After years of missing macOS’s spacebar Quick Look, adding the same “press space to preview” workflow to Windows 11 turns what felt like a tiny convenience into a daily productivity multiplier — and the two leading ways to get it, QuickLook (the community-built app) and PowerToys Peek (Microsoft’s official utility), now offer compelling but different trade-offs for everyday Windows users. rview
Mac users have long praised Finder’s Quick Look: select a file, press Space, and a lightweight preview appears without launching a full app. On Windows that behavior wasn’t native for years, which created a small but persistent friction for anyone who frequently skims images, PDFs, documents, or videos. Community projects filled the gap — most notably QuickLook (QL‑Win) — and more recently Microsoft folded a similar capability into PowerToys Peek, which starting with PowerToys 0.95 supports activating the preview with a single Spacebar press. (github.com)
This article summarizes the practical differences, verifies feature and compatibility claims, and analyzes the strengths, cost-of-entry, and risks you should weigh before installing either solution.
In short: try it. Press Space. Keep your workflow.
Source: MakeUseOf I added spacebar previews to Windows 11 and now I can't live without it
Mac users have long praised Finder’s Quick Look: select a file, press Space, and a lightweight preview appears without launching a full app. On Windows that behavior wasn’t native for years, which created a small but persistent friction for anyone who frequently skims images, PDFs, documents, or videos. Community projects filled the gap — most notably QuickLook (QL‑Win) — and more recently Microsoft folded a similar capability into PowerToys Peek, which starting with PowerToys 0.95 supports activating the preview with a single Spacebar press. (github.com)
This article summarizes the practical differences, verifies feature and compatibility claims, and analyzes the strengths, cost-of-entry, and risks you should weigh before installing either solution.
What QuickLook is — and what the MakeUseOf piece got right (and wrong)
QuickLook in a nutshell
- Open-source, GPL‑3.0 licensed project (QL‑Win) that replicates macOS Quick Look: press Space to open a small preview window for the selected file in File Explorer (and many third‑party file managers). It’s available from the Microsoft Store, GitHub releases (installer/portable), or package managers such as Scoop. (github.com)
- Wide format support out of the box and extensible via plugins: images, video containers (MP4, MKV, AVI, MOV listed in the official README), Office documents (with plugins), archives, 3D models, fonts, ebooks, and developer files among many others. The project maintains a supported‑formats list and plugins for Office, PDF, and other formats. (github.com)
- Typical workflow: run QuickLook (it normally lives in your tray), select a file and press Space to preview, press Esc or Space again to dismiss. Arrow keys or clicks navigate files. The app offers zoom, media playback controls, and light touch interactions for many file types. (github.com)
The MakeUseOf article’s useful parts (accurate summary)
The piece correctly captures the user experience: QuickLook brings that one‑key previewing habit to Windows, covers installation from the Microsoft Store, and explains the basic interactions (Space to open, Esc to close), plus convenieny controls. It also fairly warns that QuickLook is meant to be a lightweight, background helper rather than a full editor — it’s for peeking, not replacing heavyweight apps.Where the MakeUseOf claim needs correction
The MakeUseOf article asserts QuickLook “does not handle certain media types, such as .avi or .wmv.” That statement is not consistent with QuickLook’s maintained README and supported‑formats documentation: QuickLook explicitly lists common containers including AVI and other widely used codecs as supported, and the app uses plugin layers (and optional codec support such as LAV filters) to increase compatibility. That discrepancy likely stems from a past version, a particular Store build, or a misconfiguration on the author’s machine — but as of the project documentation, AVI support is present. Always verify with the latest release notes or plugin list before assuming a format is unsupported. (github.com)Microsoft’s native-ish alternative: PowerToys Peek
What Peek offers
PowerToys is Microsoft’s open, free toolkit for power users. The Peek utility within PowerToys provides a Quick Look–style preview window tied into File Explorer. Notable facts:- Peek leverages Explorer preview handlers, meaning it can reuse whatever preview-capable filters/handlers are already installed on the machine (Office, Adobe PDF handlers, system codecs, etc.), which can extend its format coverage without extra plugins.
- As of PowerToys 0.95, Peek supports Spacebar activation by default, removing prior friction where users needed Ctrl+Space or custom remapping. That change closed a major usability gap with macOS Quick Look.
- Peek integrates into the rest of PowerToys, which is both a strength (one centralized toolkit) and a potential downside (you must run the broader PowerToys service if you want Peek).
Why PowerToys Peek matters
Peek represents a Microsoft‑backed, maintained feature set that can be safer for corporate environments and integrates with system-level preview handlers, reducing the need for third‑party plugin management. For many users who prefer official tooling and tighter Windows integration, Peek will be the simpler, lower‑risk choice.Installation paths and practical setup notes
QuickLook
- Microsoft Store: easiest for most users — one click, auto updates, sandbox benefits. Store version may omit Open/Save dialog preview support. (github.com)
- MSI/Portable (GitHub Releases): recommended if you need full Open/Save dialog or portable behavior. Installer/ZIP builds can include optional components like LAV filters or other native plugins. (github.com)
- Command-line package managers (Scoop/Winget) for power users who prefer repeatable installs. (github.com)
PowerToys Peek
- Install PowerToys using the official installer or Microsoft Store. Navigate to PowerToys Settings → File Explorer → Peek (or Peek module) to enable and choose the activation shortcut (Space is now an option in recent builds). Restart Explorer or PowerToys if the Space shortcut fails to activate initially.
Compatibility, performance, and platform limits — verified details
Windows S Mode and Store restrictions
- QuickLook’s Store build is intended for Windows 10/11 and is listed as not supported on Windows 10 S (Store restrictions can block certain functionality). The installer build can sometimes circumvent these Store-run sandbox limits, but S Mode imposes broader restrictions on app types allowed. If your device is in S Mode, check the app notes before installing. (github.com)
- PowerToys is not available in Windows 11 S Mode either; the deeper system utilities require a full Windows experience. Always verify platform compatibility when using school or corporate devices that might lock S Mode.
File-format coverage — QuickLook vs. Peek
- QuickLook maintains a broad, documented list of formats it supports natively and via plugins, including MP4, MKV, AVI, MOV for video and PDFs, Office formats via plugins, images, archives, 3D models, fonts, and ebooks. That list is authoritative for the project. (github.com)
- PowerToys Peek uses the system’s preview handlers. That means Peek’s coverage depends on what preview handlers you have installed: Office Previewers, WebView2‑based PDF handlers, or codec packs extend its reach. In practice, both tools cover most common formats; QuickLook sometimes has an advantage with plugin‑driven specialty formats and open‑source extensibility, while Peek benefits from whatever commercial handlers are already present on your system.
Resource use and background impact
- Both QuickLook and Peek run a background component to respond to Spacebar presses instantly. On modern hardware this is generally negligible. However, on older or heavily constrained machines, background processes and media decoding can push CPU and memory, especially when previewing large media files or when QuickLook is extended with heavy plugins (for example, some users reported higher CPU when QuickLook played certain videos alongside more efficient players). If performance matters, monitor QuickLook.exe / PowerToys processes in Task Manager after installing.
- Disable auto‑start if you want to run QuickLook only on demand.
- Use the lighter Store version for baseline previews; switch to the installer build only if you need extended Open/Save dialog support.
- For PowerToys, selectively enable only the modules you need to reduce overhead. (github.com)
Plugins, codecs, and licensing: what to watch for
QuickLook plugins
- QuickLook’s architecture supports plugins (OfficeViewer, PdfViewer‑Native, LAVFilters bridge, EPub viewers, etc.). Many plugins are open source, but some rely on third‑party components that require licenses or commercial dependencies. For example, the OfficeViewer plugin uses Syncfusion components for rendering Office documents — Syncfusion is not free for commercial distribution without a license, and the plugin’s README explicitly warns about licensing obligations for developers who redistribute it. That’s important for IT admins and corporate environments.
- LAV Filters or other codec packages may be recommended or bundled for better video container/codec coverage; installing third‑party codec packs can change system behavior and carry their own maintenance and security implications. Verify the provenance of codec packages before installing.
PowerToys Peek and system preview handlers
- Peek’s format support leans on system preview handlers that are often implemented by Microsoft or third‑party software (Office, Adobe Reader, WebView2 PDF handler). That can be safer in enterprise setups because handlers are often maintained by the same vendor that produced the host application. However, if you rely on third‑party PDF or Office viewers that register their own handlers, installation or removal of those host apps will affect Peek’s behavior.
Security implications
- Any app that can render many file formats might open attack surfaces if it uses native decoders or third‑party components. QuickLook’s plugin model means you should audit plugins before installing them on sensitive machines. Prefer official builds from the project’s GitHub releases or the Microsoft Store over arbitrary third‑party forks. PowerToys is published by Microsoft and may be easier to approve in corporate settings, but it still executes complex handlers and should be treated like any system utility in enterprise policies. (github.com)
Troubleshooting common issues — practical steps
- Preview not appearing when pressing Space:
- Ensure the preview service is running (QuickLook tray icon or PowerToys process).
- For PowerToys: open PowerToys → Peek → verify activation shortcut is set to Space and that Peek is enabled; toggle it off/on and restart PowerToys if needed.
- Certain files won’t preview:
- Check whether the format requires a plugin (QuickLook) or a system preview handler (Peek).
- Install the appropriate QuickLook plugin via the app’s plugin installer or ensure you have the correct codec / Office preview handler for Peek. (github.com)
- High CPU or audio/video stutter:
- Try disabling autostart and run the previewer only as needed.
- Test with and without plugins (QuickLook) or with only minimal PowerToys modules enabled.
- Consider installing optimized codecs (LAV filters) but be cautious about third‑party packages.
- Spacebar conflicts (e.g., in the middle of renaming a file):
- Both QuickLook and Peek handle some renaming scenarios differently to avoid accidental activation, but if you run into conflicts you can remap the activation key in each app’s settings. PowerToys added an ion in v0.95 with controls to manage conflicts.
Which should you choose? A practical guide
- Choose QuickLook if:
- You want the richest, plugin‑driven format support and freedom to install the portable/installer build.
- You like open‑source tooling and don’t mind managing plugins or codecs.
- You use third‑party file managers (Total Commander, xplorer²) or need Open/Save dialog preview support (use the installer build rather than Store build). (github.com)
- Choose PowerToys Peek if:
- You prefer an official Microsoft utility with system integration and simplified maintenance.
- You already use PowerToys and want a single, centrally managed utility suite.
- You want behavior driven by your existing preview handlers (Office, PDF) without adding third‑party plugins.
- Consider running both (carefully):
- Some power users run QuickLook and PowerToys together but configure one to only activate when the other is disabled. That helps you compare their behavior. If you do this, watch for global shortcut conflicts and disable the module you don’t want to be active. (github.com)
Real‑world impact: why a tiny feature can change your workflow
Peeking at files with one keystroke removes repeated context switching: no more waiting for a heavy editor or media player to load, fewer accidental launches, and faster triage of folders full of images, PDFs, or documents. That small time savings compounds — especially for designers, editors, researchers, and anyone who triages large numbers of files daily. The MakeUseOf author captured that lived experience well: once the spacebar preview becomes habitual, it changes the cadence of work and reduces friction. Just as importantly, these tools encourage keyboard‑first browsing habits that keep you in flow.Risks and governance — what IT admins and cautious users should consider
- Third‑party components and licensing: QuickLook plugins can embed commercial components (e.g., Syncfusion for Office rendering). Check plugin READMEs before deploying in managed environments.
- Security posture: Any app that parses and renders many formats increases attack surface. Stick to Store or official GitHub releases, and limit installations on high‑security endpoints. PowerToys, while Microsoft‑backed, still interacts with system handlers and must be approved through standard IT change processes. (github.com)
- Performance on low‑end hardware: Background services and decoding large files can be noticeable. Test on representative hardware before broad rollout and pisabling autostart where appropriate.
- Compatibility with S Mode / locked devices: Neither the full PowerToys suite nor certain QuickLook installer capabilities are compatible with Windows S Mode — confirm device state before recommending installs. (github.com)
Final verdict and practical recommendations
If your goal is to replicate the macOS Quick Look habit on Windows 11, both QuickLook and PowerToys Peek deliver — but they serve slightly different audiences.- For the best out‑of‑the‑box, widely documented format coverage and plugin extensibility, QuickLook is the go‑to. Install the Microsoft Store version to get up and running instantly or the installer/portable release for full Open/Save dialog coverage and plugin control. Monitor plugins for licensing terms (OfficeViewer) and be mindful of optional codec packs if you need exotic formats. (github.com)
- For a system‑backed, centralized approach that aligns with enterprise policies and reduces plugin management overhead, PowerToys Peek is an excellent, low‑friction alternative — and the addition of Spacebar activation in PowerToys 0.95 removed the last big usability gap. If you already use PowerToys, Peek is the simplest, safest path.
- Decide whether you prefer Microsoft PowerToys (Peek) or the QuickLook ecosystem.
- Install the test build (Store or GitHub) and verify Spacebar activation works for your workflow.
- Test the file types you use most (images, PDFs, office files, video) and install only the plugins/codecs you trust.
- If performance is a concern, disable autostart / limit modules and profile CPU/RAM.
- For corporate rollouts, confirm licensing and security policies before approving plugins or third‑party codec bundles.
In short: try it. Press Space. Keep your workflow.
Source: MakeUseOf I added spacebar previews to Windows 11 and now I can't live without it
