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PowerToys Command Palette
What it is
PowerToys Command Palette is a free, open-source Windows interface for launching apps, running commands, searching files, browsing the web, and reaching system tools. Its default shortcut is Win+Alt+Space after the feature is enabled and left running in the background. Searches can cover applications, shell commands, files, folders, web queries in the default browser, and calculator expressions. The palette can open Windows Settings, find and install apps with WinGet, switch windows, access clipboard history, manage services, launch Windows Terminal profiles, query the Registry, connect to Remote Desktop, show performance metrics, and run system commands. Users can pin commands to Home or the persistent edge Dock, create named bookmarks, and customize themes, backdrops, images, and colors. A Gallery manages community extensions, which run in separate processes through a WinRT API. PowerToys requires Windows 11 or Windows 10 version 2004 or newer on 64-bit x64 or ARM64 hardware.
For and against
For
- Free and open-source PowerToys utility
- Searches apps, files, folders, and web
- Runs Windows and shell commands
- Supports pinned Home and Dock commands
- Includes a community extension Gallery
Against
- Windows-only
- Must run in the background
- Requires Windows 10 version 2004 or newer
- Extensions are standalone .NET applications
The verdict
Command Palette gathers everyday launches, searches, and Windows administration actions in one interface. Its customization and extension support make it useful for users who prefer keyboard-driven access to system tools.
Who it suits
It suits Windows users who want one customizable launcher for applications, searches, commands, settings, and extensions.
Plans and prices
Free
Free, open-source PowerToys utilities for Windows
Read 12 Oct 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
On the record
- Bookmarks and appearance
- Bookmarks can launch files, folders, URLs, or shell commands by name, and appearance settings include themes, backdrops, background images, and custom colors.learn.microsoft.com · read 12 Oct 2026
- Extension integrations
- Extensions are standalone .NET applications that communicate through a WinRT API and can provide commands, context menu items, lists, detail pages, forms, markdown, and grid pages.learn.microsoft.com · read 12 Oct 2026
- Extension isolation
- Each extension runs in its own process and registers with Command Palette through its app manifest.learn.microsoft.com · read 12 Oct 2026
- Extensions
- A built-in Gallery lets users browse, install, update, and uninstall community extensions; extension management uses WinGet.learn.microsoft.com · read 12 Oct 2026
- Gallery link limits
- The Extension Gallery surfaces HTTP and HTTPS links for extension homepages, authors, installation, and metadata.learn.microsoft.com · read 12 Oct 2026
- Home and Dock
- Users can pin commands to the Home page or to a persistent edge toolbar called the Dock, which supports separate pinned bands on each display.learn.microsoft.com · read 12 Oct 2026
- Keyboard shortcut
- The default activation shortcut is Win+Alt+Space, and Command Palette must be enabled and running in the background.learn.microsoft.com · read 12 Oct 2026
- Platform requirements
- PowerToys requires Windows 11 or Windows 10 version 2004 (build 19041) or newer on a 64-bit x64 or ARM64 processor.learn.microsoft.com · read 12 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- PowerToys diagnostic data is optional and off by default in version 0.86 and later; documented Command Palette events include launches, queries, command execution, extension usage, and session metrics.github.com · read 12 Oct 2026
- Search and commands
- It supports app launching, shell commands, file and folder search, web search through the default browser, and calculator expressions.learn.microsoft.com · read 12 Oct 2026
- Support and feedback
- Users can search known issues, file issues, or report bugs through the PowerToys GitHub repository.learn.microsoft.com · read 12 Oct 2026
- System functions
- It can open Windows Terminal profiles, query the Registry, connect to Remote Desktop, display performance metrics, and run system commands.learn.microsoft.com · read 12 Oct 2026
- What it does
- Command Palette is a customizable interface for launching apps, running commands, searching files, browsing the web, and reaching Windows tools.learn.microsoft.com · read 12 Oct 2026
- Windows tools
- It can navigate Windows Settings, search for and install apps with WinGet, switch windows, access clipboard history, and manage Windows services.learn.microsoft.com · read 12 Oct 2026
