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PowerToys 0.90:
Command Palette Replaces PowerToys Run
- PowerToys Run has been rebranded as Command Palette, offering a cleaner UI, better icons, and enhanced extension support.
- The shortcut key to access it has changed from Alt + Space to Win + Alt + Space due to conflicts with AI-powered tools like Copilot.
- The UI has been redesigned to be more intuitive, resembling macOS’s Spotlight search.
- A new Start Menu icon for Command Palette makes it more accessible.
- Unlike previous PowerToys tools, Command Palette now has its own system tray icon, allowing it to stay minimized instead of closing completely.
Performance and Functionality Updates
- Speed and responsiveness remain solid—math calculations, folder searches, and applet retrieval work seamlessly.
- SVG lookup support appears to be broken, preventing users from searching for company logos and copying their HTML code.
- Winget integration is unreliable—commands execute but the Terminal window closes abruptly, making it difficult to track progress.
- The ability to edit shortcut keys or add more extensions is currently missing but might arrive in future updates.
Peek Tool Gets a Needed Upgrade
- The Peek tool, which allows quick image previews, now supports the delete command.
- This long-awaited feature makes it more functional—users can now delete files directly from Peek instead of switching back to File Explorer.
Other Improvements
- The New+ tool now supports variable integration for better flexibility.
- The Color Picker tool has been migrated to .NET WPF, which should enhance performance and stability.
What Undercode Says:
Command Palette: A Step Forward, but Not Perfect Yet
The transformation of PowerToys Run into Command Palette is a welcome change. The new UI is more modern, and Microsoft’s decision to include extension support is a step in the right direction. However, the inability to customize shortcut keys and add third-party extensions is a significant limitation, especially for power users.
Additionally, while the performance is stable, missing features like SVG support and issues with Winget command execution reveal that this tool is still a work in progress. These issues may not affect casual users, but those relying on PowerToys for workflow efficiency might find them frustrating.
Why the Shortcut Change Matters
Microsoft’s decision to change the Alt + Space shortcut to Win + Alt + Space might seem small, but it reflects a larger shift in how Windows integrates AI-driven tools. Copilot and ChatGPT-like assistants are now prioritized, forcing traditional utilities to adapt. While this move makes sense from a UI perspective, long-time PowerToys users might find it inconvenient.
Peek Tool Finally Feels Complete
The Peek tool update might not seem groundbreaking, but adding a delete function significantly improves its usability. Before this, Peek only served as a passive preview tool, requiring users to switch back to File Explorer to take action. Now, users can delete files instantly, making it a more powerful alternative to the default Windows preview pane.
What’s Still Missing?
- More Customization: The inability to modify shortcut keys limits user flexibility.
- Extension Marketplace: If Microsoft allows third-party developers to create and distribute extensions, Command Palette could become even more powerful.
- Better Command Execution Handling: The abrupt closing of Terminal when running Winget commands is an issue that needs fixing.
Overall, PowerToys 0.90 is a strong update with meaningful improvements, but there are still gaps that need to be addressed in future versions.
Fact Checker Results
- Command Palette is a direct replacement for PowerToys Run, with UI enhancements and new features. ✅
2. The Peek
- Winget command execution is unreliable, closing the Terminal abruptly in some cases. ✅
PowerToys continues to evolve, and while this update brings solid improvements, it’s clear that more refinements are needed before Command Palette becomes a perfect tool. 🚀
References:
Reported By: https://www.windowslatest.com/2025/04/01/powertoys-brings-command-palette-to-windows-11-and-its-better-than-built-in-search/
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