I hate seeing app shortcuts clutter my desktop, so I removed all of them and pinned only my most-used apps to the taskbar. The problem was I still needed to open other apps, folders, and files throughout the day. The Windows Start menu worked, but it felt clunky. Every time I had a window open, I had to move my cursor to the bottom of the screen, click the Windows icon, and start searching.
That's when I looked for a better launcher and eventually ditched the Start menu completely. PowerToys Command Palette became my go-to tool. It's free, backed by Microsoft, packed with useful extensions, and keeps my desktop clean. A quick keyboard shortcut opens it instantly, finds what I need, and blends so naturally with Windows that it feels like a native feature. Now I have a clean desktop and quick access to everything I need.
Why I prefer PowerToys Command Palette over other alternatives
I already love PowerToys
I've used launchers like Keypirinha, Everything, and Wox before. They're all powerful and highly configurable tools. But after ricing my Windows setup and installingPowerToys, I realized Command Palette offered exactly what I wanted.
PowerToys is one of the firstutilities I install on every Windows machine, which means Command Palette is automatically available on all my devices. No separate installer. No complicated setup. I just open PowerToys settings, find Command Palette in the list, and toggle it on.
Since Microsoft develops the tool, it gets consistent updates, reliable support, and smooth integration with Windows. It feels native because it behaves like a built-in feature. The reason I prefer Command Palette is simple. It's more than adequate for my needs. I don't want heavy customization or dozens of extensions. I just want a launcher that works reliably and stays out of the way. PowerToys Command Palette fits that perfectly.
Things I like about Command Palette
It actually finds what I'm looking for
The default Windows search drives me crazy. I type what I'm looking for and half the time it shows web results instead of the app or folder on my computer. While web search is one of thethings that I always disable on a new Windows PC, it always seems to turn on after every update. So, instead of fighting the system, I use Command Palette instead. I type my app or files, it finds them instantly, and I hit Enter. No surprises. No Bing results when I just want to launch Notepad.
I had already stripped down my taskbar and placed two search bars on my desktop whilericing my Windows setup, so adding another visible launcher felt unnecessary. Command Palette solves that cleanly by using the default keyboard combo,Windows +Alt +Space. I just tap three fingers near the bottom of my keyboard, and it pops up immediately. No mouse required and no extra visual clutter.
The pre-activated extensions make the experience even better. File search, web search, calculator, and WinGet app discovery are the ones I use most. On top of the built-in features, I’ve also added a few extensions from the Microsoft Store. Currency Converter sits ready for days when I switch between different currencies. Browser Bookmark Search helps me dig through saved links, and Unit Converter handles quick measurements. Installation is straightforward. You don’t need to restart your system and nothing conflicts with other software. Everything blends into Windows naturally.
The visual design is the final touch that makes it enjoyable to use. Command Palette looks clean and modern without being overly flashy. The interface matches the Windows 11 style so well that it feels like a native app, something Microsoft should have included with the operating system from the beginning.
Why you might not like Command Palette
It's not as configurable as other launchers
Command Palette doesn't have the customization depth of other third-party launchers. If you want to modify everything about how your launcher behaves, build extensive custom configurations, or create dozens of personal shortcuts and workflows, other tools offer significantly more flexibility. They can be customized and extended in ways that Command Palette simply doesn't support.
Maybe you run complex automation workflows or need your launcher tailored to a very specific process. If that's you, Command Palette probably won't feel right. You might want to try alternatives likeKeypirinha, which is just as fast but offers deep customization options.
For me, Command Palette already covers everything I need. Most of my frequently used apps are pinned to my taskbar, and I only use a launcher occasionally. What matters is having something that integrates cleanly with my system, works immediately, stays reliable, and keeps things simple without unnecessary frills.
Try Command Palette today
If you spend too much time hunting through the Start menu or dealing with unwanted web search results, Command Palette deserves a shot. It's free, backed by Microsoft, and works immediately without setup hassle. Download PowerToys, enable Command Palette, and hitWin + Alt + Space. Give it a week, and you'll probably find yourself using it instead of the Start menu. It's straightforward, reliable, and just a better way to get things done on Windows. So, stop wasting time with the Start menu and experience how a proper launcher transforms your workflow.
PowerToys
- OS
- Windows
- Developer
- Microsoft Corporation
PowerToys is a free collection of advanced utilities created by Microsoft that helps Windows users work faster and customize their workflow. It adds powerful tools for window management, file handling, and quick launching, making Windows more efficient and easier to use for both casual and power users.
