PowerToys is a free, open-source utility tool developed by Microsoft. The tool is designed to help power users by enhancing their productivity. It features lots of useful tools for various tasks, and among them is the Command Palette. In this post, we will share how you can use it to get the best out of it.
How to use Command Palette in PowerToys
Command Palette is a quick-access command launcher that you can use to search for and execute system commands quickly. The tool offers many benefits; for example, it eliminates the need to search through menus or Control Panels. Instead, the commands can be run with a few keystrokes. Plus, it is capable of running tasks such as toggling system settings and launching apps rapidly.
However, if you aren’t aware of how to get started with the tool, here’s a quick guide for you.
Enabling and launching Command Palette
First, make sure you have installed PowerToys on your computer. If you don’t have it installed, download it from GitHub and install it by following all the onscreen steps. Next, to enable Command Palette, follow these steps:
- Start by launching PowerToys, then select Command Palette from the sidebar.
- Finally, toggle on Command Palette if it’s not enabled already.
- In this window, you will also find the option to change the Command Palette launch shortcut. So, click on Open Command Palette settings to customize the activation shortcut (this will open a new window).
- Next, from the Activation key, click the edit icon, select your hotkeys, and save them.
- Once enabled, you can use Windows Key + Alt + Spacebar (or any other hotkeys set by you) to launch it and type your command.
Using the Command Palette
To perform an action using Command Palette, you will first need to launch the tool by pressing its hotkeys: Windows Key + Alt + Spacebar.
This will open a small window where you will need to type your command. If you type an app name, such as Media Player or Settings, it will provide search suggestions from which you can open your desired app.
In addition to basic commands, PowerToys Run supports advanced features through plugins. You can do unit conversions (100 cm to inches), currency conversions (50 USD to EUR), quick web searches using ??, and execute system actions like restart, sleep, or shutdown. This makes the Command Palette a powerful, keyboard-driven interface for both technical and everyday users who want faster access to functions across their Windows system.
Also, here are some useful commands that you must know:
- Restart Explorer: > Restart Explorer
- Empty Recycle Bin: > Empty Recycle Bin
- Lock the Computer: > Lock the workstation
- Restart Computer: > Restart computer
Note: Make sure to use > before typing your command.
Read: How to extract Audio using PowerToys in Windows 11
Extensions and Integrations
Command Palette also supports third-party extensions or add-ons that can expand the functionality of the tool. These plugins help you with advanced workflows and allow you to run scripts, interface with third-party apps, and streamline development tasks and more. Two of such extensions are:
CmdPal-Extensions by davidegiacometti: This one is a community-maintained collection of extensions for PowerToys’ Command Palette (internally called CmdPal). The repository includes a variety of useful, ready-made extensions that can be added to the Command Palette to extend its functionality.
CmdPalGitHubExtension by Microsoft: This is an official Microsoft-built extension designed to integrate GitHub functionality into the Command Palette. With this one, you can interact with GitHub directly from PowerToys’ Command Palette and perform tasks like searching repositories, forking, or managing repos, etc.
Read: Manage Multiple Monitors like a Pro using PowerToys
Customization and Tips
Before you go, here are some customization and other tips to use the Command Palette effectively:
- Start by changing the hotkeys for launching the Command Palette. Many developers prefer Ctrl + Shift + P as their preferred shortcut, as this hotkey is commonly used in VS Code.
- Ensure PowerToys starts as a startup app so you can launch it on the go.
- You can add frequently used scripts or actions like launching tools, folders, or websites into a simple .json file and add it in your CmdPal directory. (You can use an AI tool to get help with this).
That’s how you can enable and use the Command Palette. It can be your go-to tool for quickly performing actions. Want to find a file or folder? Want to launch an app quickly without needing to go to the Start menu? Or want to perform certain types of tasks? The tool is there to help you out. So go ahead and give it a try.
Read: How to enable & use Windows Key Shortcut Guide in PowerToys.
