Quick Shell

Install Quick Shell

Pick the launcher you use. Command Palette and PowerToys Run share the same Windows installers and %LocalAppData%\QuickShell\ data. Raycast installs from the Raycast Store and keeps its own storage (import/export JSON to bridge).

Choose your installation method

Microsoft Store

The easiest way to install Command Palette and stay updated:

  1. Open Quick Shell for CmdPal in the Microsoft Store (Store ID: 9PC8S6LNRT3R)
  2. Click Install

Or search Quick Shell for CmdPal in the Store app (listing title). After install, open Command Palette and search Quick Shell.

Command Palette only: the Store package does not include PowerToys Run. Add Run from a GitHub ZIP or use the bundled WinGet / GitHub EXE (below).
Command Palette extensions in the Store: You can also browse related extensions with the Command Palette extension tag in the Microsoft Store (opens the Store app on Windows).

WinGet (Command Line)

Both Command Palette packages are live on WinGet. Prefer the bundled ID if you also want PowerToys Run (qs).

# Command Palette + PowerToys Run (recommended for most users)
winget install tonythethompson.QuickShell

# Command Palette only (same scope as Microsoft Store)
winget install tonythethompson.QuickShellforCmdPal

# PowerToys Run only (awaits initial package listing)
winget install tonythethompson.QuickShellforRun

Restart PowerToys after the bundled or Run-only install so Run picks up the plugin.

GitHub Releases

Download an installer directly:

  1. Go to GitHub Releases
  2. Pick the installer for your PC:
    • Bundled: QuickShell-Setup-*-x64.exe or *-arm64.exe (CmdPal + Run)
    • CmdPal only: QuickShellforCmdPal-Setup-*-x64.exe or *-arm64.exe
    • Run only: QuickShellforRun-Setup-*-x64.exe / *-arm64.exe, or QuickShell.Run-*.zip
  3. Run the installer

Choose x64 for most PCs, ARM64 only if you’re on an ARM-based Windows device.

Raycast Store

  1. Install Raycast (Windows or macOS)
  2. Install Quick Shell from the Raycast Store
  3. Search qs, quickshell, or a workspace home keyword in Raycast

Raycast does not share %LOCALAPPDATA%\QuickShell\shortcuts.json with CmdPal/Run. Use Import/Export JSON to move workspaces between hosts.

Complete setup (PowerToys)

After a PowerToys install, follow these steps:

  1. Restart PowerToys (WinGet / GitHub EXE installs the Run plugin; Store installs CmdPal only)
  2. Open PowerToys Command Palette (press Win + Alt + Space)
  3. Search for Reload Command Palette Extension and run it
  4. Search for Quick Shell — you should see it in the results

Optional: open PowerToys Run (Alt+Space), type qs, to use the same shortcuts from Run.

Not showing up? Make sure Command Palette is enabled in PowerToys settings (Settings → Command Palette → enabled). Then run Reload Command Palette Extension again. If it still doesn't appear, restart PowerToys.

Next steps