Microsoft’s Command Palette utility has emerged as a significant upgrade to the PowerToys suite, offering Windows power users and developers an enhanced launcher experience that streamlines productivity workflows. As Windows Central reports, the latest PowerToys update has further refined this relatively new module with several key improvements.

Command Palette represents the evolution of PowerToys Run, the popular quick launcher that has been a staple for Windows power users. According to Microsoft’s own documentation, Command Palette allows users to “easily access all of your most frequently used commands, apps, and development tools – all from a single solution that is fast.”

The most recent PowerToys update, released in mid-May 2025, has introduced several noteworthy enhancements to Command Palette. Users can now search any file using a fallback command, making the tool even more versatile for file management. The update also allows users to configure the Command Palette global hotkey as a low-level keyboard hook, giving more control over how the utility is activated.

Web browsing capabilities have been expanded as well, with an open URL fallback command for the WebSearch extension that enables users to directly open URLs in their browser directly from Command Palette. Additionally, users can now define custom formats in the Date and Time plugins, adding another layer of personalization to the experience.

The utility is triggered using the Win+Alt+Space keyboard shortcut, a deliberate differentiation from PowerToys Run’s Alt+Space command. This distinction highlights Microsoft’s intention to position Command Palette as a separate, more advanced tool rather than a direct replacement.

Key Features and Implementation

Command Palette incorporates functionality that was previously separated across multiple tools. As Slashdot reports, the new launcher integrates Window Walker capabilities for switching between open windows and supports launching command prompts, executing web searches, and navigating folder structures.

What sets Command Palette apart from its predecessor is its emphasis on extensibility. The launcher offers full customization via extensions, allowing users to implement additional commands beyond the default capabilities. This open architecture supports the growing ecosystem of third-party extensions being developed by the community.

Industry Context

The development of Command Palette raises interesting questions about Microsoft’s approach to productivity tools. As one Slashdot commenter noted, Windows 11 already includes a search box in the start menu, as well as Copilot integration, potentially creating overlap between different search and command interfaces within the Windows ecosystem.

This perceived redundancy may reflect Microsoft’s experimental approach to user interface design, with PowerToys serving as something of a “skunkworks” project where new ideas can be tested before potentially being integrated into the core operating system.

User Experience

For existing PowerToys Run users, the Command Palette experience will feel familiar yet enhanced. The interface maintains the quick-access philosophy while providing a richer display and additional capabilities. Despite these enhancements, Microsoft claims the tool maintains performance parity with PowerToys Run.

While Command Palette has been available through the PowerToys application since early April 2025, it is still evolving. As Windows Central notes, some power users haven’t fully switched from PowerToys Run to Command Palette, suggesting that the newer tool may still need refinement before it achieves the same level of user adoption as its predecessor.

As Microsoft continues to iterate on this utility, the Command Palette represents an important step forward in the company’s ongoing efforts to provide advanced productivity tools for its most demanding users.