The Command Palette, a feature embedded within PowerToys for Windows 11, caters to advanced users seeking a streamlined approach to accessing applications, settings, and system tools. This tool is often likened to macOS Spotlight, as it provides a similar keyboard-centric experience that allows for swift item discovery and launching. With just a few keystrokes, users can effortlessly open apps, adjust settings, and execute actions, often achieving results more quickly and consistently than through traditional Windows Search or File Explorer navigation.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-how-to-install-command-palette-on-windows-11″>How to install Command Palette on Windows 11
To utilize the Command Palette, users must first install PowerToys by following these steps:
- Open Start.
- Search for Command Prompt (or PowerShell), right-click the top result, and select Run as administrator.
- Type the command winget install –id Microsoft.PowerToys and press Enter.
Upon completion, PowerToys will be installed, granting access to the Command Palette. Alternatively, users can opt to install the tool directly from the PowerToys page in the Microsoft Store by clicking the “Install” button on the webpage and then confirming the installation in the Store.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-how-to-configure-command-palette-on-windows-11″>How to configure Command Palette on Windows 11
To fine-tune the settings of the Command Palette, follow these steps:
- Open Start.
- Search for PowerToys and select the top result to launch the app.
- Click on System Tools.
- Select Command Palette.
- Toggle the “Enable Command Palette” switch to activate it (if applicable).
Within this section, users can customize various features, including the activation shortcut and preferred monitor for display. For instance, if the default keyboard shortcut is not to your liking, you can modify it using the “Activation key” setting. Additionally, users can choose to display the Command Palette on any assigned monitor through the “Preferred monitor position” setting.
Further customization options include adjusting settings for full-screen mode, homepage preferences, and search highlights. In the “Behavior” section, users can control aspects such as displaying app details, enabling backspace for navigation, and managing System Tray visibility.
The “Extensions” page offers a variety of built-in extensions for the Command Palette, currently featuring 16 options. These range from tools for calculations to clipboard history and bookmarks. Users can enable or disable extensions and customize their functionalities, such as enabling the “File search” and “Web Search” extensions for enhanced search capabilities.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-how-to-use-command-palette-on-windows-11″>How to use Command Palette on Windows 11
To begin using the Command Palette, follow these steps:
- (Option 1) Open Start.
- Search for Command Palette and select the top result to launch the app.
- (Option 2) Click the Command Palette icon from the Taskbar’s System Tray.
- (Option 3) Use the “Windows key + Alt + Space” keyboard shortcut (assuming the default shortcut is configured).
Once inside the Command Palette, users can search for a wide array of items, including applications, settings, and files, as well as initiate web searches. Depending on the enabled extensions, users can perform more advanced queries. For example, typing “=” followed by a mathematical expression allows the tool to function as a calculator, while using “<" invokes the “Window Walker” extension, enabling users to search for specific open windows by application name or title.
For executing commands, users can type “>” followed by the desired command, such as > ping. To search and install applications, simply type “winget,” select the app from the list, and press “Enter” to initiate the installation.
Additionally, the Command Palette allows users to access their clipboard history, find system settings with queries starting with “$”, and trigger system-level actions like Lock, Sleep, Hibernate, Shutdown, Restart, or Sign Out without using the mouse.
When selecting results, users can enhance their experience with keyboard modifiers. For instance, pressing “Ctrl + Shift + Enter” opens an app with administrator privileges, while “Ctrl + Shift + E” opens the folder containing the selected file.
For web searches, the default hotkey is “??”, which opens results in the web browser. Users can also create custom search shortcuts using community plugins, allowing for tailored searches across various sites.
Lastly, the Command Palette features a Registry browser extension, enabling users to navigate the Windows Registry entirely via keyboard input, enhancing efficiency and accessibility.
