How to find open apps with the Window Walker tool in Windows 10 PowerToys

If you often have dozens of apps and windows open and struggle to find the one you need, Window Walker, a feature in Microsoft PowerToys, is the perfect productivity boost for your Windows 10 PC.

This tool makes it easy to search and switch between open windows — much faster than cycling through them manually or using Alt + Tab. In this post, you’ll learn what Window Walker is, how to use it, and why it’s a must-have for multitaskers.

🧰 What Is Window Walker?

Window Walker is a quick window switcher that lets you search for open windows by typing part of their name. Think of it as Spotlight Search, but for running apps in Windows.

Originally released as part of Microsoft PowerToys, it’s designed for power users who need a faster way to manage multiple open programs.

💡 Why Use Window Walker?

• 🔍 Quickly search and switch to open windows
• 🧠 Useful for users with many apps or browser tabs
• ⌨️ Keyboard-based – no need for the mouse
• 🚀 Faster than Alt + Tab or taskbar hunting

✅ How to Install PowerToys and Use Window Walker

Step 1: Download PowerToys

1. Visit the official page: https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys
2. Download and install the latest release for Windows.

💡 PowerToys is free and open-source from Microsoft.

Step 2: Launch PowerToys and Enable PowerToys Run

Although the feature is called Window Walker, it’s now part of PowerToys Run, a powerful launcher that includes window switching.

1. Open PowerToys from your system tray or Start menu.
2. In the sidebar, click PowerToys Run.
3. Make sure it’s enabled.
4. Take note of the shortcut: Alt + Space by default.

Step 3: Use Window Walker

1. Press Alt + Space to bring up the search bar.
2. Type > (the greater-than symbol) followed by part of the app or window title.

Example:

>chrome

This will show a list of all open Chrome windows. Press Enter to switch to the selected one instantly.

You can skip the > symbol in newer versions — just typing the app name may also bring up open windows.

🧠 Pro Tips

• Use partial matches to locate apps quickly (e.g., “doc” for “Word Document”).
• Works well for switching between browser tabs if they’re in separate windows.
• Customize the hotkey under PowerToys Run settings for easier access.

🛠️ What Else Can PowerToys Run Do?

Besides Window Walker, PowerToys Run can also:

• Launch apps
• Perform quick math calculations
• Open files and folders
• Execute system commands
• Search Windows Registry and running processes

It’s like having a mini command center at your fingertips!

🚀 Final Thoughts

The Window Walker tool in PowerToys is a hidden gem that can drastically speed up your multitasking. If you’re juggling multiple apps and windows, this feature helps you navigate them like a pro.