Compare software

SlickRun vs PowerToys Command Palette: catalog facts
SlickRun	PowerToys Command Palette
Best for: Windows users who prefer typed keywords over hotkeys to start programs	Best for: Windows users who want a keyboard launcher from Microsoft
Free Free to download and use.	Free Free as part of Microsoft PowerToys.
Windows	Windows
Custom keyword aliases for programs, sites and files Auto-completion keeps typing short All 3 strengths for SlickRun Custom keyword aliases for programs, sites and files Auto-completion keeps typing short Small, signed installer	Opens with one shortcut and searches apps, files, commands and the web Extensible and customisable All 4 strengths for PowerToys Command Palette 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
Windows only Closed source All 3 limitations for SlickRun Windows only Closed source Aliases have to be set up by hand	Windows only Requires PowerToys to be installed and running in the background
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Not open source	Open source
License not stated	License: MIT
No account needed	No account needed
Offline features available	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for SlickRun bayden.com/slickrun Catalog checked October 1, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for PowerToys Command Palette learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/powertoys/command-palette… Catalog checked October 1, 2026

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