The PowerToys Run utility has received three new useful modules: SpeedTest for internet speed testing, VideoDownloader for video downloads, and Definition dictionary, significantly expanding the popular launcher's functionality.
G. Ostrov
Microsoft's popular PowerToys Run utility has received a significant update with three new modules that substantially expand its functionality. Users can now measure internet speed, download videos, and get word definitions directly from the launcher.
SpeedTest Module for Internet Speed Measurement
The new SpeedTest module uses Ookla Speedtest CLI for local internet speed testing without third-party tracking or advertisements. The module offers a modern user interface with theme support and launches with a single simple command.
To use it, simply:
- Open PowerToys Run (Alt + Space)
- Enter the command
spt - Results will display in a new window with URL copying capability
The module supports both x64 and ARM systems, making it a universal solution for different configurations.
VideoDownloader for Video Downloads
The VideoDownloader plugin allows downloading videos from YouTube and other websites directly from PowerToys Run. Users can specify video quality and format (including audio-only) and choose where to save files.
Download process:
- Open PowerToys Run
- Enter the command
dl - Add the video URL
- Select quality and format parameters
Definition - Built-in Dictionary
The Definition plugin works as a full-featured dictionary, offering word definitions, pronunciation, phonetics, synonyms, and usage examples. This is particularly useful for students, translators, and anyone working with text.
To use the dictionary, enter the command def followed by the word you're looking up.
Installing New Modules
It's important to note that these modules need to be downloaded from GitHub and installed manually:
- Download the required plugins from their GitHub repositories
- Extract files to the folder
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\PowerToys\PowerToys Run\Plugins\ - Open PowerToys Run and use the corresponding commands
All three commands (spt, dl, def) can be customized in PowerToys Run settings according to personal preferences.
Future of PowerToys Run
Microsoft is actively developing PowerToys Run. In February, the company announced work on a new WinGet package installation utility that will become the "next-generation version" of PowerToys Run. PowerToys Run v2 is also planned for release in 2025 with an updated interface and redesigned extension model.
These innovations make PowerToys Run an even more universal tool for daily work, combining functions in one launcher that previously required separate applications.
Official PowerToys website: Microsoft PowerToys
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