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)

# Command Palette + PowerToys Run
winget install tonythethompson.QuickShell

# Command Palette only (Store-equivalent)
winget install tonythethompson.QuickShellforCmdPal

# PowerToys Run only
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