Microsoft Takes a Page from Apple’s Playbook with New Windows 11 Feature

Microsoft will soon let you make Windows 11 a bit more like macOS. The PowerToys package will introduce a new feature called Command Palette Dock, which resembles what you find in the Apple OS. The Command Palette Dock is a customizable panel that can be pinned to any edge of the screen and used to display various extensions and widgets. By default, it is pinned to the top of the screen, similar to macOS.

In the announcement on GitHub, features like system resource monitoring, a file browser, a music player, and clipboard history are mentioned. This approach intends to enhance user productivity by providing quick access to essential tools and information, aligning with trends towards efficiency.

Microsoft states that all existing PowerToys Command Palette extensions should work in the Command Palette Dock. Although the new feature has a page on GitHub, it is not yet included in the PowerToys set. The release date for its appearance in PowerToys has not been announced.

Industry experts note how the introduction of Command Palette Dock is another step in Microsoft’s broader strategy to provide a seamless operating ecosystem that can cater to creative professionals, a category traditionally dominated by Apple. However, unlike macOS’s somewhat closed system, Microsoft’s approach allows for greater customization and integration, a key selling point for tech-savvy users who seek tailored experiences. Analysts suggest this move could potentially sway users inclined towards Apple’s aesthetic and functional appeal back to the Windows platform, particularly in business environments where flexibility is crucial.