New PowerToys Feature Renders Windows Search Obsolete

Windows Search can often be a source of frustration for users, often criticized for its sluggishness, inability to locate files effectively, and the excessive battery drain caused by the Windows Search Indexer. In search of a solution, I transitioned to PowerToys Run, which, although it had its limitations, proved to be a significant improvement over the native search functionality.

Recently, Microsoft has elevated the user experience even further with the introduction of Command Palette. This robust and extensible quick launcher not only outperforms Windows Search in terms of speed and capability but also maintains excellent system performance. Essentially, the former Windows Search tool has become obsolete.

Understanding Command Palette

A Hidden Gem from PowerToys

Command Palette serves as a modern evolution of PowerToys Run, allowing users precise control over their Windows environment. Once I discovered PowerToys Run, I replaced my Start menu instantly and have never looked back.

Command Palette screen in Microsoft PowerToys. — Screenshot of Command Palette in Microsoft PowerToys. Credit: Yadullah Abidi / MakeUseOf

Enhancing the existing PowerToys Run, Command Palette introduces a contemporary interface packed with features. This tool provides quick access to your most commonly used applications, commands, and development tools—all within a unified platform. You can activate it effortlessly using the Windows Key + Alt + Spacebar shortcut, allowing you to immediately search for whatever you need.

This tool is comparable to macOS’s Spotlight search feature, and while Microsoft positions it for power users, in reality, it deserves to be the primary search interface within Windows.

Advantages of Command Palette Over Windows Search

Speed, Intelligence, and Reliability

Windows Search primarily serves to locate files and installed applications. Although it offers web searching capabilities, results are forced to open in Microsoft Edge rather than your chosen default browser. There are ways to improve search with File Explorer, but they don’t measure up to the flexibility that Command Palette provides.

Moreover, the Windows Search Indexer often ignores the system’s power management settings. Users can theoretically adjust this to stop indexing while on battery power, but in practice, this solution is inconsistent and rarely provides meaningful improvement.

This leads to the indexing service running continuously, adversely impacting battery life and overall system performance, particularly on portable devices with numerous files. The consequences of this become more pronounced as file counts increase.

In contrast, Command Palette effectively eliminates many of these shortcomings. Once activated, it grants you immediate access to:

Launching Applications
Searching Files and Folders
Executing System Commands
Switching Windows
Conducting Web Searches and Accessing Bookmarks
Using the Calculator
Utilizing Winget
Accessing Clipboard History
Adjusting Windows Settings
Managing Windows Services
Editing the Registry

If that isn’t enough, Command Palette supports extensions that can augment its functionality, such as Winget integration for app installations, customization options, media controls, currency and timezone converters, QR code scanners, RSS readers, and more. There’s even a dedicated extension for Steam that allows you to search and launch your games quickly. Custom extension creation is straightforward, so you can tailor it to your specific needs.

The impact of Command Palette on your Windows experience is immediately noticeable. Forget slow indexing times, unexpected delays, or missing search results—Command Palette provides immediate responses to any command issued.

Command Palette search bar closeup. — Close-up of the Command Palette search bar. Credit: Yadullah Abidi / MakeUseOf

Additionally, being part of the PowerToys suite means that Command Palette not only offers excellent search capabilities but is also bundled with a plethora of other useful features that enhance the Windows 11 experience significantly.

Installing PowerToys on Windows 11 is straightforward. You have several options: download it via the Microsoft Store, grab it directly from the official GitHub repository, or utilize the following succinct Winget command:

winget install --id Microsoft. PowerToys

Using Winget is the most efficient method, facilitating the installation of multiple applications simultaneously—PowerToys is often included in my installations on new systems.

For those seeking additional features in a similar application, consider exploring Fluent Search. This lightweight tool provides instant search functionality, similar to Command Palette, but utilizes a native file indexer that operates much faster than Windows Search. It also includes unique features like screen search and a tag-based system, effectively overcoming one of Windows Search’s major weaknesses.

Pioneering the Future of Windows Productivity

An All-Encompassing Search Solution

Command Palette embodies the ideal vision for Windows search—speedy, dependable, and capable of expansion. Positioned as the successor to PowerToys Run, it’s clear that Microsoft intends for it to evolve into a key productivity tool for users.

If you’re weary of the limitations of Windows Search, Command Palette offers a comprehensive remedy. Quick to download and easy to set up, built by Microsoft, it stands to redefine your Windows experience—once you’ve tried it, returning to the old methods is unlikely.

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