Replacing Windows Search: A Look at Microsoft's Command Palette
Many Windows users don't really like the default Windows search, and that's understandable. Thankfully, there are other options out there, like Flow Launcher and Powertoys Run. But there's a new kid on the block that might be even better: the Windows Command Palette.
The Command Palette offers a good balance for searching your system and launching apps. It's not too complicated, but it's still really powerful and efficient. To use it, you'll need to download Microsoft PowerToys and enable the Command Palette. You can also set up a keyboard shortcut to open it quickly, and it runs in the background.
Compared to Powertoys Run, the Command Palette is definitely a step up. It feels like a natural part of Windows, which is a plus. You can use it to search for apps and files, and even run commands. For example, you can use commands like 'shutdown /s' to shut down your computer or 'ipconfig' to view your network configuration. It also helps with installing applications via Winget.
One of the Command Palette's cool features is that you can add extensions to make it even more useful. The extension library is still growing, since it's open-source, which is great for future development. Extensions can add specific functionalities or integrate with other apps and services. For example, there's an extension for Obsidian Notes that lets you search, view, and edit your notes directly from the Command Palette! Some other potential extensions could include a calculator, a unit converter, or a tool for managing tasks.
The Command Palette is also known for being fast. While it uses Windows indexing for file searches, it does this very efficiently. For those who prefer not to use Windows indexing, there's talk of an "Everything" extension being developed. And if you're a developer, you can even create your own extensions.
Another handy feature is the ability to add bookmarks. This lets you assign custom names and keyboard shortcuts to folders or websites you access frequently. For example, you could create a bookmark to quickly open a specific project folder or a website you use for work. This way, you can quickly open them from any application.
In short, the Windows Command Palette is a powerful, efficient, and nice-looking alternative to the default Windows search. Its features and extensibility make it a really promising tool for boosting productivity. And the fact that Microsoft is behind it suggests they're serious about improving the Windows search experience. If you're looking for a better way to search and launch things on Windows, give the Command Palette a try – it might just change your workflow for the better.
I have also made a video in this so watch the video down below to see it in action.
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