Microsoft is introducing a major upgrade to PowerToys Run, allowing Windows users to install software directly through the launcher with native Winget support. This update eliminates the need to open PowerShell or Windows Terminal to install applications, streamlining the process for developers, IT professionals, and power users.
Previously, users had to manually enter commands like winget install <package-name> in a terminal window. Now, PowerToys Run will handle installation with a simple search query and a single click.
The feature was first revealed in a GitHub pull request where Microsoft engineers confirmed that PowerToys Run will directly query Winget’s repository, displaying package details and allowing instant installation.
PowerToys Run is a quick launcher utility for Windows that allows users to search and open applications, files, folders, and perform various tasks rapidly using keyboard shortcuts. It’s an open-source and modular tool developed by Microsoft as part of the PowerToys suite.
Winget and PowerToys Run: A Step Toward More Streamlined Software Management
The integration of Winget into PowerToys Run marks a shift toward making software installation faster and more user-friendly on Windows. According to Senior Product Manager at Microsoft, Kayla Cinnamon, the feature is currently being refined, with real-time package discovery and safety checks being implemented to prevent accidental installations.
Reunited with the Windows Terminal devs and we're cooking up something new. Here's a sneak peek of installing a winget package through a new utility coming soon to PowerToys:
— Kayla Cinnamon ☕ (@cinnamon_msft) February 13, 2025
P.S. this is live working code, courtesy of @zadjii 😉 pic.twitter.com/HnzQeZNHpm
This move fits into Microsoft’s broader strategy of automating administrative tasks. Recent improvements to Windows Terminal and PowerShell have also focused on reducing friction for developers, making PowerToys an increasingly vital tool.
How PowerToys Run Integrates with Winget
The upcoming PowerToys Run enhancement allows direct communication with Winget’s API, pulling live package data and offering one-click installations. Unlike traditional Winget usage, which requires command-line input, this update presents a graphical approach that speeds up workflows.
When a user searches for an application, PowerToys Run will fetch relevant results from the Winget repository, enabling direct installation.
In Microsoft’s official PowerToys repository, developers have detailed how the system will incorporate safety checks to ensure the correct package is installed. Additionally, future iterations may include the ability to uninstall applications directly from PowerToys Run.
PowerShell’s Command Not Found module operates similarly. It scans for unrecognized commands and suggests the relevant software package via Winget. This feature is disabled by default, as it requires PowerShell 7.4, but can be activated by users who frequently work with command-line tools.
PowerToys: A Growing Toolkit for Windows Power Users
PowerToys has evolved significantly since its 2019 revival, transforming from a small set of utilities into an essential toolkit for Windows customization. The addition of FancyZones for window management and Always On Top for keeping select windows visible has made PowerToys a must-have for advanced users.
Now, with native Winget integration, PowerToys is moving beyond UI enhancements and into software management. For IT professionals, this update removes extra steps in workstation setups, making it easier to install necessary applications quickly.
What’s Next for PowerToys?
Although an exact release date has not been announced, both the PowerToys Run Winget integration are actively being developed. Those interested in testing early versions can follow the progress on GitHub or compile the latest PowerToys build from source.
Microsoft has hinted at additional enhancements, such as improved search within PowerToys Run and deeper integration with other Windows utilities. With automation and ease-of-use becoming focal points in Windows development, these updates signal a shift toward making Windows a more efficient platform for professionals.
For those who frequently install and manage software, this update brings a much-needed improvement. By embedding package management directly into PowerToys, Microsoft is making one of its most popular utilities even more powerful.
