Add Option to Switch to Existing Window Instead of Opening a New Instance in PowerToys Run

[NeerajSuriya]

Description of the new feature / enhancement

Currently, when searching for an application using PowerToys Run, selecting it always launches a new instance, even if the app is already open. This behavior can be inconvenient, especially for apps that support only a single instance (e.g., Spotify, Discord, VS Code) or when users simply want to switch to an existing window.

It would be useful to have an option in PowerToys Run that prioritizes switching to an already open window instead of launching a new instance. This would make workflow smoother, preventing duplicate app launches and allowing faster navigation between open applications.

A setting to toggle this behavior would be ideal, so users can choose whether PowerToys Run should:

Switch to an existing window if the app is already running. Launch a new instance if no window is open. This feature would improve productivity and make PowerToys Run a more powerful and intelligent launcher.

Scenario when this would be used?

This feature would be useful in scenarios where users frequently switch between open applications rather than opening new instances.

For example:

A user has VS Code or Notepad already open and wants to bring it to the front instead of opening another instance. When using single-instance applications like Spotify, Discord, or Zoom, launching from PowerToys Run currently does nothing or opens an unnecessary duplicate. This feature would improve workflow efficiency by making PowerToys Run work like a quick switcher for open apps. By allowing users to focus on existing windows instead of opening new instances, PowerToys Run can become a more effective application launcher and window switcher.

Supporting information

No response

[similar-issues-ai[bot]]

We've found some similar issues:

• #29072 , similarity score: 86%
• #15193 , similarity score: 85%

If any of the above are duplicates, please consider closing this issue out and adding additional context in the original issue.

Note: You can give me feedback by 👍 or 👎 this comment.

[htcfreek]

@NeerajSuriya You can do this using < as activation command. Please make sure that the Window Walker plugin os enabled.

/helped

[microsoft-github-policy-service[bot]]

This issue is now marked as resolved. If you have any follow-up questions, please don't hesitate to ask. You can find out more about PowerToys functionalities in our end-user documentation.