Microsoft PowerToys could add a macOS-like “peek” feature to preview items in File Explorer

2 min. read

Published onApril 7, 2022

published onApril 7, 2022

Share this article

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Microsoft PowerToys already adds many useful additions to the File Explorer, but a big one that’s based on something from MacOS could be coming soon. That’s according to a new prototype video shared by aMicrosoft employee on Reddit, suggesting a “peek” feature for the popular Windows app (via Neowin.)

Apparently created during a hack week at Microsoft, u/MSFT-SAM notes that this new Powertoys Peek feature was created as a “lighting fast file preview feature.” Four engineers worked on the project, according to Sam. That’s why, for now, it’s just a prototype and the team is looking for feedback from the community based on the video. Yet unlike how file preview works in macOS (spacebar key to preview) Microsoft’s take for PowerToys looks to add the ability to preview photos in the File Explorer with the Spacebar and the Shift key combo. This then opens the photo in a small temporary preview window, without opening the actual app. It doesn’t look like it works with other file types at the moment, and the multi-key combo is necessary because PowerToys does not allow for single key shortcuts.

So far Feedback has been pretty good based on reactions in the Reddit thread. The performance looks to be on point, and many peoplehave mentionedthat Microsoft should add some tweaks. This includes support for Office Files, a way to open the app from the associated app from the preview window, navigating between previews for multiple files with arrow keys, and even basic edit controls.

To be clear, you already can “add” this feature to Windows with a third-partyapp called QuickLook. But it would be nice for this to be added to PowerToys, too which is much more popular. We’d love to hear what you think of this feature so be sure to drop us a comment below.

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).

For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.

Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.

User forum

0 messages

Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes

Comment*

Name*

Email*

Commenting as.Not you?

Save information for future comments

Comment

Radu Tyrsina

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount#

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

Microsoft PowerToys could add a macOS-like “peek” feature to preview items in File Explorer#

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier

Microsoft PowerToys could add a macOS-like “peek” feature to preview items in File Explorer