Quickly open any program using Run, the app launcher built into Microsoft PowerToys.
Microsoft decided almost two years ago to resuscitate its PowerToys by creating an open source project to develop a new version.
Introduced in Windows 95 before disappearing with Windows XP, these little tools were aimed at users of the hack by allowing them to add new features to the Microsoft operating system.
Since their resurrection, PowerToys have been updated many times, often with the arrival of new tools that meet more or less specific needs.
Presented in the form of a single application bringing together the various tools, the PowerToys have recently integrated Run, formerly known as Window Walker. This tool is an app launcher in the form of a search box that appears in the center of the screen, quite similar to what exists on macOS with Spotlight.
Because in addition to the ability to quickly search and open an application, Run can also search for your files, but also perform some basic operations.
1. Download the PowerToys
If you haven’t already, download Microsoft PowerToys first. This unique application groups together several utilities that can be activated using keyboard shortcuts.
- Download PowerToys for Windows 10 (Free)
Once installed, PowerToys takes its place in the hidden icon bar of Windows 10. All you have to do is click on its icon to open the window showing the operation and configuration of the various utilities.
2. Configure PowerToys Run
Once the PowerToys window is open, go to the menu dedicated to PowerToys Run. First make sure that Run is activated.
Next, customize the maximum number of results displayed by default. The app is set to display 4 natively, but you can increase this number to get more results if you want.
The native shortcut to activate PowerToys Run is Alt + Spacebar. If this shortcut does not suit you, you have the option of replacing it with the key combination of your choice. Once you have made your settings, close the PowerToys window.
3. Activate and use Run
Back on the Windows desktop, or on any other open window on your machine, you can activate Run using the keyboard shortcut Alt + Spacebar (or the one you defined if you have it). amended).
A Start Typing text field is then displayed. Enter the first letters of the software or application you want to open, and open it by clicking on it with the mouse or by validating using the Enter key on the keyboard.
You will be able to navigate in Run using only the following keyboard shortcuts:
- Alt + Spacebar: Show / hide PowerToys Run
- Esc: Hide PowerToys Run
- Ctrl + Shift + Enter: Open the selected application as administrator
- Ctrl + Shift + E: Open the directory containing the file or application sought in the file explorer
- Ctrl + C: Copy path (for files)
- Tab: navigate in the displayed results
In addition to helping you quickly launch your apps without having to navigate the Start menu, PowerToys Run offers the option of launching an app as an administrator, or opening the app location, using of the two icons visible to the right of the application.
But there’s more to PowerToys Run than that. The application can, for example, act as a calculator, execute shell commands, but also search your files and documents, etc.