Microsoft.CmdPal.UI.exe

Application ProcessMicrosoft Corporation

Also called cmdpal, command palette, microsoft.cmdpal.ui, powertoys command palette

WindowsApplication

PowerToys Command Palette UI. The default shortcut is Win+Alt+Space. It is not PowerToys.PowerLauncher.exe (Run / Alt+Space).

What you need to know

CmdPal is Command Palette, not PowerToys.PowerLauncher (Run).

Microsoft.CmdPal.UI.exe is Command Palette. Win+Alt+Space is the documented default. PowerToys.PowerLauncher.exe is Run, Alt+Space. Ending Run does not close Command Palette. The runner is still PowerToys.exe.

Safe?: Yes, from Command Palette
Is it PowerToys Run?: No. PowerLauncher is Run
Should I end it?: The palette closes

Feex says

If Win+Alt+Space opens a palette, I am in CmdPal. I do not end PowerLauncher to close that UI.

What is Microsoft.CmdPal.UI.exe?

Microsoft.CmdPal.UI.exe is Command Palette, not PowerToys.PowerLauncher.exe. Run is the older Alt+Space launcher. CmdPal is the newer palette.

What does it do?

It shows commands, apps, and extensions in the palette UI. It does not snap windows. FancyZones does that. It is not the PowerToys settings runner.

Why is it running?

Command Palette is enabled in PowerToys, or the Microsoft.CommandPalette package is installed. The process can stay so Win+Alt+Space is instant.

Is it safe?

Usually safe

A Microsoft-signed Microsoft.CmdPal.UI.exe under PowerToys\WinUI3Apps\CmdPal or WindowsApps\Microsoft.CommandPalette is the palette. A CmdPal exe in Temp is not. This is still not PowerLauncher.

A legitimate copy normally runs from:

C:\Program Files\PowerToys\WinUI3Apps\CmdPal\Microsoft.CmdPal.UI.exe

Also seen under WindowsApps\Microsoft.CommandPalette_*
Default activation: Win+Alt+Space
Run is PowerToys.PowerLauncher.exe (Alt+Space)

Can I end it?

The palette closes until the runner starts it again

Ending Microsoft.CmdPal.UI.exe closes Command Palette. PowerToys Run can stay. Disable Command Palette in PowerToys Settings if you do not want it back.

Can I remove it?

Turn off Command Palette, or uninstall PowerToys

Disable Command Palette in settings. Deleting PowerLauncher.exe does not remove CmdPal.

Should it start with Windows?

PowerToys starts CmdPal when the module is on. It is not a Startup Apps row named PowerLauncher.

Normal resource behavior

These are contextual labels, not universal averages.

CPU: A spike when the palette indexes or runs an extension
Memory: Resident WinUI palette
Disk: Extension and settings under AppData\Microsoft\PowerToys\CmdPal
Network: Only if an extension queries the web

File information

Microsoft.CmdPal.UI.exe file information
Executable name	Microsoft.CmdPal.UI.exe
Common legitimate path	C:\Program Files\PowerToys\WinUI3Apps\CmdPal\Microsoft.CmdPal.UI.exe
Publisher	Microsoft Corporation
Signature expectation	Signed by Microsoft Windows

Common problems

Alt+Space versus Win+Alt+Space

Alt+Space is Run (PowerLauncher). Win+Alt+Space is CmdPal. Two shortcuts, two exes.

Palette missing when PowerToys runs elevated

Microsoft tracks CmdPal issues when the runner is admin. That is this UI, not FancyZones.

Troubleshooting

Diagnose before you change anything destructive.

PowerToys Settings > Command Palette

Enable the module and check Win+Alt+Space. PowerToys Run settings will not show this UI.

Open file location if both launchers are running

WinUI3Apps\CmdPal\Microsoft.CmdPal.UI.exe is this article. PowerToys.PowerLauncher.exe is Run.

Technical details

Microsoft.CmdPal.UI.exe technical details
Image name	Microsoft.CmdPal.UI.exe
Role	PowerToys Command Palette UI
Default shortcut	Win+Alt+Space

Sources and verification

Reviewed by Feex editorial. Last verified August 2026 Status: Feex Reviewed. How we research.

Microsoft Learn: Command Palette · Win+Alt+Space palette, not PowerToys Run
Microsoft Learn: PowerToys Run · Run is PowerLauncher / Alt+Space
Foxhole process map · First-party samples on Windows PCs. Not a lab benchmark.

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