Compare software

PowerToys Command PaletteKeypirinha

Best for: Windows users who want a keyboard launcher from Microsoft

Best for: A launcher that has to be portable and has to be fast on weak hardware

Free

Free as part of Microsoft PowerToys.

 Free

Free closed-source software. Version 2.26 dates from November 2020 with no release since.

Windows Windows
  • Opens with one shortcut and searches apps, files, commands and the web
  • Extensible and customisable
All 4 strengths
  • Opens with one shortcut and searches apps, files, commands and the web
  • Extensible and customisable
  • Optional compact search box mode
  • Comes with the rest of the PowerToys utilities
  • Fast even on old hardware, with a native executable and no runtime
  • Fully portable; it runs from a folder or a USB stick
All 4 strengths
  • Fast even on old hardware, with a native executable and no runtime
  • Fully portable; it runs from a folder or a USB stick
  • Packages are Python modules, so extending it is straightforward
  • Finds apps, files, bookmarks, control panel items and sessions
  • Windows only
  • Requires PowerToys to be installed and running in the background
  • No release since November 2020
  • Closed source, so nobody else can pick it up
All 4 limitations
  • No release since November 2020
  • Closed source, so nobody else can pick it up
  • Windows only
  • Configuration is INI files rather than a settings window
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Open source Not open source
License: MIT License not stated
No account needed No account needed
Not stated if it works offline Offline features available
Sources

Catalog checked October 1, 2026
Sources

Catalog checked September 21, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.