<div id="readability-page-1"><figure> <img src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/STK109_WINDOWS_B.jpg/query-Y3JvcD0wLDAsMTAwLDEwMCZxdWFsaXR5PTkwJnN0cmlwPWFsbA?x-oss-process=image/auto-orient,1/interlace,1/resize,w_1440,h_1440/quality,q_95/format,jpg" width="2040" height="1360" original-src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/STK109_WINDOWS_B.jpg/query-Y3JvcD0wLDAsMTAwLDEwMCZxdWFsaXR5PTkwJnN0cmlwPWFsbA"/> <figcaption></figcaption> </figure> Microsoft has quietly launched an updated Spotlight-like launcher app for Windows that provides quick access to commands, apps, and development tools. The software maker originally launched its PowerToys Run launcher for Windows 10 nearly five years ago, and the updated version — Command Palette — now includes search for apps, folders, and files, calculations, system commands, and much more. Command Palette is available for any Windows user from the PowerToys app, but it looks like Microsoft is now targeting this particular utility at power users and developers. You use Command Palette to access Windows commands or launch command prompts and shell shortcuts. Command Palette also has the ability to quickly open websites, web searches, and search through folders and files like you’d expect from a Spotlight- or -Alfred-like interface. <img src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/pt-cmdpal-overview1.gif/query-Y3JvcD0wLDYuMDA0NzA3OTgzMjc4NSwxMDAsODcuOTkwNTg0MDMzNDQzJnF1YWxpdHk9OTAmc3RyaXA9YWxs?x-oss-process=image/auto-orient,1/interlace,1/resize,w_1440,h_1440/quality,q_95/format,jpg" original-src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/pt-cmdpal-overview1.gif/query-Y3JvcD0wLDYuMDA0NzA3OTgzMjc4NSwxMDAsODcuOTkwNTg0MDMzNDQzJnF1YWxpdHk9OTAmc3RyaXA9YWxs"/> Microsoft has also moved its previous Window Walker PowerToy into Command Palette so you can easily switch between open windows. The most interesting part about Command Palette is that Microsoft has made it fully customizable thanks to extensions support so you can add additional commands and features beyond what’s available by default. The PowerToys Command Palette has been available since early April, and you can activate it using the Win+Alt+Space shortcut once it’s installed. Microsoft says “Command Palette is intended to be the successor of PowerToys Run,” but both are still available for now. Microsoft made some tweaks and changes to Command Palette this week ahead of its Build developer conference on May 19th.</div>

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Microsoft has launched Command Palette, an updated launcher for Windows that offers quick access to commands, apps, and development tools. This tool, aimed at power users and developers, allows users to search for apps, folders, files, and perform calculations. It integrates features from the previous Window Walker PowerToy and supports customization through extensions. Command Palette can be activated with the Win+Alt+Space shortcut and is intended to succeed PowerToys Run, which remains available. Recent updates were made ahead of the Build developer conference on May 19th.

- Microsoft has launched an updated launcher app called Command Palette for Windows, enhancing access to commands, apps, and development tools.  
- This app, available through PowerToys, targets power users and developers, offering features like app searches, calculations, and customizable extensions.  
- Command Palette, which can be activated with the Win+Alt+Space shortcut, is positioned as the successor to PowerToys Run, with both apps currently available.

Microsoft’s Command Palette is a powerful launcher for apps, search, and more