## Summary of the Pull Request
Adding information about using the Command Palette Visual Studio
solution filter based on
https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/issues/47997#issuecomment-4524045763.
## PR Checklist
- [ ] Closes: #47997
## Detailed Description of the Pull Request / Additional comments
I found this really useful and couldn't see a reference to it anywhere
else in the devdocs. Not sure if this is the best way to describe the
process, but I think adding this information somewhere in the debugging
doc would really help newcomers to CmdPal development!
(this PR is an updated version of #43784)
This PR adds a new type of page to Command Palette:
The `ParametersPage`.
This allows extensions to create commands that require a set of
parameters
before invoking the command. Previously, extensions could create
commands with a
form page to use an adaptive card for parameter input, but that was a
relatively
heavyweight UX.
Instead, the `ParametersPage` allows extensions to define a set of
lightweight
inputs, which allows for a more streamlined experience.
The parameters page is made up of a set of "runs". Each run represents a
single element in the search box. Runs can be either:
* A label run: a static piece of text
* An value run: some input for the user to provide a value. These fall
into several categories:
* String input
* Command Input
* `IInvokableCommand`s become buttons in the search box
* `IListPage`s become a list input to pick from (**these will be added
in a follow-up PR**)
There are a ton of samples included.
I also added all my draft notes in the drafts folder, to see how we got
here.
I'd skip reviewing those.
Furthermore, I added the "dumb" token support, where an extension can
opt in to
having tokens in the search box, delimited by ZWSP characters.
The XAML styling was fixed by Niels a few months back
Closes#40948
---------
Co-authored-by: Niels Laute <niels.laute@live.nl>
## Summary of the Pull Request
Adds the **Extension Gallery** to Command Palette — a built-in page
where users can discover, browse, and install community extensions
without leaving the app.
https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/e4565333-b970-4085-9e40-5cfd207e533b
## How it works
### 1. The extension author's side
Extensions are listed in the external repo
**[`microsoft/CmdPal-Extensions`](https://github.com/microsoft/CmdPal-Extensions)**.
To get an extension into the in-app gallery, an author opens a PR there
that adds a single entry to `extensions.json`. Nothing in PowerToys
itself needs to change. A typical entry looks like:
```json
{
"id": "contoso.sample",
"title": "Sample Extension",
"description": "Short blurb shown in the list and detail view.",
"author": { "name": "Contoso", "url": "https://github.com/contoso" },
"homepage": "https://github.com/contoso/sample",
"iconUrl": "https://.../icon.png",
"screenshotUrls": ["https://.../screenshot-1.png"],
"tags": ["sample"],
"installSources": [
{ "type": "winget", "id": "Contoso.SampleExtension" },
{ "type": "msstore", "id": "9P..." },
{ "type": "url", "uri": "https://github.com/contoso/sample/releases/latest" }
],
"detection": { "packageFamilyName": "Contoso.SampleExtension_8wekyb..." }
}
```
- `id`, `title`, `description`, `author.name`, and at least one
`installSources` entry are required; everything else is optional.
- `installSources` can mix and match `winget` / `msstore` / `url`. The
gallery shows an install button for the first source it can handle
(WinGet preferred) and exposes any remaining sources as links.
- `detection.packageFamilyName` lets CmdPal recognise an
already-installed packaged extension before any WinGet lookup resolves,
so the "Installed" badge appears instantly.
Once the PR is merged into `CmdPal-Extensions`, every running copy of
CmdPal picks the new entry up the next time its feed cache expires
(within 4 hours) or when the user clicks **Refresh**.
### 2. What CmdPal does with it
`ExtensionGalleryService` (in `Microsoft.CmdPal.Common`) owns the whole
pipeline:
1. **Resolve the feed URL.** Default is
`https://raw.githubusercontent.com/microsoft/CmdPal-Extensions/refs/heads/main/extensions.json`.
A hidden setting (`GalleryFeedUrl`) lets developers point at a custom
URL or a `file://` path for local testing.
2. **Fetch** the feed through `ExtensionGalleryHttpClient`, which wraps
`HttpCachingClient` — a conditional-GET + on-disk cache layer built on
`HttpClient` (ETag / `If-None-Match`, 30 s timeout, UA
`PowerToys-CmdPal/1.0`).
3. **Parse** with the source-generated `GallerySerializationContext`
into a strongly-typed `GalleryRemoteIndex` (`{ "extensions": [ ... ]
}`). Entries without an `id` are dropped.
4. **Normalize** relative `iconUrl` / `screenshotUrls` against the feed
URL (useful for local `file://` feeds).
5. **Localize icons.** Each HTTP icon URL is pulled through the same
cache and rewritten to a local `file://` URI before the view model binds
to it, so the list renders instantly on subsequent loads and works
offline.
6. **Prune** cached resources that are no longer referenced, but only
after a successful forced refresh.
The gallery page itself is built on top of `ExtensionGalleryViewModel`,
with `ExtensionGalleryItemViewModel` handling per-entry concerns —
install/update/uninstall (via the shared WinGet service),
installed-state detection, and joining in-flight install progress so the
global `WinGetOperationsButton` in the top bar stays in sync.
### 3. Caching + offline behaviour
The cache lives under
`ApplicationData.Current.LocalCacheFolder\GalleryCache\` when CmdPal
runs packaged, or
`%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\PowerToys\Microsoft.CmdPal\Cache\GalleryCache\`
when unpackaged.
| Resource | TTL |
|-----------------|----------|
| `extensions.json` feed | 4 hours |
| Icons (per URL) | 24 hours |
Each fetch returns a `GalleryFetchResult` whose flags drive the UI:
- `FromCache` — cache was still fresh, no network call was made.
- `UsedFallbackCache` — network failed; the last-known-good cached copy
was served instead. The page shows a "showing cached data" info bar.
- `RateLimited` — origin returned `429` and no fallback was available.
The page shows a rate-limit error.
`RefreshAsync` (wired up to the gallery's refresh button) forces a fresh
conditional GET, then prunes any cached files that the new feed no
longer references.
### 4. WinGet install flow
- `installSources[type=winget].id` is handed to the shared WinGet
service for install/update/uninstall.
- In-flight operations are surfaced by `WinGetOperationsButton` in the
top bar with per-operation progress.
- `detection.packageFamilyName` is consulted first so that the gallery
can show "Installed" / "Update available" without waiting on WinGet
metadata.
### Top-level command cleanup
- Removed the separate "Find extensions from WinGet" and "Find
extensions from the Store" top-level commands — the gallery replaces
both.
- Renamed the gallery command to **"Find and install Command Palette
extensions"** and gave it the extensions puzzle-piece icon.
## PR Checklist
- [ ] **Communication:** I've discussed this with core contributors
already. If the work hasn't been agreed, this work might be rejected
- [ ] **Tests:** Added/updated and all pass
- [ ] **Localization:** All end-user-facing strings can be localized
- [ ] **Dev docs:** Added/updated
- [ ] **New binaries:** Added on the required places
- [ ] [JSON for
signing](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/ESRPSigning_core.json)
for new binaries
- [ ] [WXS for
installer](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/installer/PowerToysSetup/Product.wxs)
for new binaries and localization folder
- [ ] [YML for CI
pipeline](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/ci/templates/build-powertoys-steps.yml)
for new test projects
- [ ] [YML for signed
pipeline](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/release.yml)
- [ ] **Documentation updated:** If checked, please file a pull request
on [our docs
repo](https://github.com/MicrosoftDocs/windows-uwp/tree/docs/hub/powertoys)
and link it here: #xxx
## New projects / areas
| Area | What |
|------|------|
| Microsoft.CmdPal.Common | Gallery models, `ExtensionGalleryService`
(fetch + cache), HTTP caching layer (`HttpCachingClient`,
`FileSystemHttpResourceCacheStore`), WinGet service abstractions and
implementations |
| Microsoft.CmdPal.UI.ViewModels | `ExtensionGalleryViewModel`,
`ExtensionGalleryItemViewModel`, WinGet operation view models, gallery
sort options |
| Microsoft.CmdPal.UI | `ExtensionGalleryPage.xaml`,
`ExtensionGalleryItemPage.xaml`, `IconCarouselControl`,
`WinGetOperationsButton`, service registrations |
| Microsoft.CmdPal.Ext.WinGet | Streamlined — removed the two redundant
"find extensions" top-level commands, kept the general WinGet search
page |
| Tests | Unit tests for gallery service, gallery view models, WinGet
services |
| Docs |
[`doc/devdocs/modules/cmdpal/extension-gallery/extension-gallery.md`](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/dev/jpolasek/f/46628-cmdpal-extension-gallery/doc/devdocs/modules/cmdpal/extension-gallery/extension-gallery.md)
— dev reference for the runtime, caching, and feed shape |
## Validation Steps Performed
- Gallery loads and displays extensions from the remote index
- Search, sort, and filtering work as expected
- WinGet install/update/uninstall flow works end-to-end with progress
tracking
- Loading state correctly hides all content until data is fetched
- Offline / cache-fallback path surfaces the info bar as expected
- Spell-check CI workflow passes
---------
Co-authored-by: Niels Laute <niels.laute@live.nl>
Co-authored-by: niels9001 <9866362+niels9001@users.noreply.github.com>
## Summary of the Pull Request
.NET 10 Upgrade. Requires Visual Studio 2026.
## PR Checklist
- [x] **Communication:** I've discussed this with core contributors
already. If the work hasn't been agreed, this work might be rejected
- [ ] **Tests:** Added/updated and all pass
- [ ] **Localization:** All end-user-facing strings can be localized
- [ ] **Dev docs:** Added/updated
- [ ] **New binaries:** Added on the required places
- [ ] [JSON for
signing](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/ESRPSigning_core.json)
for new binaries
- [ ] [WXS for
installer](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/installer/PowerToysSetup/Product.wxs)
for new binaries and localization folder
- [ ] [YML for CI
pipeline](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/ci/templates/build-powertoys-steps.yml)
for new test projects
- [ ] [YML for signed
pipeline](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/release.yml)
- [ ] **Documentation updated:** If checked, please file a pull request
on [our docs
repo](https://github.com/MicrosoftDocs/windows-uwp/tree/docs/hub/powertoys)
and link it here: #xxx
## Detailed Description of the Pull Request / Additional comments
- Upgraded target framework from `net9.0` to `net10.0` across all
projects
- Removed redundant package references now included by default in .NET
10
- Updated package versions to .NET 10 releases
- Modernized regex usage with source generators for better performance
- Added `vbcscompiler` to the spell-check allowlist
(`.github/actions/spell-check/expect.txt`)
## Validation Steps Performed
<!-- START COPILOT CODING AGENT TIPS -->
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pull requests. You can protect all pull requests by enabling Advanced
Security for your repositories. [Learn more about Advanced
Security.](https://gh.io/cca-advanced-security)
---------
Co-authored-by: Jeroen van Warmerdam <jeronevw@hotmail.com>
Co-authored-by: Copilot <copilot@github.com>
Co-authored-by: copilot-swe-agent[bot] <198982749+Copilot@users.noreply.github.com>
Step-by-step guide for diagnosing old update installer accumulation,
covering log files to check, UpdateState.json interpretation, and common
root causes.
<!-- Enter a brief description/summary of your PR here. What does it
fix/what does it change/how was it tested (even manually, if necessary)?
-->
## Summary of the Pull Request
<!-- Please review the items on the PR checklist before submitting-->
## PR Checklist
- [ ] Closes: #xxx
<!-- - [ ] Closes: #yyy (add separate lines for additional resolved
issues) -->
- [ ] **Communication:** I've discussed this with core contributors
already. If the work hasn't been agreed, this work might be rejected
- [ ] **Tests:** Added/updated and all pass
- [ ] **Localization:** All end-user-facing strings can be localized
- [ ] **Dev docs:** Added/updated
- [ ] **New binaries:** Added on the required places
- [ ] [JSON for
signing](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/ESRPSigning_core.json)
for new binaries
- [ ] [WXS for
installer](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/installer/PowerToysSetup/Product.wxs)
for new binaries and localization folder
- [ ] [YML for CI
pipeline](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/ci/templates/build-powertoys-steps.yml)
for new test projects
- [ ] [YML for signed
pipeline](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/release.yml)
- [ ] **Documentation updated:** If checked, please file a pull request
on [our docs
repo](https://github.com/MicrosoftDocs/windows-uwp/tree/docs/hub/powertoys)
and link it here: #xxx
<!-- Provide a more detailed description of the PR, other things fixed,
or any additional comments/features here -->
## Detailed Description of the Pull Request / Additional comments
<!-- Describe how you validated the behavior. Add automated tests
wherever possible, but list manual validation steps taken as well -->
## Validation Steps Performed
This is a refresh based on
976261d7b7
There are a couple of interesting new rules and I've extended one of the
patterns to all letters.
Signed-off-by: Josh Soref <2119212+jsoref@users.noreply.github.com>
## Summary
Move Command Palette developer documentation from
\src/modules/cmdpal/doc\ to \doc/devdocs/modules/cmdpal\, consistent
with the location of other module dev docs.
Also updates the spell-check exclude path for the moved \.pdn\ file.
Points 2 and 3 from the issue (extension settings how-to and details
pane markdown documentation) are addressed in the windows-dev-docs-pr
repo.
Closes#38107
Co-authored-by: Copilot <223556219+Copilot@users.noreply.github.com>
- Making the contributor-setup doc a bit easier to digest.
- Removing duplicated information
- Upgrade VS instructions/config files/scripts to VS2026
---------
Co-authored-by: Noraa Junker <noraa.junker@outlook.com>
Co-authored-by: Jeremy Sinclair <4016293+snickler@users.noreply.github.com>
<!-- Enter a brief description/summary of your PR here. What does it
fix/what does it change/how was it tested (even manually, if necessary)?
-->
## Summary of the Pull Request
Adds a new doc (`doc/devdocs/Events.md`) that walks developers through
how to add telemetry events to PowerToys with next steps of reaching out
to Carlos or Jessica.
<!-- Please review the items on the PR checklist before submitting-->
## PR Checklist
- [ ] Closes: #xxx
<!-- - [ ] Closes: #yyy (add separate lines for additional resolved
issues) -->
- [ ] **Communication:** I've discussed this with core contributors
already. If the work hasn't been agreed, this work might be rejected
- [ ] **Tests:** Added/updated and all pass
- [ ] **Localization:** All end-user-facing strings can be localized
- [ ] **Dev docs:** Added/updated
- [ ] **New binaries:** Added on the required places
- [ ] [JSON for
signing](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/ESRPSigning_core.json)
for new binaries
- [ ] [WXS for
installer](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/installer/PowerToysSetup/Product.wxs)
for new binaries and localization folder
- [ ] [YML for CI
pipeline](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/ci/templates/build-powertoys-steps.yml)
for new test projects
- [ ] [YML for signed
pipeline](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/release.yml)
- [ ] **Documentation updated:** If checked, please file a pull request
on [our docs
repo](https://github.com/MicrosoftDocs/windows-uwp/tree/docs/hub/powertoys)
and link it here: #xxx
<!-- Provide a more detailed description of the PR, other things fixed,
or any additional comments/features here -->
## Detailed Description of the Pull Request / Additional comments
<!-- Describe how you validated the behavior. Add automated tests
wherever possible, but list manual validation steps taken as well -->
## Validation Steps Performed
<!-- Enter a brief description/summary of your PR here. What does it
fix/what does it change/how was it tested (even manually, if necessary)?
-->
## Summary of the Pull Request
Making sure the codes builds and verified before submitting a pr.
<!-- Please review the items on the PR checklist before submitting-->
## PR Checklist
- [ ] Closes: #xxx
<!-- - [ ] Closes: #yyy (add separate lines for additional resolved
issues) -->
- [ ] **Communication:** I've discussed this with core contributors
already. If the work hasn't been agreed, this work might be rejected
- [ ] **Tests:** Added/updated and all pass
- [ ] **Localization:** All end-user-facing strings can be localized
- [ ] **Dev docs:** Added/updated
- [ ] **New binaries:** Added on the required places
- [ ] [JSON for
signing](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/ESRPSigning_core.json)
for new binaries
- [ ] [WXS for
installer](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/installer/PowerToysSetup/Product.wxs)
for new binaries and localization folder
- [ ] [YML for CI
pipeline](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/ci/templates/build-powertoys-steps.yml)
for new test projects
- [ ] [YML for signed
pipeline](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/release.yml)
- [ ] **Documentation updated:** If checked, please file a pull request
on [our docs
repo](https://github.com/MicrosoftDocs/windows-uwp/tree/docs/hub/powertoys)
and link it here: #xxx
<!-- Provide a more detailed description of the PR, other things fixed,
or any additional comments/features here -->
## Detailed Description of the Pull Request / Additional comments
<!-- Describe how you validated the behavior. Add automated tests
wherever possible, but list manual validation steps taken as well -->
## Validation Steps Performed
docs(paste): add AI preview credit documentation
```markdown
## Summary of the Pull Request
Adds documentation clarifying that the "Show preview" setting for Paste with AI does not consume additional AI credits. The preview displays the same AI response that was already generated from a single API call, cached locally.
## PR Checklist
- [x] Closes: #32950
- [x] **Communication:** I've discussed this with core contributors already. If the work hasn't been agreed, this work might be rejected
- [ ] **Tests:** Added/updated and all pass - N/A (documentation only)
- [ ] **Localization:** All end-user-facing strings can be localized - N/A (dev docs only)
- [x] **Dev docs:** Added/updated
- [ ] **Documentation updated:** If checked, please file a pull request on [our docs repo](https://github.com/MicrosoftDocs/windows-uwp/tree/docs/hub/powertoys) and link it here: #xxx
## Detailed Description of the Pull Request / Additional comments
This PR addresses the question raised in issue #32950 about whether enabling preview for Paste with AI costs extra AI quota.
Changes to `doc/devdocs/modules/advancedpaste.md`:
- Added new "Paste with AI Preview" section explaining:
- The `ShowCustomPreview` setting behavior
- Confirmation that preview does **not** consume additional AI credits
- The implementation flow showing a single API call with local caching
- Reference to `OptionsViewModel.cs` lines 702-717
- Added settings documentation table for `ShowCustomPreview`
Fixes#32950
## Validation Steps Performed
- Verified documentation renders correctly in Markdown preview
- Confirmed technical accuracy by referencing `OptionsViewModel.cs` implementation
```
---------
Co-authored-by: yeelam-gordon <yeelam-gordon@users.noreply.github.com>
<!-- Enter a brief description/summary of your PR here. What does it
fix/what does it change/how was it tested (even manually, if necessary)?
-->
## Summary of the Pull Request
This new document serves as a handy guide, packed with key details and
helpful tips to keep in mind when creating a new PowerToy.
<!-- Enter a brief description/summary of your PR here. What does it
fix/what does it change/how was it tested (even manually, if necessary)?
-->
## Summary of the Pull Request
This PR updates the PowerToys solution to support **Visual Studio 2026
(PlatformToolset v145)**. It centralizes the build configuration,
updates the C++ language standards, and fixes an issue with a MouseJump
unit test that appears while using the VS 2026 supported build agent.
<!-- Please review the items on the PR checklist before submitting-->
## PR Checklist
- [ ] Closes: #xxx
- [x] **Communication:** I've discussed this with core contributors
already. If the work hasn't been agreed, this work might be rejected
- [x] **Tests:** Added/updated and all pass
- [ ] **Localization:** All end-user-facing strings can be localized
- [x] **Dev docs:** Added/updated
- [ ] **New binaries:** Added on the required places
- [ ] [JSON for
signing](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/ESRPSigning_core.json)
for new binaries
- [ ] [WXS for
installer](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/installer/PowerToysSetup/Product.wxs)
for new binaries and localization folder
- [ ] [YML for CI
pipeline](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/ci/templates/build-powertoys-steps.yml)
for new test projects
- [ ] [YML for signed
pipeline](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/release.yml)
- [ ] **Documentation updated:** If checked, please file a pull request
on [our docs
repo](https://github.com/MicrosoftDocs/windows-uwp/tree/docs/hub/powertoys)
and link it here: #xxx
<!-- Provide a more detailed description of the PR, other things fixed,
or any additional comments/features here -->
## Detailed Description of the Pull Request / Additional comments
**Build System & Configuration:**
- Updated `Cpp.Build.props` to use `v145` (VS 2026) as the default
`PlatformToolset`, with fall back to `v143` for VS 2022.
- Configured C++ Language Standard:
- `stdcpplatest` for production projects.
- Removed explicit `<PlatformToolset>` definitions from individual
project files (approx. 37 modules) to inherit correctly from the central
`Cpp.Build.props`.
**Code Refactoring & Fixes:**
- Updated `DrawingHelperTests.cs` in MouseJump Unit Test to ease the
pixel difference tolerance. This became an issue after switching to the
new VS2026 build agent.
<!-- Describe how you validated the behavior. Add automated tests
wherever possible, but list manual validation steps taken as well -->
## Validation Steps Performed
- Validated successful compilation of the entire solution. Similar
updates have been made to the .NET 10 branch, but these are much cleaner
and will be merged into that branch once fully confirmed working.
---------
Co-authored-by: Kai Tao (from Dev Box) <kaitao@microsoft.com>
Co-authored-by: Gordon Lam (SH) <yeelam@microsoft.com>
This PR contains a set of bug fixes and general improvements to
[Awake](https://awake.den.dev/) and developer experience tooling for
building the module.
### Awake Fixes
- **#32544** - Fixed an issue where Awake settings became non-functional
after the PC wakes from sleep. Added `WM_POWERBROADCAST` handling to
detect system resume events (`PBT_APMRESUMEAUTOMATIC`,
`PBT_APMRESUMESUSPEND`) and re-apply `SetThreadExecutionState` to
restore the awake state.
- **#36150** - Fixed an issue where Awake would not prevent sleep when
AC power is connected. Added `PBT_APMPOWERSTATUSCHANGE` handling to
re-apply `SetThreadExecutionState` when the power source changes
(AC/battery transitions).
- **#41674** - Fixed silent failure when `SetThreadExecutionState`
fails. The monitor thread now handles the return value, logs an error,
and reverts to passive mode with updated tray icon.
- **#41738** - Fixed `--display-on` CLI flag default from `true` to
`false` to align with documentation and PowerToys settings behavior.
This is a breaking change for scripts relying on the undocumented
default.
- **#41918** - Fixed `WM_COMMAND` message processing flaw in
`TrayHelper.WndProc` that incorrectly compared enum values against enum
count. Added proper bounds checking for custom tray time entries.
- **#44134** - Documented that `ES_DISPLAY_REQUIRED` (used when "Keep
display on" is enabled) blocks Task Scheduler idle detection, preventing
scheduled maintenance tasks like SSD TRIM. Workaround: disable "Keep
display on" or manually run `Optimize-Volume -DriveLetter C -ReTrim`.
- **#38770** - Fixed tray icon failing to appear after Windows updates.
Increased retry attempts and delays for icon Add operations (10
attempts, up to ~15.5 seconds total) while keeping existing fast retry
behavior for Update/Delete operations.
- **#40501** - Fixed tray icon not disappearing when Awake is disabled.
The `SetShellIcon` function was incorrectly requiring an icon for Delete
operations, causing the `NIM_DELETE` message to never be sent.
- Fixed an issue where toggling "Keep screen on" during an active timed
session would disrupt the countdown timer. The display setting now
updates directly without restarting the timer, preserving the exact
remaining time.
### Performance Optimizations
- Fixed O(n²) loop in `TrayHelper.CreateAwakeTimeSubMenu` by replacing
`ElementAt(i)` with `foreach` iteration.
- Fixed Observable subscription leak in `Manager.cs` by storing
`IDisposable` and disposing in `CancelExistingThread()`. Also removed
dead `_tokenSource` code that was no longer used.
- Reduced allocations in `SingleThreadSynchronizationContext` by
changing `Tuple<>` to `ValueTuple`.
- Replaced dedicated exit event thread with
`ThreadPool.RegisterWaitForSingleObject()` to reduce resource usage.
### Code Quality
- Replaced `Console.WriteLine` with `Logger.LogError` in `TrayHelper.cs`
for consistent logging.
- Added proper error logging to silent exception catches in
`AwakeService.cs`.
- Removed dead `Math.Min(minutes, int.MaxValue)` code where `minutes` is
already an `int`.
- Extracted hardcoded tray icon ID to named constant `TrayIconId`.
- Standardized null coalescing for `GetSettings<AwakeSettings>()` calls
across all files.
### Debugging Experience Fixes
- Fixed first-chance exceptions in `settings_window.cpp` during
debugging. Added `HasKey()` check before accessing `hotkey_changed`
property to prevent `hresult_error` exceptions when the property doesn't
exist in module settings.
- Fixed first-chance exceptions in FindMyMouse `parse_settings` during
debugging. Refactored to extract the properties object once and added
`HasKey()` checks before all `GetNamedObject()` calls. This prevents
`winrt::hresult_error` exceptions when optional settings keys (like
legacy `overlay_opacity`) don't exist, improving the debugging
experience by eliminating spurious exception breaks.
- Fixed LightSwitch.UITests build failures when building from a clean
state. Added missing project references (`ManagedCommon`,
`LightSwitchModuleInterface`) with `ReferenceOutputAssembly=false` to
ensure proper build ordering, and added existence check for the native
DLL copy operation.
### Developer Experience
- Added `setup-dev-environment.ps1` script to automate development
environment setup.
- Added `clean-artifacts.ps1` script to resolve build errors from
corrupted build state or missing image files.
- Added build script that allows standalone command line build of the
Awake module.
- Added troubleshooting section to
`doc/devdocs/development/debugging.md` with guidance on resolving common
build errors.
<!-- Enter a brief description/summary of your PR here. What does it
fix/what does it change/how was it tested (even manually, if necessary)?
-->
## Summary of the Pull Request
Adds a "screenshot" mode to Crop And Lock, which allows creating a
window showing a freezed snapshot of the original window.
<!-- Please review the items on the PR checklist before submitting-->
## PR Checklist
- [x] **Closes:** #31799, #33071 (also requested in the already closed
duplicate issues #28633, #33812, #37337, )
- [ ] **Communication:** I've discussed this with core contributors
already. If the work hasn't been agreed, this work might be rejected
- [x] **Tests:** Added/updated and all pass (crop-and-lock utility
doesn't have any tests)
- [x] **Localization:** All end-user-facing strings can be localized
- [x] **Dev docs:** Added/updated
- [x] **New binaries:** Added on the required places
- [ ] [JSON for
signing](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/ESRPSigning_core.json)
for new binaries
- [ ] [WXS for
installer](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/installer/PowerToysSetup/Product.wxs)
for new binaries and localization folder
- [ ] [YML for CI
pipeline](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/ci/templates/build-powertoys-steps.yml)
for new test projects
- [ ] [YML for signed
pipeline](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/release.yml)
- [x] **Documentation updated:**
https://github.com/MicrosoftDocs/windows-dev-docs/pull/5528
<!-- Provide a more detailed description of the PR, other things fixed,
or any additional comments/features here -->
## Detailed Description of the Pull Request / Additional comments
It was asked why this feature is needed at all, because it could be done
with snipping tool and just AoT that window as well. While this is true,
PowerToys goal always was to improve and speed up workflows. Instead of
capturing the screenshot, opening it, and then apply "Crop and Lock" or
"Always on Top" on the screenshots window, this PR aims to provide this
functionality in a single step.
Example use cases:
- _when I want to compare between two situations like previous output
result and current output result._ (#31799)
- _Allow cropping a section of a large code file (say top while working
at the bottom) as reference while working elsewhere in the file._
(#33071)
- _Can be useful for the work in the same document, like excel or word
where you are actively checking the data from the same document._
(#28633)
- _In lot's of older applications, if you need to get some information
or data from one dialog do another, but because of dialog modality it's
not possible to have both windows open at the same time._ (#33812)
- _nowadays quite a lot is happening inside the browser. Quite often, I
want to keep a small portion of the current website visible and switch
to e.g. the writing tool also running in a different tab in the same
browser window._ (#31799)
I've used win+ctrl+shift+s as the default activation shortcut, as it's
not yet used by other powertoys utilities, has similarity with the
normal win+shift+s shortcut hotkey and is consistent with the other Crop
and Lock shortcuts win+ctrl+shift+r (Reparent Mode) and win+ctrl+shift+t
(Thumbnail Mode).
<!-- Describe how you validated the behavior. Add automated tests
wherever possible, but list manual validation steps taken as well -->
## Validation Steps Performed
Compatibility tested manually with a large set of applications I have
installed on my computer. However, automated tests don't really make
sense as there is not much business logic which could be tested.
---------
Co-authored-by: Niels Laute <niels.laute@live.nl>
Co-authored-by: vanzue <vanzue@outlook.com>
<!-- Enter a brief description/summary of your PR here. What does it
fix/what does it change/how was it tested (even manually, if necessary)?
-->
## Summary of the Pull Request
Fix two broken links to style.md in devcods. This file was moved to
development/style.md in PR #43399, but these references were not
updated.
<!-- Please review the items on the PR checklist before submitting-->
## PR Checklist
- [ ] Closes: #xxx
<!-- - [ ] Closes: #yyy (add separate lines for additional resolved
issues) -->
- [ ] **Communication:** I've discussed this with core contributors
already. If the work hasn't been agreed, this work might be rejected
- [ ] **Tests:** Added/updated and all pass
- [ ] **Localization:** All end-user-facing strings can be localized
- [x] **Dev docs:** Added/updated
- [ ] **New binaries:** Added on the required places
- [ ] [JSON for
signing](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/ESRPSigning_core.json)
for new binaries
- [ ] [WXS for
installer](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/installer/PowerToysSetup/Product.wxs)
for new binaries and localization folder
- [ ] [YML for CI
pipeline](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/ci/templates/build-powertoys-steps.yml)
for new test projects
- [ ] [YML for signed
pipeline](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/release.yml)
- [ ] **Documentation updated:** If checked, please file a pull request
on [our docs
repo](https://github.com/MicrosoftDocs/windows-uwp/tree/docs/hub/powertoys)
and link it here: #xxx
<!-- Provide a more detailed description of the PR, other things fixed,
or any additional comments/features here -->
## Detailed Description of the Pull Request / Additional comments
Fixed broken links in:
- doc/devdocs/readme.md (line 60)
- doc/devdocs/guidance.md (line 61)
<!-- Describe how you validated the behavior. Add automated tests
wherever possible, but list manual validation steps taken as well -->
## Validation Steps Performed
Manually verified that the links resolve correctly.
<!-- Enter a brief description/summary of your PR here. What does it
fix/what does it change/how was it tested (even manually, if necessary)?
-->
## Summary of the Pull Request
Adds a dedicated command-line interface (CLI) executable for Image
Resizer (PowerToys.ImageResizerCLI.exe)
## Command
`PowerToys.ImageResizerCLI.exe [options] [files...]`
## Options (High Level)
| Option (aliases) | Description |
|-----------------|-------------|
| `--help` | Show help |
| `--show-config` | Print current effective configuration |
| `--destination`, `-d` | Output directory (optional) |
| `--width`, `-w` | Width |
| `--height`, `-h` | Height |
| `--unit`, `-u` | Unit (Pixel / Percent / Inch / Centimeter) |
| `--fit`, `-f` | Fit mode (Fill / Fit / Stretch) |
| `--size`, `-s` | Preset size index (supports `0` for Custom) |
| `--shrink-only` | Only shrink (do not enlarge) |
| `--replace` | Replace original |
| `--ignore-orientation` | Ignore EXIF orientation |
| `--remove-metadata` | Strip metadata |
| `--quality`, `-q` | JPEG quality (1–100) |
| `--keep-date-modified` | Preserve source last-write time |
| `--file-name` | Output filename format |
## Example usage
```
# Show help
PowerToys.ImageResizerCLI.exe --help
# Show current config
PowerToys.ImageResizerCLI.exe --show-config
# Resize with explicit dimensions
PowerToys.ImageResizerCLI.exe --width 800 --height 600 .\image.png
# Use preset size 0 (Custom) and output to a folder
PowerToys.ImageResizerCLI.exe --size 0 -d "C:\Output" .\photo.png
# Preserve source LastWriteTime
PowerToys.ImageResizerCLI.exe --width 800 --height 600 --keep-date-modified -d "C:\Output" .\image.png
```

<!-- Please review the items on the PR checklist before submitting-->
## PR Checklist
- [ ] Closes: #xxx
<!-- - [ ] Closes: #yyy (add separate lines for additional resolved
issues) -->
- [ ] **Communication:** I've discussed this with core contributors
already. If the work hasn't been agreed, this work might be rejected
- [x] **Tests:** Added/updated and all pass
- [x] **Localization:** All end-user-facing strings can be localized
- [x] **Dev docs:** Added/updated
- [x] **New binaries:** Added on the required places
- [ ] [JSON for
signing](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/ESRPSigning_core.json)
for new binaries
- [ ] [WXS for
installer](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/installer/PowerToysSetup/Product.wxs)
for new binaries and localization folder
- [ ] [YML for CI
pipeline](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/ci/templates/build-powertoys-steps.yml)
for new test projects
- [ ] [YML for signed
pipeline](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/release.yml)
- [ ] **Documentation updated:** If checked, please file a pull request
on [our docs
repo](https://github.com/MicrosoftDocs/windows-uwp/tree/docs/hub/powertoys)
and link it here: #xxx
<!-- Provide a more detailed description of the PR, other things fixed,
or any additional comments/features here -->
## Detailed Description of the Pull Request / Additional comments
<!-- Describe how you validated the behavior. Add automated tests
wherever possible, but list manual validation steps taken as well -->
## Validation Steps Performed
<!-- Enter a brief description/summary of your PR here. What does it
fix/what does it change/how was it tested (even manually, if necessary)?
-->
## Summary of the Pull Request
SettingsUtils is initialized multiple times over the whole solution.
This creates one singeltone instance (with the default settings), so it
only has to be initialized once (and improve performance a bit with
that)
<!-- Please review the items on the PR checklist before submitting-->
## PR Checklist
- [ ] Closes: #xxx
<!-- - [ ] Closes: #yyy (add separate lines for additional resolved
issues) -->
- [ ] **Communication:** I've discussed this with core contributors
already. If the work hasn't been agreed, this work might be rejected
- [ ] **Tests:** Added/updated and all pass
- [ ] **Localization:** All end-user-facing strings can be localized
- [ ] **Dev docs:** Added/updated
- [ ] **New binaries:** Added on the required places
- [ ] [JSON for
signing](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/ESRPSigning_core.json)
for new binaries
- [ ] [WXS for
installer](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/installer/PowerToysSetup/Product.wxs)
for new binaries and localization folder
- [ ] [YML for CI
pipeline](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/ci/templates/build-powertoys-steps.yml)
for new test projects
- [ ] [YML for signed
pipeline](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/release.yml)
- [ ] **Documentation updated:** If checked, please file a pull request
on [our docs
repo](https://github.com/MicrosoftDocs/windows-uwp/tree/docs/hub/powertoys)
and link it here: #xxx
<!-- Provide a more detailed description of the PR, other things fixed,
or any additional comments/features here -->
## Detailed Description of the Pull Request / Additional comments
<!-- Describe how you validated the behavior. Add automated tests
wherever possible, but list manual validation steps taken as well -->
## Validation Steps Performed
<!-- Enter a brief description/summary of your PR here. What does it
fix/what does it change/how was it tested (even manually, if necessary)?
-->
## Summary of the Pull Request
* Fixes location of `style.md` file
* Deletes duplicated `localization.md` file
* Adds documentation about the bot commands.
* Adds links to aka.ms link docs and the new document
<!-- Please review the items on the PR checklist before submitting-->
## PR Checklist
- [ ] Closes: #xxx
- [ ] **Communication:** I've discussed this with core contributors
already. If the work hasn't been agreed, this work might be rejected
- [x] **Dev docs:** Added/updated
Closes#37100
This does not migrate the rest of the solutions (why do we have so
many?)
Not migrated:
- TemplateCmdPalExtension.sln
- FancyZonesEditor.sln
- BugReportTool.sln
- CleanUp_tool.sln
- FancyZones_DrawLayoutTest.sln
- FancyZones_zonable_tester.sln
- FancyZone_HitTest.sln
- MonitorReportTool.sln
- PowerToyTemplate.sln
- StylesReportTool.sln
---------
Co-authored-by: vanzue <vanzue@outlook.com>
Updated LightSwitch module documentation to clarify the role of
LightSwitchService and LightSwitchStateManager.
---------
Co-authored-by: Niels Laute <niels.laute@live.nl>
## Summary:
This pull request refactors the installer build pipeline to simplify and
modernize the process, focusing exclusively on the WiX 5 (VNext)
installer and removing legacy WiX 3 support. It eliminates the use of
the `installerSuffix` parameter and related logic, removes the legacy
installer build steps and scripts, and updates documentation to reflect
the new architecture. The changes streamline the pipeline, reduce
complexity, and ensure only the latest installer is built and signed.
Pipeline and build system simplification:
* Removed the `installerSuffix` parameter and all related logic from
pipeline templates and YAML files, including file naming, build steps,
and hash calculation scripts.
* Removed legacy WiX 3 installer build steps and the associated script
`installWiX.ps1`, focusing exclusively on WiX 5 (VNext) installer
builds.
Installer signing and build process updates:
* Updated `.pipelines/ESRPSigning_installer.json` to remove signing
configuration for the legacy `PowerToysSetupCustomActions.dll`, ensuring
only the VNext DLL is signed.
Documentation updates:
* Updated `doc/devdocs/core/installer.md` to remove references to WiX 3,
clarify the installer architecture as WiX 5 only, and describe the new
build process.
## CheckList:
- [ ] Should Build successfully and produce installer for both per user
and per machine
- [ ] Should install without problem
---------
Co-authored-by: copilot-swe-agent[bot] <198982749+Copilot@users.noreply.github.com>
Co-authored-by: vanzue <69313318+vanzue@users.noreply.github.com>
Co-authored-by: Kai Tao (from Dev Box) <kaitao@microsoft.com>
<!-- Enter a brief description/summary of your PR here. What does it
fix/what does it change/how was it tested (even manually, if necessary)?
-->
## Summary of the Pull Request
This pull request introduces a new module called "Light Switch" which
allows users to automatically switch between light and dark mode on a
timer.

<!-- Please review the items on the PR checklist before submitting-->
## PR Checklist
- [x] Closes: #1331
- [x] **Communication:** I've discussed this with core contributors
already. If the work hasn't been agreed, this work might be rejected
- [x] **Tests:** Added/updated and all pass
- [x] **Localization:** All end-user-facing strings can be localized
- [x] **Dev docs:** Added/updated
- [x] **New binaries:** Added on the required places
- [x] [JSON for
signing](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/ESRPSigning_core.json)
for new binaries
- [x] [WXS for
installer](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/installer/PowerToysSetup/Product.wxs)
for new binaries and localization folder
- [x] **Documentation updated:** If checked, please file a pull request
on [our docs
repo](https://github.com/MicrosoftDocs/windows-uwp/tree/docs/hub/powertoys)
and link it here:
[#5867](https://github.com/MicrosoftDocs/windows-dev-docs-pr/pull/5867)
<!-- Provide a more detailed description of the PR, other things fixed,
or any additional comments/features here -->
## Detailed Description of the Pull Request / Additional comments
### Known bugs:
- Default settings not saving correctly when switching modes
- Issue: Sometimes when you switch from one mode to another, they are
supposed to update with new defaults but sometimes this fails for the
second variable. Potentially has to do with accessing the settings file
while another chunk of code is still updating.
- Sometimes the system looks "glitched" when switching themes
### To do:
- [x] OOBE page and assets
- [x] Logic to disable the chart when no location has been selected
- [x] Localization
### How to and what to test
Grab the latest installer from the pipeline below for your architecture
and install PowerToys from there.
- Toggle theme shortcutSystem only, Apps only, Both system and apps
selected
- Does changing the values on the settings page update the settings
file? %LOCALAPPDATA%/Microsoft/PowerToys/LightSwitch/settings.json
- Manual mode: System only, Apps only, Both system and apps selected
- Sunrise modes: Are the times accurate?
- If you manage to let this run through sunset/rise does the theme
change?
- Set your theme to change within the next minute using manual mode and
set your device to sleepOpen your device and login once the time you set
has passed. --> Do your settings resync once the next minute ticks after
logging back into your device?
- Disable the service and ensure the tasks actually ends.
- While the module is disabled:
- Make sure the shortcut no longer works
- Make sure the last time you set doesn't trigger a theme change
- Bonus: Toggle GPO Configuration and make sure you are unable to enable
the module
---------
Co-authored-by: Niels Laute <niels.laute@live.nl>
Co-authored-by: Gordon Lam (SH) <yeelam@microsoft.com>
<!-- Enter a brief description/summary of your PR here. What does it
fix/what does it change/how was it tested (even manually, if necessary)?
-->
## Summary of the Pull Request
Doc and debugging setting in vscode.
<!-- Please review the items on the PR checklist before submitting-->
## PR Checklist
- [ ] Closes: #xxx
- [ ] **Communication:** I've discussed this with core contributors
already. If the work hasn't been agreed, this work might be rejected
- [ ] **Tests:** Added/updated and all pass
- [ ] **Localization:** All end-user-facing strings can be localized
- [ ] **Dev docs:** Added/updated
- [ ] **New binaries:** Added on the required places
- [ ] [JSON for
signing](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/ESRPSigning_core.json)
for new binaries
- [ ] [WXS for
installer](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/installer/PowerToysSetup/Product.wxs)
for new binaries and localization folder
- [ ] [YML for CI
pipeline](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/ci/templates/build-powertoys-steps.yml)
for new test projects
- [ ] [YML for signed
pipeline](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/release.yml)
- [ ] **Documentation updated:** If checked, please file a pull request
on [our docs
repo](https://github.com/MicrosoftDocs/windows-uwp/tree/docs/hub/powertoys)
and link it here: #xxx
<!-- Provide a more detailed description of the PR, other things fixed,
or any additional comments/features here -->
## Detailed Description of the Pull Request / Additional comments
This pull request adds support for developing and debugging PowerToys
using Visual Studio Code by introducing a new launch configuration and
comprehensive developer documentation. These changes make it easier for
contributors to build, debug, and iterate on both native and managed
components of PowerToys within VS Code.
**VS Code integration and developer workflow:**
* Added `.vscode/launch.json` with configurations for launching and
attaching to native (`PowerToys.exe`) and managed
(`PowerToys.Settings.exe`) processes, supporting both C++ and .NET
debugging scenarios.
* Introduced `doc/devdocs/development/dev-with-vscode.md`, a detailed
guide covering VS Code setup, building, debugging, and common developer
workflows for the PowerToys project. This includes extension
recommendations, shell integration, sample build commands, and
troubleshooting tips.
<!-- Describe how you validated the behavior. Add automated tests
wherever possible, but list manual validation steps taken as well -->
## Validation Steps Performed
Can debug locally in vscode
---------
Co-authored-by: Copilot <175728472+Copilot@users.noreply.github.com>
## Summary of the Pull Request
Basic UI Tests for Screen Ruler module
## PR Checklist
- [ ] Closes: https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/issues/40670
- [x] **Communication:** I've discussed this with core contributors
already. If the work hasn't been agreed, this work might be rejected
- [x] **Tests:** Added/updated and all pass
- [x] **Dev docs:** Added/updated
## Detailed Description of the Pull Request / Additional comments
Covered test cases you can find in this issue:
https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/issues/40670
<!-- Enter a brief description/summary of your PR here. What does it
fix/what does it change/how was it tested (even manually, if necessary)?
-->
## Summary of the Pull Request
Added the "long paths" to the prerequisites in the DevDocs
<!-- Please review the items on the PR checklist before submitting-->
## PR Checklist
- [ ] **Communication:** I've discussed this with core contributors
already. If the work hasn't been agreed, this work might be rejected
- [x] **Dev docs:** Added/updated
<!-- Provide a more detailed description of the PR, other things fixed,
or any additional comments/features here -->
## Detailed Description of the Pull Request / Additional comments
While setting up the PowerToys solution, I ran into repeated issues
where files or SDKs could not be found when loading the solution. After
a full evening of debugging, the root cause turned out to be Windows’
default path length limitation.
Even with a repository path like C:/Users/Micha/Development/PowerToys
(which is not unusually long by itself), the combination of folder
structure and file names exceeded the maximum allowed path length and
caused the build problems.
---------
Co-authored-by: Niels Laute <niels.laute@live.nl>
<!-- Enter a brief description/summary of your PR here. What does it
fix/what does it change/how was it tested (even manually, if necessary)?
-->
## Summary of the Pull Request
Background: The current PowerToys installer is built using Wix3, which
has now been deprecated. To improve security, service quality, and
community support, we’re upgrading the installer to Wix5.
Implementation:
Created Wix5-based projects(PowerToysSetupVext and
PowerToysSetupCustomActionsVNext) within the installer while retaining
the existing Wix3 project. Both versions are built to generate separate
installation packages. The Wix3-related code will be removed after
successful release testing confirms no issues.
Special case:
Wix5 has removed the property for 'ShowFilesInUse'. Now, whenever a file
is in use during installation, a FilesInUse pop-upwill automatically
appear asking for the next step. To ensure this doesn't interfere with
scenarios that require silent installation (e.g. Winget method), we’ve
handled it using the bafunction approach.
<!-- Please review the items on the PR checklist before submitting-->
## PR Checklist
- [ ] Closes: #xxx
- [ ] **Communication:** I've discussed this with core contributors
already. If the work hasn't been agreed, this work might be rejected
- [ ] **Tests:** Added/updated and all pass
- [ ] **Localization:** All end-user-facing strings can be localized
- [ ] **Dev docs:** Added/updated
- [ ] **New binaries:** Added on the required places
- [ ] [JSON for
signing](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/ESRPSigning_core.json)
for new binaries
- [ ] [WXS for
installer](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/installer/PowerToysSetup/Product.wxs)
for new binaries and localization folder
- [ ] [YML for CI
pipeline](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/ci/templates/build-powertoys-steps.yml)
for new test projects
- [ ] [YML for signed
pipeline](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/release.yml)
- [ ] **Documentation updated:** If checked, please file a pull request
on [our docs
repo](https://github.com/MicrosoftDocs/windows-uwp/tree/docs/hub/powertoys)
and link it here: #xxx
<!-- Provide a more detailed description of the PR, other things fixed,
or any additional comments/features here -->
## Detailed Description of the Pull Request / Additional comments
<!-- Describe how you validated the behavior. Add automated tests
wherever possible, but list manual validation steps taken as well -->
## Validation Steps Performed
---------
Co-authored-by: Jerry Xu <n.xu@outlook.com>
Co-authored-by: Kai Tao <69313318+vanzue@users.noreply.github.com>
Co-authored-by: leileizhang <leilzh@microsoft.com>
Co-authored-by: Kai Tao (from Dev Box) <kaitao@microsoft.com>
Co-authored-by: vanzue <vanzue@outlook.com>
<!-- Enter a brief description/summary of your PR here. What does it
fix/what does it change/how was it tested (even manually, if necessary)?
-->
## Summary of the Pull Request
The link to styling in developer documentation was not working. The path
was wrong.
<!-- Please review the items on the PR checklist before submitting-->
## PR Checklist
- [ ] Closes: #xxx
- [ ] **Communication:** I've discussed this with core contributors
already. If the work hasn't been agreed, this work might be rejected
- [ ] **Tests:** Added/updated and all pass
- [ ] **Localization:** All end-user-facing strings can be localized
- [x] **Dev docs:** Added/updated
- [ ] **New binaries:** Added on the required places
- [ ] [JSON for
signing](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/ESRPSigning_core.json)
for new binaries
- [ ] [WXS for
installer](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/installer/PowerToysSetup/Product.wxs)
for new binaries and localization folder
- [ ] [YML for CI
pipeline](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/ci/templates/build-powertoys-steps.yml)
for new test projects
- [ ] [YML for signed
pipeline](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/release.yml)
- [ ] **Documentation updated:** If checked, please file a pull request
on [our docs
repo](https://github.com/MicrosoftDocs/windows-uwp/tree/docs/hub/powertoys)
and link it here: #xxx
<!-- Provide a more detailed description of the PR, other things fixed,
or any additional comments/features here -->
## Detailed Description of the Pull Request / Additional comments
<!-- Describe how you validated the behavior. Add automated tests
wherever possible, but list manual validation steps taken as well -->
## Validation Steps Performed
<!-- Enter a brief description/summary of your PR here. What does it
fix/what does it change/how was it tested (even manually, if necessary)?
-->
## Summary of the Pull Request
This pull request introduces enhancements to UI test automation,
improvements to pipeline configuration, and project structure updates.
The goal is to improve flexibility, maintainability, and efficiency in
PowerToys’ CI/CD processes.
### UI Test Enhancements:
Delayed Text Input Support
- UI tests now support character-by-character text input with
configurable delays.
- This serves as a workaround for a known CmdPal bug where input is
swallowed too quickly. The delay mitigates the issue until it is fixed
in CmdPal.
Centralized Environment Management
- Introduced a new class to centralize environment variable access for
UI test configuration.
CmdPal Launch Handling in Pipelines
- Adjusted test logic to handle CmdPal module startup specifically in CI
pipelines
### Pipeline Configuration Updates:
Build Artifact Customization
- Included test-related folders in pipeline build outputs for better
traceability.
Support for Build ID Targeting
- Added support for specifying PowerToys build IDs in test pipelines,
with conditional logic for specific or latest build selection.
<img width="264" height="44" alt="image"
src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/0d68a51e-e41a-4868-a1c3-f4233c56b0ee"
/>
### Project Structure Updates:
Added Peek.UITests back to the solution which removed by
https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/pull/40754
<!-- Please review the items on the PR checklist before submitting-->
## PR Checklist
- [ ] Closes: #xxx
- [ ] **Communication:** I've discussed this with core contributors
already. If the work hasn't been agreed, this work might be rejected
- [ ] **Tests:** Added/updated and all pass
- [ ] **Localization:** All end-user-facing strings can be localized
- [ ] **Dev docs:** Added/updated
- [ ] **New binaries:** Added on the required places
- [ ] [JSON for
signing](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/ESRPSigning_core.json)
for new binaries
- [ ] [WXS for
installer](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/installer/PowerToysSetup/Product.wxs)
for new binaries and localization folder
- [ ] [YML for CI
pipeline](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/ci/templates/build-powertoys-steps.yml)
for new test projects
- [ ] [YML for signed
pipeline](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/release.yml)
- [ ] **Documentation updated:** If checked, please file a pull request
on [our docs
repo](https://github.com/MicrosoftDocs/windows-uwp/tree/docs/hub/powertoys)
and link it here: #xxx
<!-- Provide a more detailed description of the PR, other things fixed,
or any additional comments/features here -->
## Detailed Description of the Pull Request / Additional comments
<!-- Describe how you validated the behavior. Add automated tests
wherever possible, but list manual validation steps taken as well -->
## Validation Steps Performed
<!-- Enter a brief description/summary of your PR here. What does it
fix/what does it change/how was it tested (even manually, if necessary)?
-->
## Summary of the Pull Request
<!-- Please review the items on the PR checklist before submitting-->
## PR Checklist
- [ ] Closes: #xxx
- [ ] **Communication:** I've discussed this with core contributors
already. If the work hasn't been agreed, this work might be rejected
- [ ] **Tests:** Added/updated and all pass
- [ ] **Localization:** All end-user-facing strings can be localized
- [ ] **Dev docs:** Added/updated
- [ ] **New binaries:** Added on the required places
- [ ] [JSON for
signing](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/ESRPSigning_core.json)
for new binaries
- [ ] [WXS for
installer](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/installer/PowerToysSetup/Product.wxs)
for new binaries and localization folder
- [ ] [YML for CI
pipeline](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/ci/templates/build-powertoys-steps.yml)
for new test projects
- [ ] [YML for signed
pipeline](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/.pipelines/release.yml)
- [ ] **Documentation updated:** If checked, please file a pull request
on [our docs
repo](https://github.com/MicrosoftDocs/windows-uwp/tree/docs/hub/powertoys)
and link it here: #xxx
<!-- Provide a more detailed description of the PR, other things fixed,
or any additional comments/features here -->
## Detailed Description of the Pull Request / Additional comments
1. Add instructions to build installer locally with a script
2. Add doc explaining how to install an installer by winget locally.
<!-- Describe how you validated the behavior. Add automated tests
wherever possible, but list manual validation steps taken as well -->
## Validation Steps Performed