PowerToys Run to Transform Windows Search Experience by 2025

Let’s face it: Windows 11’s built-in search has been flying under the radar for all the wrong reasons. Laggy, occasionally ineffective, and somewhat underwhelming, it hardly garners praise from users who expect top-tier performance from a flagship OS. But here’s the kicker—Microsoft’s PowerToys Run, long cherished as a capable alternative, is about to level up in a big way.
According to reports from Microsoft insiders, PowerToys Run, a utility that many users have relied on as a snappy replacement for Windows Search, is gearing up for a major overhaul. Think better features, a modern interface, and functionality upgrades that could make it a true competitor to Apple’s acclaimed Spotlight search. And if we’re honest, isn’t it about time Windows had a genuinely excellent search utility that could pull its weight?
Let’s unpack exactly why this update is a big deal—and trust me, there’s a lot to get hyped about.

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What is PowerToys Run, and Why Does It Matter?​

For the uninitiated, PowerToys is Microsoft’s open-source suite of tools aimed at power users who want to unlock additional capabilities in their Windows operating system. Among these handy utilities is PowerToys Run, a lightweight launcher (enabled with Alt + Space) that excels at finding files, launching apps, and accessing core system utilities with lightning speed. In essence, it’s been the unsung hero for anyone exhausted by Windows Search's inefficiencies.
PowerToys Run does more than just search, though—it’s a productivity tool. Here’s a quick breakdown of its capabilities (pre-update):

• Execute quick searches for files, apps, and settings.
• Perform mathematical calculations on the spot.
• Switch between active windows without relying on Alt + Tab.
• Search within folders with its built-in directory scanner.
• Add functionality through an array of publicly created third-party plugins (more on this later).

Open-source and community-driven, PowerToys Run already packs some punch. But its next-gen evolution promises to push the envelope—and then some.

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What’s Changing in PowerToys Run?​

Here’s where things get juicy. Microsoft announced that PowerToys Run will get its long-overdue redesign in 2025 as part of the PowerToys Advent Calendar, an initiative where cool updates and features within PowerToys are highlighted throughout December.
The updates outlined in the teaser reveal that PowerToys Run will have the following next-gen features:

1. Modern Revamped Interface: A sleek UI designed for intuitive use and modern aesthetic consistency with Windows 11. Think Apple’s Spotlight, but with its own flavor of Windows-like charm.
2. Improved Extensibility: Extensions are the bread and butter of PowerToys Run, and the update will bake extensibility into its core. This allows developers to supercharge the plugin ecosystem while maintaining simplicity for end-users.
3. Connected Apps and Services: You’ll soon be able to hook into various third-party tools and platforms directly through PowerToys Run. Example integrations include:
   • GitHub: Search repositories, issues, pull requests, and reports without opening a browser. Developers, this one’s for you.
   • Figma: Need to locate a design element? PowerToys Run will serve as a dashboard for creative collaboration tools like Figma.
   • Social Media Platforms: Quickly search for users, hashtags, or pertinent information on connected platforms.
4. Expanded Categories and Contexts: Say goodbye to generic search results. PowerToys Run will now categorize search results, such as:
   • Calculator results.
   • Open windows or tabs.
   • System tools like Registry keys, Windows Services, and user profiles.
   • Bookmarked items across browsers like Microsoft Edge.

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How Does PowerToys Run Compare to Apple Spotlight?​

For years, Apple Spotlight has set the gold standard for lightweight search utilities. From displaying documents and apps to integration with Siri for real-time news, weather, and calculations, Spotlight checks all the boxes. While PowerToys Run hasn’t traditionally matched Spotlight’s breadth of features, this update could bridge the gap quickly.
Here’s a side-by-side analysis of how PowerToys Run is shaping up:
| Feature | Apple Spotlight | PowerToys Run (Post-Update) |
|-----------------------------|---------------------------------------|---------------------------------------|
| Interface | Minimal and sleek | Modernized UI incoming |
| App/File/System Search | Seamless | Excellent and extensible |
| Third-Party Integrations| Limited | Exploding with GitHub, Figma, etc. |
| Background Calculations | Yes | Yes |
| Utility Tools | Embedded in macOS core features | Focused on third-party and extensible |
While Spotlight still outshines in terms of native features like weather alerts and real-time queries, PowerToys Run’s plugin potential and third-party support hold massive appeal. The pipeline Microsoft is building could eventually make this tool indispensable for power users and casual users alike.

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Plugins: A Key Ingredient for PowerToys Run​

Currently, PowerToys Run supports third-party plugins crafted by the community. Enthusiasts have already developed add-ons to extend its functionality—like browsing your browser history, searching with ChatGPT, or customizing search engines for web lookups. And here’s the kicker: these plugins are drop-dead simple to install.
Just drop your plugin folder into %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\PowerToys\PowerToys Run\Plugins, enable it via the settings menu, and voila—all set. Even if something goes sideways (which happens rarely), most compatibility fixes require no more than a quick PC restart.
With extensibility becoming a core design philosophy, the proliferation of community-driven plugins is bound to explode. Imagine PowerToys Run not just as a search replacement, but as an interface aggregator capable of interfacing with almost anything. The potential here is mind-boggling.

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Why This Update Matters for Windows Users​

With PowerToys Run’s evolution, Microsoft is catering directly to its most loyal and vocal power users. Those who value performance, functionality, and open-source innovation now have one more reason to stick with Windows. Plus, the growing integration of AI tools (think Copilot and similar) hints at deeper synergies coming to fruition across the Microsoft ecosystem.
For everyday users, this upgrade might finally close the usability and efficiency gap between Windows Search and the superior Spotlight-like search experiences found on macOS—or open the possibility to surpass Spotlight altogether.

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How to Get PowerToys Run Ready for 2025​

For those ready to jump in, here’s what you can do:

1. Download PowerToys if you haven’t yet. The suite and its updates are available as a free download from GitHub. Just search for the official repository and install away.
2. Explore Plugins Now: Even before 2025’s update, there’s a wealth of plugins to experiment with.
3. Stay Up-To-Date: Future features will roll out gradually, so keep your PowerToys installation current.

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Final Thoughts: A Spotlight for Microsoft’s Bold Moves​

PowerToys Run’s impending redesign is a testament to Microsoft’s responsiveness to user feedback. While Apple-focused Spotlight users may scoff at the attempt, Windows power users should rejoice: an open-source, customizable powerhouse is taking flight—and you’re invited to be part of its growth.
Whether you’re tired of squinting through underwhelming Windows Search results or craving seamless app integration, PowerToys Run 2025 feels like just what the doctor ordered. You might just find yourself wondering how you ever worked without it.

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Source: Windows Latest Windows 11 search replacement PowerToys Run is becoming modern like Apple Spotlight