Microsoft’s Excellent Start Menu Alternative to Receive Essential Update

A New Era for the Start Menu: Microsoft’s PowerToys Command Palette

The traditional Start menu has become a relic in my daily computing experience, as echoed by my colleague Usama Jawad in a recent editorial. For me, Microsoft’s PowerToys Command Palette has effectively taken its place, delivering an enhanced and versatile launcher that allows for streamlined file searches, rapid app launches, and command executions, plus a plethora of additional functionalities aided by various modules.

Upcoming Enhancements in Version 0.93

Recent updates from the PowerToys GitHub repository reveal exciting developments in version 0.93, set to enhance app search capabilities within the Command Palette. This new update not only offers a complete list of available applications but will also introduce an option to pin favorite apps—functionality that mirrors the familiar features of taskbar or Start menu pinning. Furthermore, users can expect their pinned applications to conveniently appear on the Command Palette home screen upon launch.

Utilizing Command Palette: An Overview

For those who might be unfamiliar, accessing the comprehensive list of apps in the Command Palette is straightforward. Simply press Win + Alt + Space (or designate your preferred key sequence via the module’s settings) and select “All apps, ” which is prominently displayed by default. The Command Palette then quickly scans through the available applications, presenting them alongside useful details such as their type and file path.

Anticipated Features and Release Timeline

At present, specifics regarding the number of apps that can be pinned or the exact release date for version 0.93 remain undisclosed. However, given that the previous update, version 0.92, was released recently, it’s reasonable to expect the new features will debut sometime in August, as PowerToys typically follows a monthly update schedule.

The Value of Command Palette

The capabilities of Command Palette certainly warrant a dedicated series of articles to explore its full potential. If you haven’t experienced it yet, I wholeheartedly recommend trying it out. This utility is not only fast and powerful but also highly configurable and extensible. It would be an excellent addition to the Windows ecosystem. PowerToys, including the Command Palette, can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store or directly from GitHub.

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