Microsoft Preps New PowerLauncher PowerToy For Windows 10

Microsoft PowerToys
Microsoft released its first PowerToys for Windows 10 last year, and like with previous Windows operating systems, they are individual utilities aimed at power users. This time around, there's a new utility on the way called PowerLauncher.

PowerLauncher is described as a quick app launcher that is meant to supplant using commands like Win+R, Win+S or the Windows search bar. There are also other third-party alternatives that provide similar functionality like Launchy and Executor. 

powerlauncher 2

Microsoft admittedly calls its built-in search function slow -- at least compared to the run prompt -- and that is often slow to launch a chosen app. That's where PowerLauncher steps in. Users can search for and launch apps instantaneously with PowerLauncher.

Users will begin seeing search results as soon as they start typing in the PowerLauncher text box, and there are auto-complete text suggestions. When hovering over search results, you'll see the full location patch of the executable, while a right-click context menu brings up the ability to Run as administrator, Open file location, or Open in console.

powerlauncher

Microsoft will also offer a Settings page for PowerLauncher to change how the app responds (i.e. maximum number of results shown, default shell, etc.). You can read more about PowerLauncher over at GitHub.

The first PowerToys for Windows 10 launched back in early September, and includes utilities like FancyZones, Shortcut Guide, and PowerRename.

Brandon Hill

Brandon Hill

Brandon received his first PC, an IBM Aptiva 310, in 1994 and hasn’t looked back since. He cut his teeth on computer building/repair working at a mom and pop computer shop as a plucky teen in the mid 90s and went on to join AnandTech as the Senior News Editor in 1999. Brandon would later help to form DailyTech where he served as Editor-in-Chief from 2008 until 2014. Brandon is a tech geek at heart, and family members always know where to turn when they need free tech support. When he isn’t writing about the tech hardware or studying up on the latest in mobile gadgets, you’ll find him browsing forums that cater to his long-running passion: automobiles.

Opinions and content posted by HotHardware contributors are their own.