PowerToys receives new update, unveils new UX design and enhanced features

In a world where software updates come faster than the morning coffee, it’s refreshing when they introduce meaningful changes. One such case is the recent update to PowerToys, presented via a pull request on GitHub (Fluent UX PowerToys Run #28538).

According to the pull request on GitHub, PowerToys is getting an update. The major attractiveness of this update is the transition of Run from the Modern WPF platform to WpfUI.

The developers behind the project had a specific cause for this shift: paving the way for the UX update, aligning seamlessly with the Windows 11 Design Language. So, what does this mean for users? A sleek interface, intuitive design, and a general feeling of smoothness are some of the prominent improvements.

Another hefty change that comes packed in this update is an enhancement that Windows enthusiasts have been eagerly waiting for – the acrylic backdrop. This neat feature becomes apparent when the search box is empty.

 

Rather than just a void, users now find themselves before an interactive overview of all activated plugins and trigger commands. This gives them a bird’s-eye view of their commands, making navigation more effortless.

Further delving into the cosmetics, the update blesses us with a substitution of all old plugin icons. Replacing them are the fresh symbols from Segoe Fluent Icons. Now users can enjoy a more aesthetically pleasing, coherent appearance in their icon lineup.

Lastly, the default size is now trimmed down, a slight modification that increased the utility of the software. The window of Run isn’t as intrusive as before, with its minimized presence. But don’t be fooled. Sometimes, less is more, and in this case, that ‘more’ is the result. Yes, this reduced size can surprisingly provide a larger stream of results. Efficient and subtle.

In conclusion, this upcoming update may appear less creative at first glance, but it brings with it efficiency, aesthetic appeal, and higher functionality all under one umbrella. PowerToys is thus taking a step in the right direction, adding quality-of-life changes for the users and making their interactions with the software more enjoyable and effective.