For seasoned Windows users, the quest to locate applications or files on their PC often leads to frustration. The Windows Search Indexer service is notorious for being resource-intensive and seldom provides quick results. Fortunately, an innovative feature from Microsoft PowerToys is here to change that narrative: the Command Palette. This tool is so effective that Microsoft should consider integrating it into Windows as a standard feature without delay.
A New Era for Windows Search
The Start Menu: Ineffective and Outdated
Microsoft has acknowledged the shortcomings of the default Windows search experience, as evidenced by the development of the Command Palette. Despite its potential, this feature remains confined in PowerToys, primarily marketed to “power users”rather than becoming a quintessential aspect of the operating system.
While many users tolerate the sluggishness of Windows Search, its limitations go beyond speed. The Windows Search Indexer constantly runs in the background, draining system resources and adversely affecting battery life. Given that it sometimes struggles to locate files right before the user’s eyes, the overhead incurred by this service is perplexing.
Moreover, the service often disregards Windows’ power management settings. Even when users configure the Indexer not to operate on battery power, these settings frequently fail to deliver consistent results. Disabling the Windows Search service altogether can yield noticeable performance improvements and conserve battery life.
If you are new to Microsoft PowerToys or have yet to utilize it, you are missing out on an exceptionally superior search experience.
Command Palette: A Breakthrough Feature
Fast, Intuitive Access to Everything You Need
Essentially, the Command Palette functions as a versatile launcher. Initiated by pressing Windows Key + Alt + Space, users type their queries and hit Enter. It represents an evolution of PowerToys Run, a tool that has effectively supplanted the Start menu for many users.
In stark contrast to the Start menu, Command Palette eliminates distractions from ads and irrelevant web links by focusing solely on users’ needs: accessing applications, locating files, executing commands, and enhancing productivity. Its clean and modern interface streamlines workflows rather than hindering them.
The functionality of Command Palette extends far beyond mere searches for applications and files. It integrates a wide array of features designed to enhance user efficiency.
Among its key offerings are a built-in calculator, Winget integration, capabilities for system commands, clipboard search, terminal command execution, easy access to Windows Settings, and the option to create bookmarks for frequently used files or websites. Additionally, it incorporates the old Window Walker tool, allowing users to switch between open applications seamlessly without browsing through every window using Alt-Tab.
Customization and Extensions: Tailoring Your Experience
Empowering Users with Extensions and Custom Commands
Like its predecessor PowerToys Run, Command Palette supports a range of extensions. Rather than just serving as a launcher, it acts as a robust platform designed for extensibility and customization.
Users can install extensions directly through the Command Palette, enhancing their experience significantly. Want seamless integration with Visual Studio Code? An extension is available. Need specific commands tailored to your workflow? Creating custom extensions takes mere minutes with the provided extension creator.
Moreover, Microsoft has committed to enhancing the developer experience through an SDK and comprehensive documentation for those interested in creating their own extensions. The Create a new extension command conveniently generates a template directly from the Command Palette, enabling any application to add its commands and functionalities seamlessly.
Nearly There: Enhancements Needed
A Few Bugs Away from Total Replacement of the Start Menu
Despite its strengths, the Command Palette does rely on the Windows Search Indexer for locating files and apps. In contrast, Fluent Search, a lightweight application, employs a custom indexer that outperforms Windows’ native capabilities in speed and reliability.
Users might also encounter minor issues with third-party extensions, where they fail to load correctly despite being visible in the interface, alongside occasional inconsistencies with Winget commands.
On a positive note, Microsoft continues to refine the Command Palette, with recent updates enhancing fallback search for files, improving URL management, and enhancing performance.
A Call to Action for Microsoft: Time for Integration
Command Palette: Too Good to Remain an Extra
Command Palette stands out as a free, open-source tool, bolstered by Microsoft, that is faster and more efficient than both Windows Search and PowerToys Run. Its potential for extensibility and transforming Windows interactions is remarkable, and it deserves a place within the core Windows framework.
Once users experience the benefits of the Command Palette, reverting to Windows Search becomes unmanageable. If Microsoft genuinely values productivity and user experience, it must upgrade Command Palette from an optional feature to an essential component of Windows.
No user should endure a cumbersome and slow search experience when a superior alternative is readily available in Microsoft’s toolkit.
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