PowerToys to bring Spotlight-like launcher to Windows 10 later this year
PowerToys could bring a launcher similar to Alfred from macOS to Windows 10.
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What you need to know
Microsoft-made PowerToys will add a new launcher later this year. The launcher will allow people to search for files and apps, and it will support plugins such as search engines and calculators. Microsoft is working with the open-source community to design the launcher, and a public beta is planned to roll out this May, according toThe Verge’s Tom Warren.
PowerToys originally appeared in Windows 95 and was recently relaunched to add handy features for power users on Windows 10. While PowerToys is a separate app and does not make any changes to the Windows 10 operating system, it does feel native when you use it. For example, thePowerRename featurethat allows you to bulk rename files appears directly within the right-click context menu.
Microsoft’s Clint Rutkas shared apollearlier this week asking peole to help name the new launcher.
Help us name our Win+R project (we call launcher internally) for Power Toys. It can do more than just launch apps so trying to be sure we have a great, straight forward name that works for everyoneHelp us name our Win+R project (we call launcher internally) for Power Toys. It can do more than just launch apps so trying to be sure we have a great, straight forward name that works for everyone— Clint Rutkas (@ClintRutkas)April 15, 2020April 15, 2020
According to Warren, the new launcher will originally handle basic search tasks that you’d perform through Start Menu search on Windows. Over time, Microsoft plans to add a more powerful launcher akin to Alfred from macOS. UX designer Niels Lauteshared a conceptof a redesigned launcher earlier this year. Warren states that Microsoft is adopting some of Laute’s code to make the launcher have a modern design.
Tools that make life just a bit easier
PowerToys has a growing set of useful tools, including a batch rename tool that makes it easy to rename your files in bulk.
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
