I stopped opening the Start menu once I discovered this PowerToys feature

At a glance:

• Command Palette is launched with Windows + Alt + Space by default
• It replaces the Start menu for launching apps, switching windows, running commands and more
• Built‑in extensions like WinGet integration and the Everything search plug‑in expand its capabilities

Why the author switched from the Start menu to Command Palette

The author, a long‑time Windows power user, explains that the Windows 11 Start menu feels cluttered with recommendations and web results that rarely help his workflow. He prefers to type a few letters, hit Enter, and move on, which the Start menu can do but often forces him to sift through unwanted sections. After trying PowerToys Run and then discovering PowerToys’ Command Palette, he found a more focused interface that removes recommendations entirely and avoids the default Bing search that Edge would otherwise open.

How Command Palette works and what it can do

Command Palette is invoked with the shortcut Windows + Alt + Space (configurable in PowerToys). Once open, a minimal search box appears, allowing the user to type the name of an app, a window title, or a command prefix. The tool supports several prefixes:

1. > – run arbitrary commands without opening the classic Run dialog.
2. # – search the Windows Registry directly from the palette.
3. = – perform quick calculations using the built‑in calculator.
4. ! – launch a window‑switching mode where typing part of a window’s title jumps to it instantly. These prefixes let the palette act as a command centre rather than a simple launcher.

Extensions that turn Command Palette into a powerhouse

PowerToys ships a gallery of extensions that can be added with a click. Two that the author highlights are:

• WinGet integration – type the name of an app and install it straight from the search box, bypassing the need to open a terminal.
• Everything integration – pulls results from the third‑party Everything indexing tool, giving instant file‑system search without relying on Windows Search indexing. These extensions broaden the palette’s reach, making it useful for developers, sysadmins, and anyone who wants to stay keyboard‑centric.

What is lost compared to the Start menu?

The only feature the author misses is the pinned‑apps section that appears when pressing the Windows key. Pinned apps provide a visual shortcut for frequently used programs like Edge or Photoshop. In Command Palette, the same apps can be launched by typing their names, but the shortcut to open the palette (Win + Alt + Space) replaces the single‑press Windows key. The author accepts this trade‑off because the speed and consistency of the palette outweigh the convenience of visual pins.

Is Command Palette for everyone?

The piece notes that users satisfied with the revamped Start menu—especially those who have customized it to hide unwanted sections—may not need Command Palette. However, power users who value a lean, keyboard‑first experience will likely appreciate the reduced clutter and the extra functionality provided by prefixes and extensions. The learning curve is shallow for anyone familiar with macOS Spotlight, and the transition can be made quickly.

Looking ahead: the future of Windows launchers

Microsoft continues to iterate on both the Start menu and PowerToys, suggesting that future updates may blur the line between the two. As more extensions become available and integration with tools like WinGet deepens, Command Palette could become the default launch experience for a growing segment of Windows power users. Until then, the choice remains personal: stick with the visual Start menu or adopt a streamlined, command‑driven workflow.