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- keepsAlt+Space, the > shell prefix, run as admin with Ctrl+Enter, typing instead of clicking.
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- A launcher that lives inside a suite of utilities.
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- One app that only launches.
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- worth paying forcurrency and time zone answers, Everything file search on from the start, named web searches like /yt, and one person whose only job is this app.
01 · ComparedChecked 2026-10-14
Nudge vs PowerToys Run
If you want a free launcher and already run PowerToys, keep PowerToys Run. It is free, open source, made by Microsoft, and it covers most of what a launcher should. Nudge is for people who want one app that only launches, with currency conversion, time zones and file search built on Everything ready from the first run, for $4.99 once, or $2.99 during early access.
Microsoft now calls Command Palette the evolution of PowerToys Run. Both ship in PowerToys today. Command Palette opens with Win+Alt+Space and adds clipboard history, an extension gallery and a Dock, so if clipboard history is what you are after, try it before you pay for anything.
02 · The honest comparisonPowerToys Run vs Nudge
Side by side
Where PowerToys Run is the better pick, the table says so.
PowerToys RunNudge
PriceFree and open sourcewins here$4.99 once. One PC per key.
What you installOne utility inside PowerToys, a set of 25 plus utilities that runs in the backgroundOne app that only launches
Default keysAlt+Space, changeableAlt+Space, changeable
FilesFiles in the Windows Search index, plus a folder browserA bundled copy of Everything plus Windows Search. Every drive with one admin prompt.
Math and conversionCalculator, 13 kinds of units, date and time formatsCalculator, units, currency, time zones
Windows and systemWindow switching, services, registry, shell (>), system commandsWindow switching (win), services (svc), kill, shell (>), system commands and toggles
Text toolsHashes, GUIDs, base64, URL encodingHashes, UUIDs, base64, URL encoding, passwords, QR codes
Web searchYour default engine (??)Your default engine (/online), or named sites: /g, /yt, /gh and more
PluginsTakes additional plugins, including community oneswins hereMade by me only, from the store inside the app
Clipboard historyNot in Run. Command Palette has it.Not yet. Planned, on the wishlist vote.
SpeedNot measured on the same PC, so no number from meOpens in about 10 ms, about 55 MB of memory1
- 1 Nudge figures are measured on the release build on my own test PC. Tests on everyday mid-range PCs are still to come.
03 · SwitchingWhat $4.99 buys
Coming from PowerToys Run?
04 · Who should pick whichNo wrong answer
Who should pick which
Pick PowerToys Run, or Command Palette if
- You want free and open source.
- You already use other PowerToys, like FancyZones or PowerRename.
- You want community plugins, or registry search.
- You want clipboard history today: Command Palette has it.
Pick Nudge if
- You want currency, time zones and Everything file search without hunting for plugins.
- You would rather install one app than a suite.
- You want to pay once for something one person maintains, and an email that gets answered.
- You want a launcher where nothing you type leaves your PC.
05 · FAQ4 questions
Questions people ask before they switch.
Is PowerToys Run being replaced?
Microsoft calls Command Palette the evolution of PowerToys Run. Both still ship in PowerToys today, and Run still has its own page in Microsoft’s docs.
Can I keep PowerToys and use Nudge?
Yes. Both Run and Nudge default to Alt+Space, so turn Run off in PowerToys or change one of the two shortcuts. The rest of PowerToys keeps working as before.
What data leaves my PC?
Nothing you type. There is no account and no tracking. Nudge only goes online to activate your licence and check it once a week, to look for updates, to list plugins, and to get the day's exchange rates when you convert currency. The rate request is the same for every user and carries nothing about you, and Settings → Privacy → Network features turns it off. The privacy policy lists each one.
What if it is not for me?
Ask for a refund within 14 days, through the store you bought it from. No reason needed.
06 · Try it14-day refund
Press Alt+Space. Type. Get the answer.
$2.99 during early access, then $4.99. Paid once, plus tax where it applies. No account, no subscription, and a refund within 14 days if it is not for you.