These 5 open-source tools make Windows navigation feel twice as fast

We spend countless hours using computers for fun and work, and most of the time we’re stuck using the default interface and controls. Here are 5 tools that will make using Windows easier and faster.

Command Palette

Although historically only used to launch applications, the Start menu can also be used to find files, launch applications, and search the web with Bing, if this feature is not disabled.

However, with the introduction of the Command Palette in PowerToys, Microsoft took all the extra utilities from the Start menu and integrated them into something much more capable.

Command Palette is an all-in-one search utility that also integrates Run box functionality. This has become my preferred method for opening files and programs in Windows and navigating the Settings menu. It can also:

• Do math

• Search the web using a search engine of your choice

• Install apps with WinGet

• Search the registry

• Manage Windows Services

If it doesn’t have a feature you want, it also allows you to download or create new features.

This is one of the most robust new features available on Windows, and I would be disappointed if it wasn’t included as a native feature in the next version of Windows.

Smooth search

Searching for files and folders in Windows is notoriously slow. Yesterday I tried to search for a 256GB NVMe SSD, and it took several minutes to get a result, which is painfully slow when just finding a file.

Fortunately, Fluent Search solves this problem. Fluent Search is a multifunctional search tool for Windows that lets you automatically search your PC, Bing, Google, Translate and more. This makes searching and accessing your files much easier than the built-in search.

So, for example, if I searched JPG this would quickly return all JPG files to my PC. If it doesn’t find anything after browsing my PC, it will present the options to search the web, enter the term in translation, or run it in terminal.

If your search term is too broad and generates too many results, you can click the small star icon in the lower left corner to narrow down your results by size, modification date, file type, etc.

It doesn’t offer any search filters that Windows doesn’t have natively, but it is noticeably faster and easier to use.

Keyboard Manager

Windows 11 has many keyboard shortcuts and most apps have a long list of their own keyboard shortcuts that you can only use with them.

However, by default, Windows has no way to change or adjust these keyboard shortcuts. You’re stuck with what you have.

Keyboard Manager is another open source tool created by Microsoft that is part of the PowerToys suite. It allows you to bind specific functions to keys, link keyboard shortcuts and buttons, and even create new ones. I’ve had great luck linking unused keys on my keyboard to controls related to window snapping, which makes it much easier to control and move applications around on my desktop.

If you really want to make it your own, you can use it to create new app-specific keyboard shortcuts.

I also used it to remove a few sore spots. For example, I frequently press Windows+C accidentally when I want to press Ctrl+C to copy. Instead of copying text, I get Copilot, something I literally never want. Instead, just disable this shortcut completely.

I used this open source Microsoft tool to remove all the annoying Windows shortcuts

I found a free and open source utility from Microsoft that allows you to rebind unnecessary keys and permanently fix Windows’ most frustrating shortcuts.

Windhawk

The Windows 11 Start menu looks very different from previous versions of Windows, and this is probably the most significant design change since its introduction.

I never fully adjusted to the new menu, especially since it seems like such a big waste of space compared to what it actually shows you. Every time I open it, I feel like I’m fumbling around for a few seconds trying to find what I want.

This is where WindHawk comes in. Windhawk allows you to modify various elements of the Windows user interface, including the Start menu.

Windhawk offers a mod that lets you choose between a dozen different versions of the Start menu, many of which take direct inspiration from the Start menu in previous versions of Windows, while others are new.

Since I started using Windhawk, I’ve found that a lot of the friction of using the Start menu has disappeared, saving me time.

Beyond the Start Menu, you can download mods that change almost every aspect of the user interface. One of my favorites lets you scroll your mouse wheel on the taskbar to change your volume. It’s certainly faster than clicking to open the volume mixer or reaching to the top of my keyboard to press a volume button.

FrostingWM

If you’ve ever thought that Windows’ built-in snipping tools aren’t up to the task of managing your windows, GlazeWM is for you.

Functionally, it completely replaces the existing snipping tools built into Windows and lets you control *everything* on a window with just a press of a shortcut.

It also lets you create workspaces, making it easier to group your tasks and work the way you want.

There is a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, it can be extremely quick, especially if you prefer to use the keyboard only. I would recommend taking a look at the default shortcuts before jumping in.

Windows is not the most flexible operating system out there, but with the help of a few apps, you can easily customize it to make it easier to use.