Powertoys: [Run] Tracker: An option to let running programs be first in the results list
Summary of the new feature/enhancement
It would be more useful if already running programs are shown first in the results list in the quick launcher (like the old WindowWalker). _Or maybe an option to change the priority._
Proposed technical implementation details (optional)
In the results list, the running programs should be first in the list.
moxwel
All 11 comments
I think this is related to/a duplicate of #3158
ianelletson
on 19 May 2020
Sorry didn't see this - My issue #3185 is the same as this. Close or leave open?
ghost
on 19 May 2020
Would it be possible to attach the ability to spawn a new instance of the app by holding a modifier while pressing enter/clicking? Like pressing enter/clicking will switch to the running process, but holding shift and then pressing enter/clicking will start a new process.
mrmcpowned
on 3 Jun 2020
I think an ability to change priority of result categories in favor of windows of running processes (or even turning some of modules off as Windows Search already does many things PowerRun does) is a good thing, but as a compromise solution I can suggest adding mode switching characters, like in awesome bar in Firefox or like in shell module here, for example:
>for shell module*for window walker=for calculator/for files search,+for apps to start etc.
That would allow to filter by needed results without going to settings.
Just need to make sure that there's a hint or a help panel that shows all these modes and that most essential modules get a character that is easily accessible on most keyboard layouts (@ is not accessible on RU layout, for example, need to switch to EN to type it, otherwise Shift+2 prints " instead), but the latter is probably a whim
STeeL835
on 9 Jun 2020
It would be really great if running apps would be prioritized. Here's a mock-up of what that experience could look like:
It groups the Window Walker results at the top of the list. Selecting it would bring up the running instance, on focus (or mouse over) the app icon would appear (like the 'Run as admin'/'Open path' icon does now) that'll launch a fresh instance of the app.
niels9001
on 15 Jun 2020
It would be really great if running apps would be prioritized. Here's a mock-up of what that experience could look like:
It groups the Window Walker results at the top of the list. Selecting it would bring up the running instance, on focus (or mouse over) the app icon would appear (like the 'Run as admin'/'Open path' icon does now) that'll launch a fresh instance of the app.
Looks great, Neils!
ghost
on 15 Jun 2020
Since #4942 has been closed in favor of this issue, I think it's in order to reiterate here:
My understanding is that
woxhas 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-historyThat way:
* the full power of a god search a虁 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
The way I see it, having PTRun apply filters only after entering a special character or keyword must necessarily be slower than a process that is triggered with only those plugins that are actually relevant to what the user intends, no matter how well optimized. Therefore, I am positive that this is not just a matter of personal taste but a matter of architecture for speed, which is the most important aspect for such a tool, as @jsackmann has so well explained in #3357.
Beyond that, we can clearly see that different people have different usage scenarios. Having a straight-forward way of setting up those scenarios as needed would benefit everybody equally.
As for the sorting of results, my proposed separate plugin sets could be sorted sets. As a simple first version, results of different plugins could simply be concatenated. Later, they could be interleaved if a good, reliable weighting scheme can be implemented on top.
rasenplanscher
on 16 Jul 2020
Any updates here for the roadmap?
chrobs
on 1 Oct 2020
related to #5531 and #6129
saahmedm
on 13 Oct 2020
Any updates on this? This is one of the most important features for me and I assume for a lot of people.
Or at least a configuration option, where everyone can configure if they want to see the running apps on top or not.
Coupz
on 29 Oct 2020
Finally, with the last release (v0.25.0), now searching for running processes and programs is more easy 馃槂
Better action key support
=for direct calculator?for direct file searching.for direct for applications//for direct URL<for running processes>for shell processes
At least for me, this is all I need, just put a < or . and then the name of the program does all the trick.
_Maybe I can close the issue?_
moxwel
on 29 Oct 2020
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Most helpful comment
It would be really great if running apps would be prioritized. Here's a mock-up of what that experience could look like:
It groups the Window Walker results at the top of the list. Selecting it would bring up the running instance, on focus (or mouse over) the app icon would appear (like the 'Run as admin'/'Open path' icon does now) that'll launch a fresh instance of the app.