Pin-to-start / taskbar support for PowerToys modules

[niels9001]

Although we have shortcuts, I'm more of a point-and-click person :).

It would be nice if we could pin apps like Run and Color Picker to the start screen or task bar to access it quickly with the mouse.

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If you'd like to see this feature implemented, add a 👍 reaction to this post.

[Aaron-Junker]

In the future there come more options in the system tray. So I think more shortcuts arent needed

[jrfnl]

I was just looking for some form of menu access, especially for the color picker.

Some of these tools I use so infrequently, I will never remember keyboard shortcuts for them, so having a quick way to access them, either from the start menu, possibly in the way as suggested in #7423 or from a small fold out menu on the notification area icon, sort of like proposed in #6751, though IMO it can be much simpler than that proposal, would be great.

[Jay-o-Way]

Question @niels9001 : What if PowerToys (runner) is not running yet? Would it have to start all up, just for one Toy? Or could the individual toys be made/allowed to run as stand-alone?

[jrfnl]

@Jay-o-Way Very good point! And yes, that would be great.

Nearly all tools should all be able to run as stand-alone tools, only to be initialized when called up either by the shortcut key, (start) menu click or (right) context menu click. Anything that doesn't need a service and is only used occasionally should probably be properly "closable" as well in a way that nothing is left running.

Powerusers often care a lot about performance and everything that's left running in the background nearly always hurts performance of the system.

[06000208]

Would love this, as I want to be able to pin powertoys run to my taskbar.

Having the individual apps such as color picker available from start menu would also be great, currently I open powertoys settings from my taskbar icons to find the occasional powertoys app I want.

[sobujbd]

@Jay-o-Way

Or could the individual toys be made/allowed to run as stand-alone?

The option of allowing the individual toys to run as stand-alone applications is worth considering. This would provide users with the flexibility to use specific features independently, such as the Color Picker or Screen Ruler.

By making these tools available as separate applications, users can access and utilize them without necessarily launching the entire application. This approach can enhance usability and convenience, allowing users to quickly access the specific functionality they need without any additional overhead.

Implementing stand-alone versions of the Color Picker and Screen Ruler could provide users with a focused and streamlined experience for these particular features. It would enable them to perform tasks related to color selection or screen measurement efficiently and directly, without the need to navigate through other components of the application.

Overall, offering stand-alone versions of these tools could enhance the overall user experience and cater to the specific needs of users who may require only these functionalities.