PowerToys 0.91 Release: Enhanced Command Palette Launcher and Additional Features

Exciting Enhancements in PowerToys May 2025 Update

The latest release of PowerToys, version 0.91, is now available as of May 2025. This update introduces numerous enhancements aimed at improving the functionality of existing modules. Although no new tools are added in this iteration, development efforts are currently concentrated on the recently introduced Command Palette. Many users feel that this robust launcher is one feature that rightfully deserves to be integrated natively into Windows 11.

Key Features of PowerToys 0.91 Update

Implemented an open URL fallback command in the WebSearch extension, allowing users to directly launch URLs from the Command Palette.

Enabled the Command Palette global hotkey to function as a low-level keyboard hook for enhanced accessibility.

Enhanced user experience by allowing immediate selection of search text upon Command Palette activation.

Refined the PowerToys Run v1 calculator logic and integrated it into the Command Palette, adding settings support and optimizing fallback behaviors.

Restored support for keyboard shortcuts within list items in the Command Palette.

Improved the Time and Date plugin by porting custom format support, reorganizing settings, and enhancing error messaging.

Included fallback capabilities in the TimeDate extension, permitting direct date/time queries without prior command selection.

Introduced filterable nested context menus in CmdPal, equipped with a search functionality to refine user interaction.

Allowed Command Palette to perform searches on any file using a fallback command.

Upgraded Registry Preview to facilitate pasting registry keys without manual file header input and added a reset button.

Expanded Color Picker support to include Oklab and Oklch color formats.

Comprehensive Changelog Highlights

Below are some additional noteworthy items from the extensive changelog, showcasing significant enhancements across multiple modules:

Advanced Paste

Resolved an issue that prevented Advanced Paste from initializing the OCR engine for specific English language tags.

Color Picker

Addressed a resource leak that was causing hangs and crashes by ensuring proper disposal of the Graphics object.
Fixed a bug causing Color Picker to exit on Backspace, aligning its exit behavior with other commands.
Added support for Oklab and Oklch color formats.

Command Palette Improvements

Updated the bug reporting template to incorporate the Command Palette module.
Resolved DPI scaling issues in the toast window for better visual presentation.
Enhanced keyboard navigation by ensuring continuous movement with Up/Down keys and fixing caret position issues.
Moved the Time and Date extension to streamlined code for simplicity and clarity.
Implemented settings to customize the visibility of the system tray icon in CmdPal.
Added support for JUMBO thumbnails to access high-resolution icons.

Other Utility Modules

PowerRename: Now includes 12-hour time format with AM/PM options.
Image Resizer: Corrected an issue that resulted in incorrect preset deletion.
Keyboard Manager: Improvements recognized, thanks to contributions from the community.
Workspaces: Resolved issues with Steam game launching and capturing.

Looking Ahead

Future updates to PowerToys are expected to introduce further enhancements to the Command Palette, include installer upgrades, revamp the Keyboard Manager interface, and implement various bug fixes.

Download PowerToys 0.91

You can download PowerToys 0.91 directly from GitHub or visit the Microsoft Store. If you already have the app installed, simply navigate to Settings > General and select “Check for updates”to get the latest version.

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