The default Windows search bar in the bottom-left corner of your screen is notoriously sluggish and cluttered. When you search for a file, Windows often decides to show you a Bing web search result instead of the local application you actually want to open. If you want a lightning-fast, keyboard-driven search experience similar to Apple’s Spotlight, you must install Microsoft PowerToys Run.
PowerToys is a suite of advanced system utilities developed by Microsoft for power users. Its standout feature, PowerToys Run, replaces the default Start menu search with a sleek, centrally located search bar that prioritises local files, applications, and system commands over internet garbage. In this guide, you will learn how to set it up.
Step 1: Installing Microsoft PowerToys
Because PowerToys is designed for advanced users, it is not installed by default on Windows 11.
- Open the Microsoft Store app on your PC.
- Search for PowerToys. (Ensure the developer is listed as Microsoft Corporation).
- Click Install.
Alternatively, you can download the installer directly from the official Microsoft PowerToys GitHub repository.
Step 2: Activating PowerToys Run
Once installed, the PowerToys icon (a multi-coloured jigsaw piece) will appear in your system tray (the bottom-right corner of your taskbar).
- Click the PowerToys icon to open the main configuration dashboard.
- In the left-hand sidebar, scroll down and select PowerToys Run.
- Ensure the main toggle switch at the top is turned On.
Using the Search Bar
To summon the new search bar, simply press Alt + Space on your keyboard. (You can change this shortcut in the settings if you prefer).
A minimalist search box will instantly appear floating in the centre of your screen. From here, you can perform several powerful actions entirely from your keyboard.
1. Launching Applications
Type the name of any installed application (e.g., Word or Spotify) and press Enter. The application will launch instantly. Unlike the default Windows search, PowerToys Run learns your habits and will auto-complete your most frequently used apps faster.
2. Instant Calculations
You do not need to open the Calculator app for basic math. Simply press Alt + Space and type an equation (e.g., 150 * 45). The answer (6750) will instantly appear in the dropdown. Press Enter to copy the result to your clipboard.
3. Searching for Specific Files
If you want to bypass applications and only search your hard drive for a specific document, use the file search operator. Type a ? (question mark) followed by a space and your search term.
? invoice 2026This tells PowerToys to ignore web results and apps, and only return local files matching that name.
4. Running System Commands
You can execute deep system commands without navigating the Settings menus. Use the > (greater than) operator. For example, to instantly lock your PC, type:
> LockTo empty the recycle bin without right-clicking it on the desktop, type:
> Empty Recycle BinBy replacing the sluggish Windows Start menu with PowerToys Run, you eliminate visual clutter and dramatically increase the speed at which you navigate your operating system.