In a bold move that bridges the gap between Windows and macOS, Microsoft’s PowerToys team has unveiled an experimental project called the Command Palette Dock. Announced on January 29, 2026, this optional UI surface brings a persistent, customizable menu bar to the top of your Windows 11 desktop—reminiscent of the legendary macOS menu bar or Linux panels.
The project is currently in a “proposal and feedback” phase on GitHub, meaning Microsoft is waiting to see if the community actually wants it before making it an official part of the PowerToys suite.
1. What is the Command Palette Dock?
The Command Palette Dock is designed as a persistent “utility strip” that stays visible on your screen, unlike the standard Command Palette launcher which must be summoned with a keyboard shortcut (Win + Alt + Space).
Core Features:
• Flexible Placement: While it defaults to the top (macOS style), you can pin it to the left, right, or bottom edges of your screen.
• Three-Region Layout: The dock is split into three zones—Start, Center, and End—allowing you to organize widgets and shortcuts exactly where you want them.
• System Monitoring: One of the most requested features is the ability to pin live “tickers” for CPU usage, RAM utilization, and network speeds, giving power users a real-time dashboard without opening Task Manager.
• Quick Actions: You can pin extensions for clipboard history, media playback controls, or one-click app launches.
2. Why is Microsoft Doing This Now?
Microsoft has been under pressure from power users who feel Windows 11 is “too simplified.” By experimenting within PowerToys, Microsoft can test “radical” ideas without disrupting the experience for mainstream users.
According to Niels Laute, a senior product manager at Microsoft, the goal is to provide “instant awareness” for the things you care about most without interrupting your workflow. If you need to check your laptop’s temperature or switch a music track, you just glance up (or to the side) rather than switching windows.
3. Customization and Theming
Because it is built for the PowerToys crowd, the dock is highly configurable.
• Visual Styling: Users can adjust background colors, opacity, and apply custom themes to match their desktop aesthetic.
• Developer-Ready: The dock includes a new API (GetDockBands()) that allows third-party developers to create their own dedicated buttons and widgets specifically for this bar.
• Modular Design: If you find the dock distracting, it can be disabled with a single toggle in the PowerToys settings, returning your desktop to its original state.
4. How to Try It (For Advanced Users)
As of late January 2026, the Command Palette Dock is not included in the standard PowerToys installer yet. It is currently in a “Proof of Concept” stage on GitHub.
