microsoft / microsoft/PowerToys
DevLaunch — Open In... for Windows File Explorer
- Dominant language
- C
- Stars
- 139k
- Forks
- 8.6k
- PR merge metrics
- PR metrics pending
Description
### Description of the new feature/enhancement
Add a PowerToys feature that shows a compact bottom toolbar for Windows File Explorer. The toolbar displays user-configured buttons (VS Code, Windows Terminal, Rider, etc.) and launches them using PATH-resolved CLI commands with the current Explorer folder as the working directory.
### Expected behavior
- A PowerToys module that can be enabled/disabled.
- A bottom toolbar appears for File Explorer windows without injecting into Explorer.
- Users can choose which actions are visible (toggle on/off per tool).
- Actions are defined with a display name, command, args, and enabled toggle.
- `{path}` in args is replaced with the active Explorer folder.
- The toolbar respects DPI and Windows 11 styling.
### Scenario when this would be used?
As a developer, I often jump between File Explorer and tools like VS Code, Windows Terminal, Rider, or Git clients. This toolbar removes the constant right-click and navigation friction. It mirrors the productivity of VS Code's bottom status actions but for Explorer.
### Why it matters
Power users spend a lot of time in Explorer. A built-in, configurable toolbar saves time, reduces repetitive actions, and makes tool switching feel native. It also fits PowerToys' goal of making Windows more productive without requiring custom shell extensions.
### Supporting information
- ExplorerHere (standalone prototype): a lightweight WPF toolbar that follows the active Explorer folder and launches PATH-resolved commands.
- The approach avoids unsupported Explorer UI injection while still delivering quick access.
- This can be implemented as a PowerToys module with a settings page and per-action toggles.
Contributor guide
Research direction
No implementation files or tests are named. Start by reviewing the ExplorerHere prototype and the PowerToys module and settings approach described in the issue; done means a configurable, DPI-aware bottom toolbar appears in File Explorer, resolves commands from PATH, substitutes {path}, and launches them in the active folder.
Written by the indexing model from the issue text.
Assessment
- Domain
- cli, desktop
- Issue type
- Feature
- Difficulty
- 5/5
- Estimated time
- Over a week
- Activity status
- Stale
- Clarity
- Mostly clear
- Newbie friendliness
- 25/100