Why PowerToys Run is the Ultimate Replacement for the Start Menu

The Start menu is an integral part of daily computer use, often taken for granted as a reliable tool. However, there are times when it becomes frustratingly inadequate. You might find yourself searching for a specific file that you know is saved on your device, only to be met with irrelevant Bing search results instead. Additionally, users often face performance issues, as well as a lack of customization options that hinder efficiency.

These limitations prompted me to seek a more effective alternative, and I’m thrilled to have discovered PowerToys Run—a remarkable tool included in Microsoft’s lesser-known suite of utilities that serves as an excellent replacement for the Start menu.

Transforming Your Workflow with PowerToys Run

Upon using PowerToys Run, the immediate realization is how much time has been lost to the inefficiencies of the Start menu. This tool boasts remarkable speed—simply press Alt + Space to initiate it, and instantly locate applications or files.

Moreover, PowerToys Run offers intelligent features that far exceed those of the conventional Start menu. Not only can you launch applications, but you can also open folders, access websites directly, and execute shell commands seamlessly. The ability to perform quick calculations and unit conversions without needing a separate application is particularly advantageous.

PowerToys Run enhances usability through keyword support for filtered searches, allowing users to focus on files, folders, or specific programs. It learns from user behavior, such that frequently accessed applications, like Slack, will appear prominently in search results for relevant queries.

One standout feature is its web search capability which doesn’t limit you to Edge or Bing. By typing ?? followed by your search term, you can open results in your preferred web browser using your custom search engine. Additionally, inputting a URL with // opens the link in your browser of choice.

PowerToys Run also enables you to access recent results with !!, launch PowerToys utilities using @, or navigate the Windows registry with :. For keyboard enthusiasts, this functionality feels like wielding a superpower.

Tailoring PowerToys Run for Your Needs

Personalization at Your Fingertips

PowerToys Run settings — Screenshot by Pankil Shah — No attribution required

One of the standout aspects of PowerToys Run is its high degree of customization. To adjust settings, open PowerToys, navigate to System Tools > PowerToys Run, and explore a variety of options. For instance, while Alt + Space is the default shortcut to launch the tool, users can set their own preferred key combinations.

Another essential adjustment is the number of results displayed. By default, PowerToys Run shows four items, which can be limiting on larger screens. Users can increase this number to view more options simultaneously, making it easier to locate items when several share similar names.

The tool also remembers your last search, a feature that is beneficial in some instances but not all. If you prefer starting fresh each time, you can disable this capability for a cleaner search experience.

Unleashing the Power of Plugins

Elevating Efficiency Through Extensions

PowerToys Run plugins list on PC — Screenshot by Pankil Shah — No attribution required

While the attractive features and speed of PowerToys Run entice users, it’s the extensive range of plugins that keeps them engaged. PowerToys comes with an assortment of integrated add-ons, but the true power lies in exploring third-party extensions.

The Winget plugin is especially useful for those who prefer the WinGet method for software installation. It allows users to search for, install, and update applications directly from within PowerToys Run, all without the need for conventional navigation through browsers or command interfaces.

Additionally, the Everything plugin revolutionizes the file search process. Unlike the conventional Windows search, which depends on indexing, Everything delivers nearly instantaneous results for files and folders. Using this plugin through PowerToys Run adds even more efficiency to an already powerful tool.

For users needing to manage clipboard history effectively, the Clipboard Manager plugin enables access to past copied text, links, or commands—all functionalities the default Windows Clipboard lacks.

Furthermore, the integration of the ChatGPT plugin brings AI-assisted support directly into PowerToys Run. Users can type questions into PowerToys Run, which launches ChatGPT, providing immediate assistance. These plugins are just the tip of the iceberg, with more available on the GitHub page.

With my applications organized neatly on the desktop and taskbar and PowerToys Run streamlining my search process, the Start menu feels almost obsolete. All essential tools are now merely a few keystrokes or a click away.

Regular updates from PowerToys continually enhance its performance and introduce new features. Even if Microsoft eventually enhances the Start menu, PowerToys Run is likely to remain the superior choice for users seeking efficiency and productivity.

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