Honest Comparison • 2025 Edition

PowerToys RunvsAskDesk

Which Windows launcher is better for your workflow?An honest, in-depth comparison of features, performance, and capabilities.

PowerToys Run

Microsoft's official launcher. Lightweight, fast, and completely free.

100% Free & Open Source

AskDesk

PowerToys + AI + Advanced Workflows. Free tier + Pro features.

AI, Voice & Automation

Free • Available on Microsoft Store

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💡 Both tools can coexist • Try AskDesk free for 7 days

The Quick Verdict

Which launcher should you choose?

Choose PowerToys Run if:

  • You want a completely free, no-strings-attached launcher
  • You only need basic file search and app launching
  • You prefer official Microsoft tools
  • You want the lightest resource footprint
  • You use other PowerToys utilities already

Choose AskDesk if:

  • You want AI assistance built into your workflow
  • You need voice commands and hands-free control
  • You want advanced automation and workflows
  • You need clipboard history with rich previews
  • You want text snippets and web search bangs

💡 Pro Tip: You can use both! Keep PowerToys for system utilities, use AskDesk as your primary launcher. They work great together with different keyboard shortcuts.

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Everything you need to make an informed decision

Feature
PowerToys Run
AskDesk
File & App Search
Calculator
System Commands
Web SearchBasic
+ Bangs
Speed
Sub-100ms
Sub-100ms
Resource Usage
Very Light
Light
AI Assistant
Built-in
Voice Commands
Full support
Clipboard History
Rich previews
Text Snippets
Custom WorkflowsPlugins only
Advanced
Plugins/Extensions
Keyboard Customization
Dark/Light Theme
Open Source
Yes (MIT)
Proprietary
Free Tier
100% Free
Free forever
Pro Pricing$0
$8/moor $80/year

What AskDesk Adds to PowerToys Run

Built on the same foundation, enhanced with modern features

Pro

AI Assistant

Ask questions, generate text, explain code—all without leaving your keyboard. Built-in AI for instant answers.

Pro

Voice Commands

Control Windows with your voice. Dictate text, run commands, and search hands-free with advanced voice recognition.

Free

Clipboard Manager

Rich clipboard history with previews for images, code, and text. Search through everything you've copied.

Pro

Text Snippets

Create text snippets that expand anywhere. Perfect for email signatures, code templates, and common phrases.

Pro

Advanced Workflows

Build complex automation workflows with conditions, loops, and custom scripts. Go beyond simple shortcuts.

Free

Web Search Bangs

DuckDuckGo-style shortcuts for instant searches. !yt, !gh, !reddit, or create your own custom bangs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about the comparison

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Next Level of Windows Productivity

See why thousands are choosing AskDesk to supercharge their Windows workflow. Free forever tier with optional Pro features.

Free • Available on Microsoft Store

Get from Microsoft Store

✓ Free tier forever • ✓ No credit card required • ✓ Works alongside PowerToys • ✓ 7-day Pro trial