built-in manifests. - Workspaces has a modernized editor. - ZoomIt introduces webcam overlay capabilities and improved recording features. - Development tools and dependencies have been updated for smoother contributions.
Microsoft's new Windows 11 Run dialog is faster than the Windows 95-era version it's replacing
Winsage
May 5, 2026

Microsoft’s new Windows 11 Run dialog is faster than the Windows 95-era version it’s replacing

Microsoft is developing a modernized version of the Run dialog for Windows 11, featuring a streamlined design created using C# and WinUI 3. The new Run dialog has a median "time-to-show" of 94 milliseconds, which is an improvement over the old dialog's 103 milliseconds. This new version is designed to be more functional and user-friendly, allowing users to quickly access their home directory and supporting dark mode. The modern Run dialog is currently being rolled out as an opt-in feature for Insiders in the Experimental Channel.
PowerToys Command Palette is already better than Windows Search — the gap is about to widen
Winsage
February 25, 2026

PowerToys Command Palette is already better than Windows Search — the gap is about to widen

Microsoft offers two alternatives to the built-in Windows 11 search feature: PowerToys Run and Command Palette. PowerToys Run is a versatile launcher that allows users to search for files, settings, websites, and execute terminal commands. Command Palette functions similarly to PowerToys Run and macOS Spotlight, enabling users to search their PC, run commands, and open webpages. A recent update on GitHub introduced a lightning-fast mode for these tools, which reduces visual distractions during result list updates, selects the first interactable result promptly, removes selection indicator animations, and adds a "Results" section header for consistent visuals. The latest version of PowerToys also includes a new utility called "CursorWrap," which allows the mouse cursor to wrap around the screen edges, with options for horizontal or vertical use.
We’re talking about the best of Windows 11, and we want your input.
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.
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.
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