Published on Apr 03, 2025 6 min read

Use PowerToys Run to mimic Mac's Spotlight in Windows

Users of the Mac have been using Spotlight as a system-wide search utility for many years to find files and launch applications while performing tasks through simple key commands. Windows search functionality that existed did not match the speed or polished performance and full set of features that Spotlight provided to Mac users. PowerToys Run functions as an essential Microsoft PowerToys system feature, which equips Windows with a Spotlight-empowered search tool that delivers rapid accessibility combined with high versatility and customization options.

The Allure of Spotlight: Why Windows Users Craved a Similar Tool

Spotlight's main attractiveness results from its streamlined approach and quick execution. Users can quickly activate the search bar with Command + Space and type their inquiry, which provides live search results. The tool provided flawless integration alongside quick response times, which turned it into an essential application for Mac users, while many Windows users began searching for equivalent functions.

The following features make Spotlight an attractive tool:

• Windows Users Craved this Tool Because One Key Combination Displays the Search Bar Directly for Quick Workspace Access.
• Spotlight searches all file types, applications, contacts, and calendar events and returns web results, creating a uniform search interface.
• The system displays search results instantly during typing so users can modify their requests instantly for more precise results.
• Quick Actions enables Spotlight to execute calculations and perform conversions and additional speedy tasks from the search bar interface.
• Users possess two functionality options to customize search results along with the capability to block particular folders or files from being included in the search results.
• Customizable: Users can customize the types of results that appear and exclude specific folders or files from the search.

Windows Search: The Existing Solution and Its Shortcomings

The built-in search option in Windows operates from both the Start menu interface and through the search field located in the taskbar. The Windows Search application receives frequent complaints about multiple aspects:

• Search results tend to take longer than acceptable periods to show up, particularly when users work on machines that are either not new or less potent.
• Windows Search delivers only basic file lookup and application discovery without the extensive set of capabilities thatSpotlight provides.
• The search results webpage presents so many items that it becomes difficult for users to locate the required information.
• Windows Search restricts users from easily modifying its search functionalities since it provides few customizable options according to individual requirements.
• The system indexing operation consumes substantial resources, which in turn affects its overall performance capabilities.

PowerToys Run: Bridging the Gap

PowerToys Run, which belongs to the Microsoft-developed Open-Source PowerToys framework supplied by free services, delivers a Spotlight-like search functionality for Windows to overcome Windows Search limitations. The versatile launcher speeds up searches for application executions, file retrieval, and system setting launches.

Key Features of PowerToys Run

• PowerToys Run provides immediate search result completion during your typing process.
• A plugin-based architecture in PowerToys Run benefits users by enabling developers to design plugins that build additional functional elements.
• Users can customize PowerToys Run by changing its presentation settings according to their preferences through theme selection and control of window position with font adjustments.
• The navigation system of PowerToys Run allows users to reach results by using only their keyboard instead of needing a mouse.
• PowerToys Run features a plugin architecture that opens countless possibilities because developers within the community have created plugins to add features, including calculator options, unit conversion tools, and web search capabilities. Functions, unit conversions, and web searches.

How to Install and Configure PowerToys Run

1. One can download PowerToys through the official GitHub repository by accessing https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys.
2. The PowerToys installation includes a wizard-based installer which users must follow through step by step.
3. Open the PowerToys application through the Start menu once you finish installing this program.
4. The "PowerToys Run" settings in PowerToys contain an enablement option that users can access to activate the feature.
5. Users can select their preferred configuration options from a list that includess the hotkey combination for activation,n as well as the appearance and methods to start plugins.

Customizing PowerToys Run for Optimal Performance

• You should modify the default shortcut (Alt + Space) into a more convenient one that better suits your hand movements. Users favor using Ctrl + Space as their alternative shortcut.
• The visual theme selection should correspond to your current desktop appearance. People tend to prefer dark mode because it delivers both an attractive appearance and better eye comfort.
• The system allows you to switch plugins on or off according to your specific requirements. Deactivating temporary plugins increases 7-zip's performance because it eliminates extra desktop items.
• The search function lets you choose specific folders to exclude which results in better performance by keeping unnecessary search outcomes from appearing.
• Users should control the amount of search results displayed because higher limits slow down searches but provide additional, comprehensive results.

Essential PowerToys Run Plugins

PowerToys Run vs. Windows Search: A Head-to-Head Comparison

Tips and Tricks for Power Users

• Saving time with frequent tasks becomes possible through creating command and application aliases.
• Users can find new functional plugins through their exploration of the PowerToys Run plugin repository.
• Developers should consider building their plugins that extend PowerToys Run capabilities for the benefit of community users.
• Users should maintain the latest version of PowerToys since it offers both functional advancements and repair fixes.

The Future of PowerToys Run

PowerToys Run continues development as an active project because developers introduce new features and plugins regularly. The Project maintains a positive outlook because developers plan to deepen its Windows compatibility and develop sophisticated plugins based on machine learning and artificial intelligence technology.

Conclusion

PowerToys Run serves as a superior Windows Search replacement through its quick searches, customizable features, and additional built-in tools. Its plugin-based system allows users to customize settings that enable them to build a Spotlight-like search functionality in Windows. All users who seek to boost productivity through workflow optimization should install PowerToys Run.