The near-essential Windows PowerToys suite just got a brand new tool

PowerToys, the innovative suite of utilities developed by Microsoft, continues to enhance the Windows experience with its latest update, version 0.90.0. This release introduces a standout feature known as the Command Palette, designed to streamline app launching and improve user efficiency.

Command Palette: A New Era of App Launching

The Command Palette, affectionately dubbed “CmdPal,” represents a significant evolution of the existing PowerToys Run feature. This new module is engineered with extensibility at its core, allowing users to launch applications and execute commands with remarkable speed and ease. By simply pressing Win+Alt+Space, users can access a visually rich interface that supports a variety of functionalities, including quick app launches and even mathematical calculations.

In a demonstration shared by Microsoft, the Command Palette showcased its capabilities by allowing users to launch Terminal Canary with just a few keystrokes, such as typing “TerCan.” Furthermore, it can handle simple math equations, seamlessly integrating with the Calendar app for added convenience.

For those eager to explore this new feature, the update is readily available for download from the PowerToys GitHub page. Alongside the Command Palette, this version also brings enhancements to existing tools, ensuring a more cohesive and efficient user experience.

Notable Enhancements in Version 0.90.0

  • Color Picker: The Color Picker has been upgraded with a transition from WPF UI to .NET WPF, resulting in improved visual consistency and theme support across various modes.
  • File Management: Users can now delete files directly from the Peek feature, streamlining file management tasks.
  • Dynamic Filenames: The New+ module now supports variables in template filenames, allowing for greater customization with elements like date components and environment variables.

PowerToys remains a testament to Microsoft’s commitment to enhancing productivity and user experience on Windows. With each update, the suite not only introduces new features but also refines existing tools, making it an essential resource for users looking to optimize their workflow.

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