[PowerToys Run] Filter Currently Running Applications

[PatrickRodowicz]

Filter Currently Running Applications

Since the merge with Wox, the Window Walker aspect of PTRun has become much less efficient, as opening new applications and other search results often take priority over applications that are currently running. For instance, I used to use Window Walker to search through open browser tabs, but this isn't really feasible anymore as PTRun returns too many results upon search to be easy or efficient.

To that end, would it be possible to somehow set an option so that PTRun only displays currently running applications? Perhaps with a specific shortcut that opens PTRun to only look at open applications? Or a character in the search to set as a filter (like ">" is a terminal run, maybe ":" only returns running applications)?

I think a lot of previous users of Window Walker would benefit.

Many Thanks for your consideration!

[chrobs]

I really support the concept of prioritizing running applications at the top of the search results! My main objective would be to use PTRun to efficiently and easily switch between currently open applications.

Maybe have a look at Rofi for linux: https://github.com/davatorium/rofi

[jonpratt12]

Duplicate of #4731 (this ticket has more comments though, so best close #4731).

[c-vetter]

I'm coming from Window Walker, which has been officially dumped in favor of this tool. In that light, I think this replacement should really fill that role in as direct a manner as possible. Consequently, there should definitely be a hotkey for launching the search for current processes.

To me the tasks of switching to open processes and launching new ones are fundamentally different, even if they look similar on the surface. Therefore, I'd pretty much prefer them to be separate, so as to allow both to work at maximum efficiency, which they cannot do while sharing a space.

Maybe there can be three tools:

• launcher: launch apps
• walker: switch to open windows
• finder: find miscellaneous files

Personally, I'd launch these with separate hotkeys. I see absolutely no overlap in usage there.
And for those who actually want everything in one tool, there could be a fully optional god search which draws on the others.

The way it is now, PT Run is of no use to me. I'll stick with Window Walker for now :(

[chrobs]

I fully support the position of @rasenplanscher
As previously linked, "rofi" for linux does exactly this:

Built-in modes:

• Window switcher mode (for running applications)
• Application launcher (lauching applicationts)
• Desktop file application launcher (finding/opening files)
• Combi mode, allowing several modes to be merged into one list

Personally, I prefer the combi mode because when I want to do something in program X, I don't want to think about if I may have program X already running or if I do have to start it again - I just want to do something with program X, no matter if I have to switch to the respective window or start the program.

[c-vetter]

Personally, I prefer the combi mode because when I want to do something in program X, I don't want to think about if I may have program X already running or if I do have to start it again - I just want to do something with program X, no matter if I have to switch to the respective window or start the program.

That is definitely a valid use-case.

My understanding is that wox has been fully integrated, and WindowWalker made into a plugin. Therefore, a simple solution likely won't happen. With that in mind, what I'd like to see is the ability to launch PTRun with different hotkeys loading different sets of plugins. For example:

• F13: launcher + switcher (as per @chrobs)
• Alt+F13: process-killer
• F14: file-finder
• F15: clipboard-history

That way:

• the full power of a god search à la wox would be available
• each setup could be very fast
• one would not need keywords as with wox
• god search would not be a special case, but easily available to those who want it

[saahmedm]

hi @PatrickRodowicz , we have a number of issues regarding changing the Window Walker integration. Thank you for the suggestions and well thought out conversation. Please paste your ideas in the following issues:

• An option to let running programs be first in the results list - [Run] Tracker: An option to let running programs be first in the results list #3169
• Explicitly start new program instance with modifier key - [PT Run] Explicitly start new program instance with modifier key #3884
• Rethink integration of window walker into launcher - Rethink integration of window walker into launcher #3357

closing this as a duplicate, feel free to open if the other issues don't cover your suggestions!