Add Group Policy to force-disable Python scripts feature

Enterprise administrators can now disable the Python scripts feature via
GPO policy 'AllowAdvancedPastePythonScripts' under the Advanced Paste
category (HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\PowerToys\AllowAdvancedPastePythonScripts).

When disabled:
- Settings UI mode selector is grayed out and forced to 'Disabled'
- Info bar shows that the setting is managed by organization policy
- Runtime enforces disabled state even if settings.json is manually edited

Implementation follows the same pattern as the existing AI models GPO policy.

Co-authored-by: Copilot <223556219+Copilot@users.noreply.github.com>

.github/actions/spell-check/expect.txt

@@ -838,7 +838,6 @@ INTRESOURCE
 INVALIDARG
 invalidoperatioexception
 invokecommand
-iOS
 ipcmanager
 ipreviewhandlervisualssetfont
 IPTC
@@ -1235,8 +1234,6 @@ NOTSRCCOPY
 NOTSRCERASE
 Notupdated
 notwindows
-NOTXORPEN
-Nouveaut
 nowarn
 NOZORDER
 NPH

.github/skills/wpf-to-winui3-migration/SKILL.md

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 ---
 name: wpf-to-winui3-migration
-description: 'Guide for migrating PowerToys modules from WPF to WinUI 3 (Windows App SDK). Use when asked to migrate WPF code, convert WPF XAML to WinUI, replace System.Windows namespaces with Microsoft.UI.Xaml, update Dispatcher to DispatcherQueue, replace DynamicResource with ThemeResource, migrate imaging APIs from System.Windows.Media.Imaging to Windows.Graphics.Imaging, convert WPF Window to WinUI Window, migrate .resx to .resw resources, migrate custom Observable/RelayCommand to CommunityToolkit.Mvvm source generators, handle WPF-UI (Lepo) to WinUI native control migration, or fix installer/build pipeline issues after migration. Keywords: WPF, WinUI, WinUI3, migration, porting, convert, namespace, XAML, Dispatcher, DispatcherQueue, imaging, BitmapImage, Window, ContentDialog, ThemeResource, DynamicResource, ResourceLoader, resw, resx, CommunityToolkit, ObservableProperty, WPF-UI, SizeToContent, AppWindow, SoftwareBitmap.'
+description: Guide for migrating PowerToys modules from WPF to WinUI 3 (Windows App SDK). Use when asked to migrate WPF code, convert WPF XAML to WinUI, replace System.Windows namespaces with Microsoft.UI.Xaml, update Dispatcher to DispatcherQueue, replace DynamicResource with ThemeResource, migrate imaging APIs from System.Windows.Media.Imaging to Windows.Graphics.Imaging, convert WPF Window to WinUI Window, migrate .resx to .resw resources, migrate custom Observable/RelayCommand to CommunityToolkit.Mvvm source generators, handle WPF-UI (Lepo) to WinUI native control migration, or fix installer/build pipeline issues after migration. Keywords: WPF, WinUI, WinUI3, migration, porting, convert, namespace, XAML, Dispatcher, DispatcherQueue, imaging, BitmapImage, Window, ContentDialog, ThemeResource, DynamicResource, ResourceLoader, resw, resx, CommunityToolkit, ObservableProperty, WPF-UI, SizeToContent, AppWindow, SoftwareBitmap.
 license: Complete terms in LICENSE.txt
 ---
 

.pipelines/ESRPSigning_core.json

@@ -211,12 +211,12 @@
             "WinUI3Apps\\NewPlusPackage.msix",
             "WinUI3Apps\\PowerToys.NewPlus.ShellExtension.win10.dll",
 
-            "WinUI3Apps\\PowerAccent.Core.dll",
-            "WinUI3Apps\\PowerAccent.Common.dll",
-            "WinUI3Apps\\PowerToys.PowerAccent.dll",
-            "WinUI3Apps\\PowerToys.PowerAccent.exe",
+            "PowerAccent.Core.dll",
+            "PowerAccent.Common.dll",
+            "PowerToys.PowerAccent.dll",
+            "PowerToys.PowerAccent.exe",
             "PowerToys.PowerAccentModuleInterface.dll",
-            "WinUI3Apps\\PowerToys.PowerAccentKeyboardService.dll",
+            "PowerToys.PowerAccentKeyboardService.dll",
 
             "PowerToys.PowerDisplayModuleInterface.dll",
             "WinUI3Apps\\PowerToys.PowerDisplay.dll",

Directory.Packages.props

@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
     <PackageVersion Include="CommunityToolkit.WinUI.Controls.Sizers" Version="8.2.251219" />
     <PackageVersion Include="CommunityToolkit.WinUI.Converters" Version="8.2.251219" />
     <PackageVersion Include="CommunityToolkit.WinUI.Extensions" Version="8.2.251219" />
-    <PackageVersion Include="CommunityToolkit.WinUI.UI.Controls.DataGrid" Version="7.1.2" />
+    <PackageVersion Include="CommunityToolkit.WinUI.UI.Controls.DataGrid" Version="7.1.2" /> 
     <PackageVersion Include="CommunityToolkit.Labs.WinUI.Controls.MarkdownTextBlock" Version="0.1.260116-build.2514" />
     <PackageVersion Include="ControlzEx" Version="6.0.0" />
     <PackageVersion Include="HelixToolkit" Version="2.24.0" />
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
     <PackageVersion Include="Mages" Version="3.0.0" />
     <PackageVersion Include="Markdig.Signed" Version="0.34.0" />
     <!-- Including MessagePack to force version, since it's used by StreamJsonRpc but contains vulnerabilities. After StreamJsonRpc updates the version of MessagePack, we can upgrade StreamJsonRpc instead. -->
-    <PackageVersion Include="MessagePack" Version="3.1.7" />
+    <PackageVersion Include="MessagePack" Version="3.1.3" />
     <PackageVersion Include="Microsoft.CodeAnalysis.NetAnalyzers" Version="10.0.102" />
     <PackageVersion Include="Microsoft.CommandPalette.Extensions" Version="0.9.260303001" />
     <PackageVersion Include="Microsoft.Data.Sqlite" Version="10.0.8" />
@@ -64,7 +64,7 @@
     <PackageVersion Include="Microsoft.SemanticKernel.Connectors.MistralAI" Version="1.71.0-alpha" />
     <PackageVersion Include="Microsoft.SemanticKernel.Connectors.Ollama" Version="1.71.0-alpha" />
     <PackageVersion Include="Microsoft.Toolkit.Uwp.Notifications" Version="7.1.2" />
-    <PackageVersion Include="Microsoft.Web.WebView2" Version="1.0.4022.49" />
+    <PackageVersion Include="Microsoft.Web.WebView2" Version="1.0.3719.77" />
     <!-- Package Microsoft.Win32.SystemEvents added as a hack for being able to exclude the runtime assets so they don't conflict with 8.0.1. This is a dependency of System.Drawing.Common but the 8.0.1 version wasn't published to nuget. -->
     <PackageVersion Include="Microsoft.Win32.SystemEvents" Version="10.0.8" />
     <PackageVersion Include="Microsoft.WindowsPackageManager.ComInterop" Version="1.10.340" />
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@
       This is present due to a bug in CsWinRT where WPF projects cause the analyzer to fail.
 	-->
     <PackageVersion Include="Microsoft.Windows.CsWinRT" Version="2.2.0" />
-    <PackageVersion Include="Microsoft.Windows.ImplementationLibrary" Version="1.0.250325.1" />
+    <PackageVersion Include="Microsoft.Windows.ImplementationLibrary" Version="1.0.250325.1"/>
     <PackageVersion Include="Microsoft.Windows.SDK.BuildTools" Version="10.0.26100.6901" />
     <PackageVersion Include="Microsoft.WindowsAppSDK" Version="2.2.0" />
     <PackageVersion Include="Microsoft.WindowsAppSDK.Foundation" Version="2.1.0" />
@@ -151,4 +151,4 @@
     <PackageVersion Include="Microsoft.VariantAssignment.Client" Version="2.4.17140001" />
     <PackageVersion Include="Microsoft.VariantAssignment.Contract" Version="3.0.16990001" />
   </ItemGroup>
-</Project>
+</Project>

PowerToys.slnx

@@ -806,10 +806,6 @@
       <Platform Solution="*|ARM64" Project="ARM64" />
       <Platform Solution="*|x64" Project="x64" />
     </Project>
-    <Project Path="src/modules/poweraccent/PowerAccent.Core.UnitTests/PowerAccent.Core.UnitTests.csproj">
-      <Platform Solution="*|ARM64" Project="ARM64" />
-      <Platform Solution="*|x64" Project="x64" />
-    </Project>
     <Project Path="src/modules/poweraccent/PowerAccent.Common/PowerAccent.Common.csproj">
       <Platform Solution="*|ARM64" Project="ARM64" />
       <Platform Solution="*|x64" Project="x64" />

doc/devdocs/modules/advancedpaste-python-scripts.md

@@ -0,0 +1,285 @@
+# Advanced Paste – Python Scripts
+
+Advanced Paste supports user-defined Python scripts that transform clipboard content. Scripts are
+discovered automatically from a configurable folder and appear as actions in the Advanced Paste UI.
+
+## Quick start
+
+1. Open the scripts folder — by default `%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\PowerToys\AdvancedPaste\Scripts`.
+   You can change this in **Settings → Advanced Paste → Python scripts → Scripts folder**.
+2. Drop a `.py` file into the folder.
+3. Define one `advanced_paste_from_<input>_to_<output>` function (see [Writing a script](#writing-a-script)).
+4. Open the Advanced Paste UI (`Win+Shift+V`) — your script will appear in the action list.
+
+> **Important:** Each `.py` file must define exactly one `advanced_paste_from_<input>_to_<output>`
+> function. Scripts with zero or multiple such functions are ignored.
+
+## Writing a script
+
+You write a single Python function whose **name** declares both what clipboard input it accepts
+and what output type it produces.
+No imports from PowerToys are needed — zero setup, zero dependencies on our side.
+
+### Function naming convention
+
+The function name follows the pattern:
+
+```
+advanced_paste_from_<input>_to_<output>(<param>)
+```
+
+**Input types** (what the function receives):
+
+| Input | Parameter | When it runs |
+|-------|-----------|--------------|
+| `text` | `str` — clipboard text | Clipboard has text |
+| `html` | `str` — clipboard HTML | Clipboard has HTML |
+| `image` | `str` — path to temp image file | Clipboard has an image |
+| `audio` | `str` — path to audio file | Clipboard has an audio file |
+| `video` | `str` — path to video file | Clipboard has a video file |
+| `files` | `list[str]` — file paths | Clipboard has files |
+
+**Output types** (what the function produces — declared via `_to_` suffix):
+
+| Output | Effect |
+|--------|--------|
+| `text` | Sets clipboard to text |
+| `html` | Sets clipboard to HTML |
+| `image` | Sets clipboard to image |
+| `audio` | Sets clipboard to audio file |
+| `video` | Sets clipboard to video file |
+| `file` | Sets clipboard to a file |
+| `files` | Sets clipboard to multiple files |
+
+### Return value
+
+The return value is interpreted according to the declared output type:
+
+| Output type | Expected return value |
+|-------------|---------------------|
+| `text` | `str` (or any value — will be converted via `str()`) |
+| `html` | `str` containing HTML |
+| `image` | `str` or `pathlib.Path` pointing to an image file |
+| `file` | `str` or `pathlib.Path` pointing to a file |
+| `files` | `list` of `str`/`pathlib.Path` file paths |
+
+Returning `None` produces an empty result (no-op).
+
+## Examples
+
+### Minimal — uppercase text
+
+```python
+def advanced_paste_from_text_to_text(text):
+    return text.upper()
+```
+
+That's it. No headers required, no imports from PowerToys.
+
+### With optional metadata
+
+```python
+# @advancedpaste:name   Reverse Text
+# @advancedpaste:desc   Reverses clipboard text character by character
+
+def advanced_paste_from_text_to_text(text):
+    return text[::-1]
+```
+
+### Text to HTML
+
+```python
+# @advancedpaste:name   Markdown Table to HTML
+# @advancedpaste:desc   Convert a markdown table to an HTML table
+
+def advanced_paste_from_text_to_html(text):
+    headers = text.splitlines()[0].split("|")
+    return f"<table><tr>{''.join(f'<th>{h.strip()}</th>' for h in headers if h.strip())}</tr></table>"
+```
+
+### Image to text (OCR)
+
+```python
+# @advancedpaste:requires pytesseract
+
+def advanced_paste_from_image_to_text(image_path):
+    import pytesseract
+    return pytesseract.image_to_string(image_path).strip()
+```
+
+### Save text as file
+
+```python
+import os
+from pathlib import Path
+import tempfile
+
+def advanced_paste_from_text_to_file(text):
+    # Use ADVANCED_PASTE_WORK_DIR for WSL compatibility; falls back to temp dir on Windows.
+    out_dir = os.environ.get("ADVANCED_PASTE_WORK_DIR") or tempfile.gettempdir()
+    out = Path(out_dir) / "clipboard.txt"
+    out.write_text(text, encoding="utf-8")
+    return out
+```
+
+### Image processing (image → image)
+
+```python
+import os
+from PIL import Image
+from pathlib import Path
+import tempfile
+
+def advanced_paste_from_image_to_image(image_path):
+    """Convert image to grayscale."""
+    img = Image.open(image_path).convert("L")
+    out_dir = os.environ.get("ADVANCED_PASTE_WORK_DIR") or tempfile.gettempdir()
+    out = Path(out_dir) / "gray.png"
+    img.save(out)
+    return out
+```
+
+### File listing (files → text)
+
+```python
+import os
+
+def advanced_paste_from_files_to_text(file_paths):
+    lines = []
+    for p in file_paths:
+        size = os.path.getsize(p)
+        lines.append(f"{os.path.basename(p)} ({size} bytes)")
+    return "\n".join(lines)
+```
+
+## Header tags
+
+All header tags are **optional**. Tags are placed in comment lines at the top of the script.
+
+| Tag | Description |
+|-----|-------------|
+| `name` | Display name in the Advanced Paste UI. If omitted, the filename is used. |
+| `desc` | Short description / tooltip. |
+| `disabled` | Presence of this tag disables the script (it won't appear in the UI). |
+| `requires` | Declare Python package dependencies (see [Dependencies](#declaring-dependencies)). |
+
+### Example header
+
+```python
+# @advancedpaste:name   My Formatter
+# @advancedpaste:desc   Formats clipboard text as markdown table
+```
+
+To disable a script without deleting it, add:
+
+```python
+# @advancedpaste:disabled
+```
+
+Remove the line to re-enable.
+
+## Declaring dependencies
+
+Use `requires` to declare Python packages the script needs:
+
+```python
+# @advancedpaste:requires PIL=Pillow
+# @advancedpaste:requires cv2=opencv-python-headless numpy requests
+```
+
+Each token is either:
+
+- **`import_name`** — the pip package is assumed to have the same name (e.g. `requests`).
+- **`import_name=pip_package`** — when the import name differs from the pip package
+  (e.g. `cv2=opencv-python-headless`, `PIL=Pillow`).
+
+### Automatic import detection
+
+Advanced Paste also scans the script body for `import` and `from ... import` statements
+and cross-references them against the Python standard library. Any non-stdlib import
+that is not already installed triggers a prompt to install it automatically.
+
+## Security — script trust
+
+The first time a script is executed (or after it has been modified), Advanced Paste
+shows a confirmation dialog. Upon approval the SHA-256 hash of the script is stored.
+Subsequent runs of the unchanged file skip the dialog.
+
+## Error handling
+
+When a script fails, Advanced Paste extracts the Python traceback from stderr and
+displays a user-friendly summary in the UI:
+
+- **ModuleNotFoundError** — identifies the missing module and suggests installing it.
+- **SyntaxError** — shows the file and line number.
+- **Timeout** — shows the configured timeout value (default 30 s; configurable in Settings).
+- **Other errors** — shows the last line of the traceback as a summary, with the full
+  traceback available in the expandable *Details* section.
+
+## Settings
+
+The Python scripts feature uses a **mode selector** (dropdown) with three options:
+
+| Mode | Description |
+|------|-------------|
+| **Disabled** | Python scripts are not active. |
+| **Windows** | Scripts run using a native Windows Python interpreter. |
+| **WSL** | Scripts run inside Windows Subsystem for Linux. |
+
+Each mode maintains its own independent settings (scripts folder, interpreter path, etc.),
+so switching between Windows and WSL does not lose your previous configuration.
+
+### Windows mode settings
+
+| Setting | Description | Default |
+|---------|-------------|---------|
+| Scripts folder | Folder to scan for `.py` scripts. | `%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\PowerToys\AdvancedPaste\Scripts` |
+| Python interpreter | Path to the Python executable. Leave blank for auto-detection. | *(auto-detect)* |
+
+### WSL mode settings
+
+| Setting | Description | Default |
+|---------|-------------|---------|
+| Scripts folder | Folder to scan for `.py` scripts (Windows path — auto-translated to `/mnt/...`). | `%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\PowerToys\AdvancedPaste\Scripts` |
+| WSL distribution | Which WSL distro to use (e.g. `Ubuntu`). Leave blank for the default distribution. | *(default)* |
+
+### Scripts list
+
+The Settings page shows a read-only list of discovered scripts. For each script you can see:
+
+- **Name** — from `@advancedpaste:name` tag, or the filename if not set.
+- **Description** — from `@advancedpaste:desc` tag.
+- **Conversion** — the input → output types detected from the function name (e.g. "text → image").
+
+The list is **not editable** from Settings. To change a script's name, description, enabled state,
+or any other metadata, open the script file directly (click the "Open in editor" button) and edit
+the `# @advancedpaste:...` header tags. After saving, click **Refresh** in Settings to reload.
+
+### WSL mode details
+
+When **WSL** mode is selected:
+
+- Scripts are executed via `wsl.exe bash -l -c "python3 ..."` using the configured distribution.
+- The scripts folder remains on the Windows filesystem; paths are automatically translated
+  to `/mnt/c/...` format for WSL access.
+- Package installation uses `pip3 install` inside the WSL environment.
+- Output files from scripts must be written under `/mnt/` (the Windows-mounted filesystem)
+  so they can be accessed from Windows. The runner sets the `ADVANCED_PASTE_WORK_DIR` environment
+  variable to a temp directory under `/mnt/c/...` — use it instead of `tempfile.gettempdir()`
+  when producing file output for cross-platform compatibility.
+
+> **Tip:** If you have Python installed only in WSL (not on Windows), select WSL mode
+> to use your existing WSL Python environment with all its packages.
+
+## Tips
+
+- Each `.py` file must contain exactly one `advanced_paste_from_<input>_to_<output>` function.
+  If you need to handle multiple input types, create separate script files for each.
+- A `.py` file without any matching function is ignored — use this for helper modules
+  that other scripts can import.
+- Scripts can be tested from the command line:
+  ```
+  echo {"format":["text"],"text":"hello"} | python _runner.py my_script.py
+  ```
+- The script's directory is added to `sys.path` at runtime, so you can import sibling `.py`
+  files as helper modules.

doc/devdocs/modules/quickaccent.md

@@ -15,15 +15,14 @@ Quick Accent (formerly known as Power Accent) is a PowerToys module that allows
 
 ## Architecture
 
-The Quick Accent module consists of five projects:
+The Quick Accent module consists of four main components:
 
 ```
 poweraccent/
-├── PowerAccent.Common/             # Language data, character mappings, LetterKey enum
-├── PowerAccent.Core/               # Accent logic, settings, positioning, usage statistics
-├── PowerAccent.UI/                 # WinUI 3 character selector app (PowerToys.PowerAccent.exe)
-├── PowerAccentKeyboardService/     # WinRT keyboard-hook component
-└── PowerAccentModuleInterface/     # Native runner module DLL
+├── PowerAccent.Core/               # Core component containing Language Sets
+├── PowerAccent.UI/                 # The character selector UI
+├── PowerAccentKeyboardService/     # Keyboard Hook
+└── PowerAccentModuleInterface/     # DLL interface
 ```
 
 ### Module Interface (PowerAccentModuleInterface)
@@ -33,32 +32,21 @@ The Module Interface, implemented in `PowerAccentModuleInterface/dllmain.cpp`, i
 - Managing module lifecycle (enable/disable/settings)
 - Launching and terminating the PowerToys.PowerAccent.exe process
 
-### Shared Data (PowerAccent.Common)
-
-`PowerAccent.Common` holds the UI- and runtime-agnostic data the other projects share:
-- The language / character-set definitions and per-letter accent mappings
-- The managed `LetterKey` enum (kept in sync with the WinRT `LetterKey` in `PowerAccentKeyboardService/KeyboardListener.idl`)
-
-It has no UI or WinRT dependencies and is unit-tested in isolation (`PowerAccent.Common.UnitTests`).
-
 ### Core Logic (PowerAccent.Core)
 
 The Core component contains:
-- Main accent character logic, consuming the language data from `PowerAccent.Common`
-- Toolbar positioning math (9 anchor points with per-monitor DPI) and settings handling
-- Management of special characters (currency, math symbols, etc.) and usage statistics
-
-Core carries no UI-framework dependency: it raises events and accepts a UI-thread marshaller delegate instead of touching WPF/WinUI directly, and its positioning math is covered by `PowerAccent.Core.UnitTests`.
+- Main accent character logic
+- Keyboard input detection
+- Character mappings for different languages
+- Management of language sets and special characters (currency, math symbols, etc.)
+- Usage statistics for frequently used characters
 
 ### UI Layer (PowerAccent.UI)
 
-The UI component is a self-contained **WinUI 3 (Windows App SDK)** app, migrated from WPF.
-It is responsible for:
-- Displaying the accent toolbar — a non-activating, always-on-top `TransparentWindow` overlay shown with `SW_SHOWNA` so it never steals focus from the app being typed into
-- Handling selection and the toolbar's sizing / positioning
-- Following the system theme while the long-lived process runs
-
-It builds to `PowerToys.PowerAccent.exe` together with its `.pri` and the bundled Windows App SDK runtime, all under the `WinUI3Apps` output folder.
+The UI component is responsible for:
+- Displaying the toolbar with accent options
+- Handling user selection of accented characters
+- Managing the visual positioning of the toolbar
 
 ### Keyboard Service (PowerAccentKeyboardService)
 
@@ -71,26 +59,13 @@ This component:
 
 ### Activation Mechanism
 
-Quick Accent supports two activation styles, selected by the **Activation key** setting.
-
-**Trigger-key modes** (`Left/Right arrow`, `Space`, or `Both` — the default):
+The Quick Accent is activated when:
 1. A user presses and holds a character key (e.g., 'a')
 2. User presses the trigger key
 3. After a brief delay (around 300ms per setting), the accent toolbar appears
 4. The user can select an accented variant using the trigger key
 5. Upon releasing the keys, the selected accented character is inserted
 
-**Press-and-hold mode** (`Press and hold the letter`, iOS/macOS style, opt-in):
-1. A user presses and holds an accent-capable character key (e.g., 'a'); the base
-   letter is typed immediately
-2. After the configured **Hold duration** (around 500ms per setting), the accent
-   toolbar appears automatically — no separate trigger key is required
-3. The user navigates the options with the arrow keys or Space
-4. Upon releasing the letter, the selected accent replaces the base letter; if no
-   option was selected, the base letter that was already typed simply remains
-5. A quick tap (shorter than the Hold duration) types the base letter only, and
-   modifier combinations (Ctrl/Alt/AltGr/Win + letter) are left untouched
-
 ### Character Sets
 
 The module includes multiple language-specific character sets and special character sets:
@@ -140,5 +115,5 @@ To directly debug the Quick Accent UI component:
 5. Start debugging by pressing `F5` or clicking the "*Start*" button
 6. Verify that the debugger breaks at your breakpoint and you can inspect variables and step through code
 
-**Known issue**: A first incremental build can surface transient errors (for example from CsWinRT projection / WinUI XAML codegen ordering).<br>
-**Solution**: Right-click the **PowerAccent** folder in Solution Explorer and select "*Rebuild*", then start debugging again.
+**Known issue**: You may encounter approximately 78 errors during the start of debugging.<br>
+**Solution**: If you encounter errors, right-click on the **PowerAccent** folder in Solution Explorer and select "*Rebuild*". After rebuilding, start debugging again.

doc/devdocs/tools/clean-up-tool.md

@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+# [CleanUp_tool](/tools/CleanUp_tool/) and [CleanUp_tool_powershell_script](/tools/CleanUp_tool_powershell_script/CleanUp_tool.ps1)
+
+This tool, respective this powershell script, is used to clean up the PowerToys installation. It cleans the `AppData` folder and the registry.
+
+This tool is currently very outdated and just cleans up the registry keys of some few modules.

doc/devdocs/tools/readme.md

@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ Following tools are currently available:
 
 * [BugReportTool](bug-report-tool.md) - A tool to collect logs and system information for bug reports.
 * [Build tools](build-tools.md) - A set of scripts that help building PowerToys.
+* [Clean up tool](clean-up-tool.md) - A tool to clean up the PowerToys installation.
 * [Monitor info report](monitor-info-report.md) - A small diagnostic tool which helps identifying WinAPI bugs related to the physical monitor detection.
 * [project template](/tools/project_template/README.md) - A Visual Studio project template for a new PowerToys project.
 * [StylesReportTool](styles-report-tool.md) - A tool to collect information about an open window.

doc/specs/WinGet Manifest Keyboard Shortcuts schema.md

@@ -109,7 +109,7 @@ Per Application/Package one or more Keyboard manifests can be declared. Every ma
 <details>
  <summary><b>SectionName</b> - Name of the category of shortcuts</summary>
 
- Name of the section of shortcuts. Use sentence case, the same convention described under `Name` below.
+ Name of the section of shortcuts. 
 
 **Special sections**:
 
@@ -126,10 +126,6 @@ Special sections start with an identifier enclosed between `<` and `>`. This dec
 
  Name of the shortcut. This is the name that will be displayed in the interpreter.
 
-**Casing**:
-
-By convention, shortcut names (and `SectionName` values) use **sentence case**: capitalize only the first word plus any proper nouns or product/feature names. For example, prefer `Reopen last closed tab` over `Reopen Last Closed Tab`, but keep `Open History`, `Quit Slack`, and `Show Quick Access` capitalized because those are application feature names. Match the casing the application uses for its own features rather than copying the title-case styling some apps apply to their entire shortcut list.
-
 </details>
 
 

doc/thirdPartyRunPlugins.md

@@ -54,7 +54,6 @@ Contact the developers of a plugin directly for assistance with a specific plugi
 | [Project Launcher Plugin](https://github.com/artickc/ProjectLauncherPowerToysPlugin) | [artickc](https://github.com/artickc) | Access your projects using Project Launcher and PowerToys Run |
 | [CheatSheets](https://github.com/ruslanlap/PowerToysRun-CheatSheets) | [ruslanlap](https://github.com/ruslanlap) | 📚 Find cheat sheets and command examples instantly from tldr pages, cheat.sh, and devhints.io. Features include favorites system, categories, offline mode, and smart caching. |
 | [QuickAI](https://github.com/ruslanlap/PowerToysRun-QuickAi) | [ruslanlap](https://github.com/ruslanlap) | AI-powered assistance with instant, smart responses from multiple providers (Groq, Together, Fireworks, OpenRouter, Cohere) |
-| [Launchy](https://github.com/PsychodelEKS/PowerToysRun-Launchy) | [PsychodelEKS](https://github.com/PsychodelEKS) | Index and launch files from configured folders |
 
 ## Extending software plugins
 

src/common/COMUtils/packages.config

@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
 <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
 <packages>
-  <package id="Microsoft.Windows.ImplementationLibrary" version="1.0.260126.7" targetFramework="native" />
-</packages>
+  <package id="Microsoft.Windows.ImplementationLibrary" version="1.0.250325.1" targetFramework="native" />
+</packages>

src/common/Common.UI.Controls/Window/TransparentWindow/TransparentWindow.cs

@@ -5,8 +5,6 @@
 using System.Runtime.InteropServices;
 using Microsoft.UI.Dispatching;
 using Microsoft.UI.Windowing;
-using Microsoft.UI.Xaml;
-using Microsoft.UI.Xaml.Input;
 using Windows.Foundation;
 using WinUIEx;
 
@@ -39,18 +37,6 @@ namespace Microsoft.PowerToys.Common.UI.Controls.Window;
 /// <see cref="Microsoft.UI.Windowing.AppWindow.Hide"/> is delayed until the
 /// content has finished animating out. With no listener the window simply shows
 /// or hides immediately.</para>
-/// <para><b>Multiple surfaces.</b> More than one <see cref="TransientSurface"/>
-/// may host on the same window by each calling
-/// <see cref="TransientSurface.SubscribeTo"/>. The <see cref="Showing"/> and
-/// <see cref="Hiding"/> events are simply raised for every subscriber, and
-/// because <see cref="HidingEventArgs"/> aggregates deferrals the underlying
-/// window is hidden only after <em>all</em> surfaces have finished animating
-/// out. To let each surface play its own distinct transition, call the
-/// parameterless <see cref="Show()"/> (so every surface uses its configured
-/// <c>ShowTransition</c>/<c>HideTransition</c>); the <see cref="Show(Transition)"/>
-/// overload instead broadcasts a single transition to all surfaces. Sizing the
-/// window and positioning each surface within it remain the consumer's
-/// responsibility (this window owns no layout).</para>
 /// </remarks>
 public partial class TransparentWindow : WinUIEx.WindowEx
 {
@@ -66,9 +52,6 @@ public partial class TransparentWindow : WinUIEx.WindowEx
 
     private readonly nint _hwnd;
 
-    private bool _inputHooked;
-    private bool _seenActivated;
-
     public TransparentWindow()
     {
         AppWindow.Hide();
@@ -91,30 +74,8 @@ public partial class TransparentWindow : WinUIEx.WindowEx
         ApplyExStyleBit(WsExToolWindow, true);
 
         SystemBackdrop = new TransparentTintBackdrop();
-
-        Activated += OnActivatedForDismiss;
     }
 
-    /// <summary>
-    /// Gets or sets a value indicating whether pressing <c>Esc</c> while the
-    /// window content has keyboard focus dismisses the window (<see cref="Hide"/>).
-    /// Defaults to <see langword="false"/>. The window is shown without
-    /// activation, so the consumer must activate it for its content to receive
-    /// keyboard input.
-    /// </summary>
-    public bool DismissOnEscape { get; set; }
-
-    /// <summary>
-    /// Gets or sets a value indicating whether the window dismisses itself
-    /// (<see cref="Hide"/>) when it loses focus (is deactivated), i.e. light
-    /// dismiss. Defaults to <see langword="false"/>. Only takes effect after the
-    /// window has been activated at least once since the last <see cref="Show()"/>,
-    /// so the transient deactivation that can occur during the show sequence does
-    /// not dismiss it prematurely. The window is shown without activation, so the
-    /// consumer must activate it for this to apply.
-    /// </summary>
-    public bool DismissOnFocusLost { get; set; }
-
     /// <summary>
     /// Raised (without activation) when <see cref="Show()"/> makes the window
     /// visible. A content surface subscribes to this to play its in-animation,
@@ -151,8 +112,6 @@ public partial class TransparentWindow : WinUIEx.WindowEx
             DispatcherQueuePriority.Low,
             () =>
             {
-                _seenActivated = false;
-                EnsureInputHooks();
                 _ = ShowWindow(_hwnd, SwShowNa);
                 Showing?.Invoke(this, new ShowingEventArgs(transition));
             });
@@ -175,41 +134,6 @@ public partial class TransparentWindow : WinUIEx.WindowEx
             });
     }
 
-    private void OnActivatedForDismiss(object sender, WindowActivatedEventArgs args)
-    {
-        if (args.WindowActivationState == WindowActivationState.Deactivated)
-        {
-            if (DismissOnFocusLost && _seenActivated)
-            {
-                Hide();
-            }
-
-            return;
-        }
-
-        _seenActivated = true;
-    }
-
-    private void EnsureInputHooks()
-    {
-        if (_inputHooked || Content is not UIElement element)
-        {
-            return;
-        }
-
-        element.KeyDown += OnContentKeyDown;
-        _inputHooked = true;
-    }
-
-    private void OnContentKeyDown(object sender, KeyRoutedEventArgs e)
-    {
-        if (DismissOnEscape && e.Key == global::Windows.System.VirtualKey.Escape)
-        {
-            e.Handled = true;
-            Hide();
-        }
-    }
-
     private void ApplyExStyleBit(int bit, bool set)
     {
         if (_hwnd == 0)

src/common/GPOWrapper/GPOWrapper.cpp

@@ -232,6 +232,10 @@ namespace winrt::PowerToys::GPOWrapper::implementation
     {
         return static_cast<GpoRuleConfigured>(powertoys_gpo::getAllowedAdvancedPasteFoundryLocalValue());
     }
+    GpoRuleConfigured GPOWrapper::GetAllowedAdvancedPastePythonScriptsValue()
+    {
+        return static_cast<GpoRuleConfigured>(powertoys_gpo::getAllowedAdvancedPastePythonScriptsValue());
+    }
     GpoRuleConfigured GPOWrapper::GetConfiguredNewPlusEnabledValue()
     {
         return static_cast<GpoRuleConfigured>(powertoys_gpo::getConfiguredNewPlusEnabledValue());

src/common/GPOWrapper/GPOWrapper.h

@@ -64,6 +64,7 @@ namespace winrt::PowerToys::GPOWrapper::implementation
         static GpoRuleConfigured GetAllowedAdvancedPasteGoogleValue();
         static GpoRuleConfigured GetAllowedAdvancedPasteOllamaValue();
         static GpoRuleConfigured GetAllowedAdvancedPasteFoundryLocalValue();
+        static GpoRuleConfigured GetAllowedAdvancedPastePythonScriptsValue();
         static GpoRuleConfigured GetConfiguredNewPlusEnabledValue();
         static GpoRuleConfigured GetConfiguredWorkspacesEnabledValue();
         static GpoRuleConfigured GetConfiguredMwbClipboardSharingEnabledValue();

src/common/GPOWrapper/GPOWrapper.idl

@@ -68,6 +68,7 @@ namespace PowerToys
             static GpoRuleConfigured GetAllowedAdvancedPasteGoogleValue();
             static GpoRuleConfigured GetAllowedAdvancedPasteOllamaValue();
             static GpoRuleConfigured GetAllowedAdvancedPasteFoundryLocalValue();
+            static GpoRuleConfigured GetAllowedAdvancedPastePythonScriptsValue();
             static GpoRuleConfigured GetConfiguredNewPlusEnabledValue();
             static GpoRuleConfigured GetConfiguredWorkspacesEnabledValue();
             static GpoRuleConfigured GetConfiguredMwbClipboardSharingEnabledValue();

src/common/utils/gpo.h

@@ -93,6 +93,7 @@ namespace powertoys_gpo
     const std::wstring POLICY_ALLOW_ADVANCED_PASTE_GOOGLE = L"AllowAdvancedPasteGoogle";
     const std::wstring POLICY_ALLOW_ADVANCED_PASTE_OLLAMA = L"AllowAdvancedPasteOllama";
     const std::wstring POLICY_ALLOW_ADVANCED_PASTE_FOUNDRY_LOCAL = L"AllowAdvancedPasteFoundryLocal";
+    const std::wstring POLICY_ALLOW_ADVANCED_PASTE_PYTHON_SCRIPTS = L"AllowAdvancedPastePythonScripts";
     const std::wstring POLICY_MWB_CLIPBOARD_SHARING_ENABLED = L"MwbClipboardSharingEnabled";
     const std::wstring POLICY_MWB_FILE_TRANSFER_ENABLED = L"MwbFileTransferEnabled";
     const std::wstring POLICY_MWB_USE_ORIGINAL_USER_INTERFACE = L"MwbUseOriginalUserInterface";
@@ -637,6 +638,11 @@ namespace powertoys_gpo
         return getConfiguredValue(POLICY_ALLOW_ADVANCED_PASTE_FOUNDRY_LOCAL);
     }
 
+    inline gpo_rule_configured_t getAllowedAdvancedPastePythonScriptsValue()
+    {
+        return getConfiguredValue(POLICY_ALLOW_ADVANCED_PASTE_PYTHON_SCRIPTS);
+    }
+
     inline gpo_rule_configured_t getConfiguredMwbClipboardSharingEnabledValue()
     {
         return getConfiguredValue(POLICY_MWB_CLIPBOARD_SHARING_ENABLED);

src/gpo/assets/PowerToys.admx

@@ -718,6 +718,16 @@
         <decimal value="0" />
       </disabledValue>
     </policy>
+    <policy name="AllowAdvancedPastePythonScripts" class="Both" displayName="$(string.AllowAdvancedPastePythonScripts)" explainText="$(string.AllowAdvancedPastePythonScriptsDescription)" key="Software\Policies\PowerToys" valueName="AllowAdvancedPastePythonScripts">
+      <parentCategory ref="AdvancedPaste" />
+      <supportedOn ref="SUPPORTED_POWERTOYS_0_99_0" />
+      <enabledValue>
+        <decimal value="1" />
+      </enabledValue>
+      <disabledValue>
+        <decimal value="0" />
+      </disabledValue>
+    </policy>
     <policy name="MwbClipboardSharingEnabled" class="Both" displayName="$(string.MwbClipboardSharingEnabled)" explainText="$(string.MwbClipboardSharingEnabledDescription)" key="Software\Policies\PowerToys" valueName="MwbClipboardSharingEnabled">
       <parentCategory ref="MouseWithoutBorders" />
       <supportedOn ref="SUPPORTED_POWERTOYS_0_83_0" />

src/gpo/assets/en-US/PowerToys.adml

@@ -345,6 +345,12 @@ If you disable this policy, users will not be able to select or use Ollama endpo
 If you enable or don't configure this policy, users can configure and use Foundry Local as their AI provider.
 
 If you disable this policy, users will not be able to select or use Foundry Local endpoint in Advanced Paste settings.</string>
+      <string id="AllowAdvancedPastePythonScripts">Advanced Paste: Allow Python scripts</string>
+      <string id="AllowAdvancedPastePythonScriptsDescription">This policy controls whether users can enable and execute Python scripts in Advanced Paste.
+
+If you enable or don't configure this policy, users can enable the Python scripts feature (Disabled/Windows/WSL modes) and run custom Python scripts for clipboard transformations.
+
+If you disable this policy, the Python scripts mode selector will be forced to Disabled and users will not be able to enable or run Python scripts through Advanced Paste.</string>
       <string id="MwbClipboardSharingEnabled">Clipboard sharing enabled</string>
       <string id="MwbFileTransferEnabled">File transfer enabled</string>
       <string id="MwbUseOriginalUserInterface">Original user interface is available</string>

src/modules/AdvancedPaste/AdvancedPaste.UnitTests/Mocks/IntegrationTestUserSettings.cs

@@ -47,8 +47,6 @@ internal sealed class IntegrationTestUserSettings : IUserSettings
 
     public bool ShowCustomPreview => false;
 
-    public bool ShowAIPaste => true;
-
     public bool CloseAfterLosingFocus => false;
 
     public bool EnableClipboardPreview => true;
@@ -59,6 +57,22 @@ internal sealed class IntegrationTestUserSettings : IUserSettings
 
     public PasteAIConfiguration PasteAIConfiguration => _configuration;
 
+    public IReadOnlyList<AdvancedPastePythonScriptAction> PythonScriptActions => Array.Empty<AdvancedPastePythonScriptAction>();
+
+    public string PythonScriptsFolder => string.Empty;
+
+    public string PythonExecutablePath => string.Empty;
+
+    public bool PythonUseWsl => false;
+
+    public string PythonWslDistribution => string.Empty;
+
+    public int PythonScriptTimeoutSeconds => 30;
+
+    public bool IsPythonScriptsEnabled => true;
+
+    public IReadOnlyDictionary<string, string> TrustedScriptHashes => new Dictionary<string, string>();
+
     public event EventHandler Changed;
 
     public Task SetActiveAIProviderAsync(string providerId)
@@ -67,4 +81,8 @@ internal sealed class IntegrationTestUserSettings : IUserSettings
         Changed?.Invoke(this, EventArgs.Empty);
         return Task.CompletedTask;
     }
+
+    public void StoreTrustedScriptHash(string scriptPath, string hash)
+    {
+    }
 }

src/modules/AdvancedPaste/AdvancedPaste.UnitTests/ServicesTests/PythonScriptServiceTests.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,560 @@
+// Copyright (c) Microsoft Corporation
+// The Microsoft Corporation licenses this file to you under the MIT license.
+// See the LICENSE file in the project root for more information.
+
+using System;
+using System.Collections.Generic;
+using System.IO;
+using System.Linq;
+
+using AdvancedPaste.Helpers;
+using AdvancedPaste.Services.PythonScripts;
+using AdvancedPaste.UnitTests.Mocks;
+using Microsoft.VisualStudio.TestTools.UnitTesting;
+
+namespace AdvancedPaste.UnitTests.ServicesTests;
+
+[TestClass]
+public sealed class PythonScriptServiceTests
+{
+    private PythonScriptService _service;
+
+    [TestInitialize]
+    public void Setup()
+    {
+        _service = new PythonScriptService(new IntegrationTestUserSettings());
+    }
+
+    [TestMethod]
+    public void MergeWithAutoDetectedImports_DetectsSimpleImports()
+    {
+        var lines = new[]
+        {
+            "# @advancedpaste:name test",
+            "import requests",
+            "import numpy",
+            "import os",
+            "import sys",
+        };
+
+        var result = PythonScriptService.MergeWithAutoDetectedImports(lines, []);
+
+        Assert.AreEqual(2, result.Count); // requests + numpy; os and sys are stdlib
+        Assert.IsTrue(result.Any(r => r.ImportName == "requests" && r.PipPackage == "requests"));
+        Assert.IsTrue(result.Any(r => r.ImportName == "numpy" && r.PipPackage == "numpy"));
+    }
+
+    [TestMethod]
+    public void MergeWithAutoDetectedImports_DetectsFromImports()
+    {
+        var lines = new[]
+        {
+            "from PIL import Image",
+            "from markitdown import MarkItDown",
+        };
+
+        var result = PythonScriptService.MergeWithAutoDetectedImports(lines, []);
+
+        Assert.AreEqual(2, result.Count);
+        Assert.IsTrue(result.Any(r => r.ImportName == "PIL" && r.PipPackage == "Pillow"));
+        Assert.IsTrue(result.Any(r => r.ImportName == "markitdown" && r.PipPackage == "markitdown"));
+    }
+
+    [TestMethod]
+    public void MergeWithAutoDetectedImports_WellKnownMappings()
+    {
+        var lines = new[]
+        {
+            "import cv2",
+            "import win32clipboard",
+            "import yaml",
+        };
+
+        var result = PythonScriptService.MergeWithAutoDetectedImports(lines, []);
+
+        Assert.AreEqual(3, result.Count);
+        Assert.IsTrue(result.Any(r => r.ImportName == "cv2" && r.PipPackage == "opencv-python"));
+        Assert.IsTrue(result.Any(r => r.ImportName == "win32clipboard" && r.PipPackage == "pywin32"));
+        Assert.IsTrue(result.Any(r => r.ImportName == "yaml" && r.PipPackage == "PyYAML"));
+    }
+
+    [TestMethod]
+    public void MergeWithAutoDetectedImports_ExplicitRequirementsTakePrecedence()
+    {
+        var lines = new[]
+        {
+            "import cv2",
+            "import requests",
+        };
+
+        var explicitReqs = new List<PythonRequirement>
+        {
+            new("cv2", "opencv-python-headless"),
+        };
+
+        var result = PythonScriptService.MergeWithAutoDetectedImports(lines, explicitReqs);
+
+        Assert.AreEqual(2, result.Count);
+
+        // cv2 should use the explicit pip package name, not the well-known mapping
+        var cv2Req = result.First(r => r.ImportName == "cv2");
+        Assert.AreEqual("opencv-python-headless", cv2Req.PipPackage);
+
+        // requests should be auto-detected
+        Assert.IsTrue(result.Any(r => r.ImportName == "requests"));
+    }
+
+    [TestMethod]
+    public void MergeWithAutoDetectedImports_SkipsStdlib()
+    {
+        var lines = new[]
+        {
+            "import os",
+            "import sys",
+            "import json",
+            "import io",
+            "import pathlib",
+            "import tempfile",
+            "import subprocess",
+        };
+
+        var result = PythonScriptService.MergeWithAutoDetectedImports(lines, []);
+
+        Assert.AreEqual(0, result.Count);
+    }
+
+    [TestMethod]
+    public void MergeWithAutoDetectedImports_SkipsComments()
+    {
+        var lines = new[]
+        {
+            "# import requests",
+            "# from PIL import Image",
+            "import json",
+        };
+
+        var result = PythonScriptService.MergeWithAutoDetectedImports(lines, []);
+
+        Assert.AreEqual(0, result.Count);
+    }
+
+    [TestMethod]
+    public void MergeWithAutoDetectedImports_HandlesMultipleImportsOnOneLine()
+    {
+        var lines = new[]
+        {
+            "import requests, numpy, pandas",
+        };
+
+        var result = PythonScriptService.MergeWithAutoDetectedImports(lines, []);
+
+        Assert.AreEqual(3, result.Count);
+        Assert.IsTrue(result.Any(r => r.ImportName == "requests"));
+        Assert.IsTrue(result.Any(r => r.ImportName == "numpy"));
+        Assert.IsTrue(result.Any(r => r.ImportName == "pandas"));
+    }
+
+    [TestMethod]
+    public void MergeWithAutoDetectedImports_HandlesSubmoduleImport()
+    {
+        var lines = new[]
+        {
+            "import win32com.client",
+            "from llama_cpp import Llama",
+        };
+
+        var result = PythonScriptService.MergeWithAutoDetectedImports(lines, []);
+
+        Assert.AreEqual(2, result.Count);
+        Assert.IsTrue(result.Any(r => r.ImportName == "win32com" && r.PipPackage == "pywin32"));
+        Assert.IsTrue(result.Any(r => r.ImportName == "llama_cpp" && r.PipPackage == "llama-cpp-python"));
+    }
+
+    [TestMethod]
+    public void ParsePythonError_ModuleNotFoundError()
+    {
+        var stderr = """
+            Traceback (most recent call last):
+              File "C:\scripts\reverse.py", line 4, in <module>
+                import win32clipboard
+            ModuleNotFoundError: No module named 'win32clipboard'
+            """;
+
+        var (summary, details) = PythonScriptService.ParsePythonError(stderr);
+
+        Assert.IsTrue(summary.Contains("reverse.py"), $"Summary should mention the script: {summary}");
+        Assert.IsTrue(summary.Contains("line 4"), $"Summary should mention the line: {summary}");
+        Assert.IsTrue(summary.Contains("win32clipboard"), $"Summary should mention the module: {summary}");
+        Assert.IsTrue(summary.Contains("pywin32"), $"Summary should suggest pip package: {summary}");
+        Assert.IsTrue(!string.IsNullOrEmpty(details));
+    }
+
+    [TestMethod]
+    public void ParsePythonError_SyntaxError()
+    {
+        var stderr = """
+            File "test.py", line 5
+                def foo(
+                       ^
+            SyntaxError: unexpected EOF while parsing
+            """;
+
+        var (summary, details) = PythonScriptService.ParsePythonError(stderr);
+
+        Assert.IsTrue(summary.Contains("test.py"), $"Summary should mention the script: {summary}");
+        Assert.IsTrue(summary.Contains("line 5"), $"Summary should mention the line: {summary}");
+        Assert.IsTrue(summary.Contains("Python syntax error:"), $"Summary: {summary}");
+        Assert.IsTrue(!string.IsNullOrEmpty(details));
+    }
+
+    [TestMethod]
+    public void ParsePythonError_SyntaxErrorWithColumn()
+    {
+        var stderr = "  File \"script.py\", line 3\n    x = (1 +\n        ^\nSyntaxError: '(' was never closed\n";
+
+        var (summary, details) = PythonScriptService.ParsePythonError(stderr);
+
+        Assert.IsTrue(summary.Contains("script.py"), $"Summary should mention the script: {summary}");
+        Assert.IsTrue(summary.Contains("line 3"), $"Summary should mention the line: {summary}");
+        Assert.IsTrue(summary.Contains("col"), $"Summary should mention the column: {summary}");
+        Assert.IsTrue(summary.Contains("Python syntax error:"), $"Summary: {summary}");
+        Assert.IsTrue(!string.IsNullOrEmpty(details));
+    }
+
+    [TestMethod]
+    public void ParsePythonError_GenericError()
+    {
+        var stderr = """
+            Traceback (most recent call last):
+              File "test.py", line 10, in <module>
+                result = 1 / 0
+            ZeroDivisionError: division by zero
+            """;
+
+        var (summary, details) = PythonScriptService.ParsePythonError(stderr);
+
+        Assert.IsTrue(summary.Contains("test.py"), $"Summary should mention the script: {summary}");
+        Assert.IsTrue(summary.Contains("line 10"), $"Summary should mention the line: {summary}");
+        Assert.IsTrue(summary.Contains("ZeroDivisionError"), $"Summary: {summary}");
+        Assert.IsTrue(!string.IsNullOrEmpty(details));
+    }
+
+    [TestMethod]
+    public void ParsePythonError_NestedTraceback_ShowsLastFrame()
+    {
+        var stderr = """
+            Traceback (most recent call last):
+              File "main.py", line 5, in <module>
+                helper()
+              File "helper.py", line 12, in helper
+                do_work()
+              File "worker.py", line 8, in do_work
+                raise RuntimeError("bad state")
+            RuntimeError: bad state
+            """;
+
+        var (summary, details) = PythonScriptService.ParsePythonError(stderr);
+
+        Assert.IsTrue(summary.Contains("worker.py"), $"Summary should mention the last script in the chain: {summary}");
+        Assert.IsTrue(summary.Contains("line 8"), $"Summary should mention the line of the last frame: {summary}");
+        Assert.IsTrue(summary.Contains("bad state"), $"Summary should contain the error message: {summary}");
+    }
+
+    [TestMethod]
+    public void ParsePythonError_EmptyStderr()
+    {
+        var (summary, details) = PythonScriptService.ParsePythonError(string.Empty);
+
+        Assert.IsTrue(!string.IsNullOrEmpty(summary));
+        Assert.AreEqual(string.Empty, details);
+    }
+
+    [TestMethod]
+    public void ParsePythonError_NoTraceback_PlainStderr()
+    {
+        var stderr = "Something went wrong in the script\n";
+
+        var (summary, details) = PythonScriptService.ParsePythonError(stderr);
+
+        // No File "..." reference, so no location — just the message
+        Assert.IsTrue(summary.Contains("Something went wrong"), $"Summary: {summary}");
+        Assert.IsFalse(summary.Contains("line"), $"Summary should not contain 'line' without a traceback: {summary}");
+    }
+
+    [TestMethod]
+    public void ExtractLastTracebackLocation_BasicTraceback()
+    {
+        var lines = new[]
+        {
+            "Traceback (most recent call last):",
+            "  File \"script.py\", line 10, in <module>",
+            "    result = 1 / 0",
+            "ZeroDivisionError: division by zero",
+        };
+
+        var location = PythonScriptService.ExtractLastTracebackLocation(lines);
+
+        Assert.IsNotNull(location);
+        Assert.AreEqual("script.py", location.Value.FileName);
+        Assert.AreEqual(10, location.Value.Line);
+        Assert.IsNull(location.Value.Column);
+    }
+
+    [TestMethod]
+    public void ExtractLastTracebackLocation_WithCaret()
+    {
+        var lines = new[]
+        {
+            "  File \"test.py\", line 5",
+            "    def foo(",
+            "           ^",
+            "SyntaxError: unexpected EOF while parsing",
+        };
+
+        var location = PythonScriptService.ExtractLastTracebackLocation(lines);
+
+        Assert.IsNotNull(location);
+        Assert.AreEqual("test.py", location.Value.FileName);
+        Assert.AreEqual(5, location.Value.Line);
+        Assert.IsNotNull(location.Value.Column);
+    }
+
+    [TestMethod]
+    public void ExtractLastTracebackLocation_FullPath_ReturnsBasename()
+    {
+        var lines = new[]
+        {
+            "Traceback (most recent call last):",
+            "  File \"C:\\Users\\user\\scripts\\my_script.py\", line 42, in <module>",
+            "    some_call()",
+            "ValueError: invalid value",
+        };
+
+        var location = PythonScriptService.ExtractLastTracebackLocation(lines);
+
+        Assert.IsNotNull(location);
+        Assert.AreEqual("my_script.py", location.Value.FileName);
+        Assert.AreEqual(42, location.Value.Line);
+    }
+
+    [TestMethod]
+    public void ExtractLastTracebackLocation_NoFileLine_ReturnsNull()
+    {
+        var lines = new[]
+        {
+            "Some random error output",
+            "No traceback here",
+        };
+
+        var location = PythonScriptService.ExtractLastTracebackLocation(lines);
+
+        Assert.IsNull(location);
+    }
+
+    [TestMethod]
+    public void ParsePipInstallError_ExtractsErrorLine()
+    {
+        var stderr = """
+            Collecting some-package
+              Downloading some-package-1.0.tar.gz (15 kB)
+            ERROR: Could not find a version that satisfies the requirement some-package (from versions: none)
+            ERROR: No matching distribution found for some-package
+            """;
+
+        var (summary, fullStderr) = PythonScriptService.ParsePipInstallError(stderr);
+
+        Assert.IsTrue(summary.Contains("No matching distribution"), $"Summary should contain the last ERROR line: {summary}");
+        Assert.IsTrue(!string.IsNullOrEmpty(fullStderr));
+    }
+
+    [TestMethod]
+    public void ParsePipInstallError_NoErrorPrefix_UsesLastLine()
+    {
+        var stderr = "permission denied: /usr/lib/python3/dist-packages\n";
+
+        var (summary, fullStderr) = PythonScriptService.ParsePipInstallError(stderr);
+
+        Assert.IsTrue(summary.Contains("permission denied"), $"Summary: {summary}");
+        Assert.IsTrue(!string.IsNullOrEmpty(fullStderr));
+    }
+
+    [TestMethod]
+    public void ParsePipInstallError_EmptyStderr()
+    {
+        var (summary, fullStderr) = PythonScriptService.ParsePipInstallError(string.Empty);
+
+        Assert.AreEqual("unknown error", summary);
+        Assert.AreEqual(string.Empty, fullStderr);
+    }
+
+    [TestMethod]
+    public void ReadMetadata_FunctionNameDeterminesFormat_Text()
+    {
+        // The new interface uses function names like advanced_paste_from_text_to_text(...)
+        // to determine supported formats, not parameter signatures.
+        var scriptPath = CreateTempScript("def advanced_paste_from_text_to_text(text):\n    return text.upper()\n");
+        var metadata = _service.ReadMetadata(scriptPath);
+
+        Assert.IsNotNull(metadata);
+        Assert.AreEqual(Models.ClipboardFormat.Text, metadata.SupportedFormats);
+        Assert.AreEqual("text", metadata.OutputTypeHint);
+        File.Delete(scriptPath);
+    }
+
+    [TestMethod]
+    public void ReadMetadata_FunctionNameDeterminesFormat_Html()
+    {
+        var scriptPath = CreateTempScript("def advanced_paste_from_html_to_text(html: str) -> str:\n    return html\n");
+        var metadata = _service.ReadMetadata(scriptPath);
+
+        Assert.IsNotNull(metadata);
+        Assert.AreEqual(Models.ClipboardFormat.Html, metadata.SupportedFormats);
+        Assert.AreEqual("text", metadata.OutputTypeHint);
+        File.Delete(scriptPath);
+    }
+
+    [TestMethod]
+    public void ReadMetadata_FunctionNameDeterminesFormat_Image()
+    {
+        var scriptPath = CreateTempScript("def advanced_paste_from_image_to_text(image_path):\n    return 'desc'\n");
+        var metadata = _service.ReadMetadata(scriptPath);
+
+        Assert.IsNotNull(metadata);
+        Assert.AreEqual(Models.ClipboardFormat.Image, metadata.SupportedFormats);
+        Assert.AreEqual("text", metadata.OutputTypeHint);
+        File.Delete(scriptPath);
+    }
+
+    [TestMethod]
+    public void ReadMetadata_FunctionNameDeterminesFormat_Files()
+    {
+        var scriptPath = CreateTempScript("def advanced_paste_from_files_to_text(file_paths):\n    return ''\n");
+        var metadata = _service.ReadMetadata(scriptPath);
+
+        Assert.IsNotNull(metadata);
+        Assert.AreEqual(Models.ClipboardFormat.File, metadata.SupportedFormats);
+        Assert.AreEqual("text", metadata.OutputTypeHint);
+        File.Delete(scriptPath);
+    }
+
+    [TestMethod]
+    public void ReadMetadata_OutputTypeHint_Image()
+    {
+        var scriptPath = CreateTempScript("def advanced_paste_from_text_to_image(text):\n    return '/path/img.png'\n");
+        var metadata = _service.ReadMetadata(scriptPath);
+
+        Assert.IsNotNull(metadata);
+        Assert.AreEqual("image", metadata.OutputTypeHint);
+        File.Delete(scriptPath);
+    }
+
+    [TestMethod]
+    public void ReadMetadata_OutputTypeHint_File()
+    {
+        var scriptPath = CreateTempScript("def advanced_paste_from_text_to_file(text):\n    return '/path/out.txt'\n");
+        var metadata = _service.ReadMetadata(scriptPath);
+
+        Assert.IsNotNull(metadata);
+        Assert.AreEqual("file", metadata.OutputTypeHint);
+        File.Delete(scriptPath);
+    }
+
+    [TestMethod]
+    public void ReadMetadata_OutputTypeHint_Files()
+    {
+        var scriptPath = CreateTempScript("def advanced_paste_from_files_to_files(file_paths):\n    return file_paths\n");
+        var metadata = _service.ReadMetadata(scriptPath);
+
+        Assert.IsNotNull(metadata);
+        Assert.AreEqual("files", metadata.OutputTypeHint);
+        File.Delete(scriptPath);
+    }
+
+    [TestMethod]
+    public void ReadMetadata_RejectsMultipleFunctions()
+    {
+        var scriptPath = CreateTempScript(
+            "def advanced_paste_from_text_to_text(text):\n    return text\n\n" +
+            "def advanced_paste_from_html_to_text(html):\n    return html\n");
+        var metadata = _service.ReadMetadata(scriptPath);
+
+        Assert.IsNull(metadata);
+        File.Delete(scriptPath);
+    }
+
+    [TestMethod]
+    public void ReadMetadata_RejectsNoFunction()
+    {
+        var scriptPath = CreateTempScript("def some_other_function(text):\n    return text\n");
+        var metadata = _service.ReadMetadata(scriptPath);
+
+        Assert.IsNull(metadata);
+        File.Delete(scriptPath);
+    }
+
+    [TestMethod]
+    public void ReadMetadata_RejectsOldFormatWithoutTo()
+    {
+        // Old format (advanced_paste_from_text without _to_) should be rejected.
+        var scriptPath = CreateTempScript("def advanced_paste_from_text(text):\n    return text\n");
+        var metadata = _service.ReadMetadata(scriptPath);
+
+        Assert.IsNull(metadata);
+        File.Delete(scriptPath);
+    }
+
+    [TestMethod]
+    public void ReadMetadata_FunctionNameDeterminesFormat_Audio()
+    {
+        var scriptPath = CreateTempScript("def advanced_paste_from_audio_to_text(audio_path):\n    return 'transcribed'\n");
+        var metadata = _service.ReadMetadata(scriptPath);
+
+        Assert.IsNotNull(metadata);
+        Assert.AreEqual(Models.ClipboardFormat.Audio, metadata.SupportedFormats);
+        Assert.AreEqual("text", metadata.OutputTypeHint);
+        File.Delete(scriptPath);
+    }
+
+    [TestMethod]
+    public void ReadMetadata_FunctionNameDeterminesFormat_Video()
+    {
+        var scriptPath = CreateTempScript("def advanced_paste_from_video_to_text(video_path):\n    return 'description'\n");
+        var metadata = _service.ReadMetadata(scriptPath);
+
+        Assert.IsNotNull(metadata);
+        Assert.AreEqual(Models.ClipboardFormat.Video, metadata.SupportedFormats);
+        Assert.AreEqual("text", metadata.OutputTypeHint);
+        File.Delete(scriptPath);
+    }
+
+    [TestMethod]
+    public void ReadMetadata_OutputTypeHint_Audio()
+    {
+        var scriptPath = CreateTempScript("def advanced_paste_from_text_to_audio(text):\n    return '/path/out.mp3'\n");
+        var metadata = _service.ReadMetadata(scriptPath);
+
+        Assert.IsNotNull(metadata);
+        Assert.AreEqual(Models.ClipboardFormat.Text, metadata.SupportedFormats);
+        Assert.AreEqual("audio", metadata.OutputTypeHint);
+        File.Delete(scriptPath);
+    }
+
+    [TestMethod]
+    public void ReadMetadata_OutputTypeHint_Video()
+    {
+        var scriptPath = CreateTempScript("def advanced_paste_from_text_to_video(text):\n    return '/path/out.mp4'\n");
+        var metadata = _service.ReadMetadata(scriptPath);
+
+        Assert.IsNotNull(metadata);
+        Assert.AreEqual(Models.ClipboardFormat.Text, metadata.SupportedFormats);
+        Assert.AreEqual("video", metadata.OutputTypeHint);
+        File.Delete(scriptPath);
+    }
+
+    private static string CreateTempScript(string content)
+    {
+        var path = Path.Combine(Path.GetTempPath(), $"test_script_{Guid.NewGuid():N}.py");
+        File.WriteAllText(path, content);
+        return path;
+    }
+}

src/modules/AdvancedPaste/AdvancedPaste/AdvancedPaste.csproj

@@ -153,5 +153,9 @@
     <Content Include="Assets\AdvancedPaste\SemanticKernel.svg">
       <CopyToOutputDirectory>PreserveNewest</CopyToOutputDirectory>
     </Content>
+
+    <Content Include="Services\PythonScripts\_runner.py">
+      <CopyToOutputDirectory>PreserveNewest</CopyToOutputDirectory>
+    </Content>
   </ItemGroup>
 </Project>

src/modules/AdvancedPaste/AdvancedPaste/AdvancedPasteXAML/App.xaml.cs

@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@ using AdvancedPaste.Helpers;
 using AdvancedPaste.Models;
 using AdvancedPaste.Services;
 using AdvancedPaste.Services.CustomActions;
+using AdvancedPaste.Services.PythonScripts;
 using AdvancedPaste.Settings;
 using AdvancedPaste.ViewModels;
 using ManagedCommon;
@@ -83,6 +84,8 @@ namespace AdvancedPaste
                 services.AddSingleton<IPasteAIProviderFactory, PasteAIProviderFactory>();
                 services.AddSingleton<ICustomActionTransformService, CustomActionTransformService>();
                 services.AddSingleton<IKernelService, AdvancedAIKernelService>();
+                services.AddSingleton<IPythonScriptService, PythonScriptService>();
+                services.AddSingleton<IPythonScriptTrustService, PythonScriptTrustService>();
                 services.AddSingleton<IPasteFormatExecutor, PasteFormatExecutor>();
                 services.AddSingleton<OptionsViewModel>();
             }).Build();

src/modules/AdvancedPaste/AdvancedPaste/AdvancedPasteXAML/Controls/ClipboardHistoryItemPreviewControl.xaml

@@ -70,12 +70,12 @@
             Spacing="2">
             <TextBlock
                 Style="{StaticResource BodyTextBlockStyle}"
-                Text="{x:Bind Header, Mode=OneTime}"
+                Text="{x:Bind Header, Mode=OneWay}"
                 TextWrapping="NoWrap" />
             <TextBlock
                 Foreground="{ThemeResource TextFillColorSecondaryBrush}"
                 Style="{StaticResource CaptionTextBlockStyle}"
-                Text="{x:Bind Timestamp, Converter={StaticResource DateTimeToFriendlyStringConverter}, Mode=OneTime}" />
+                Text="{x:Bind Timestamp, Converter={StaticResource DateTimeToFriendlyStringConverter}, Mode=OneWay}" />
         </StackPanel>
     </Grid>
 </UserControl>

src/modules/AdvancedPaste/AdvancedPaste/AdvancedPasteXAML/Controls/PromptBox.xaml

@@ -755,63 +755,7 @@
                 <animations:OpacityAnimation To="0.0" Duration="0:0:0.167" />
             </animations:Implicit.HideAnimations>
         </TextBlock>
-        <Grid
-            x:Name="ErrorMessageGrid"
-            x:Uid="ErrorMessageGrid"
-            Grid.Row="1"
-            Margin="8,8,0,0"
-            ColumnSpacing="8"
-            Visibility="Collapsed">
-            <Grid.ColumnDefinitions>
-                <ColumnDefinition Width="Auto" />
-                <ColumnDefinition Width="*" />
-            </Grid.ColumnDefinitions>
-            <StackPanel Grid.Column="0" Orientation="Horizontal">
-                <ToolTipService.ToolTip>
-                    <ToolTip VerticalOffset="-105" Visibility="{x:Bind ViewModel.PasteActionError.HasDetails, Mode=OneWay, Converter={StaticResource BoolToVisibilityConverter}}">
-                        <StackPanel
-                            MinWidth="300"
-                            HorizontalAlignment="Stretch"
-                            Orientation="Vertical">
-                            <TextBox
-                                x:Name="AIErrorMessage"
-                                x:Uid="AIErrorMessage"
-                                FontSize="12"
-                                IsReadOnly="True"
-                                Text="{x:Bind ViewModel.PasteActionError.Details, Mode=OneWay}"
-                                TextWrapping="Wrap" />
-                        </StackPanel>
-                    </ToolTip>
-                </ToolTipService.ToolTip>
-                <FontIcon
-                    Margin="0,3,3,0"
-                    VerticalAlignment="Top"
-                    FontSize="12"
-                    Foreground="{ThemeResource AccentTextFillColorPrimaryBrush}"
-                    Glyph="&#xE946;"
-                    Visibility="{x:Bind ViewModel.PasteActionError.HasDetails, Mode=OneWay, Converter={StaticResource BoolToVisibilityConverter}}" />
-                <TextBlock
-                    FontWeight="SemiBold"
-                    Foreground="{ThemeResource SystemFillColorCriticalBrush}"
-                    Style="{StaticResource CaptionTextBlockStyle}"
-                    Text="{x:Bind ViewModel.PasteActionError.Text, Mode=OneWay}" />
-            </StackPanel>
-            <HyperlinkButton
-                x:Uid="SettingsBtn"
-                Grid.Column="1"
-                Margin="0,-1,0,0"
-                Padding="0"
-                HorizontalAlignment="Left"
-                VerticalAlignment="Top"
-                Command="{x:Bind ViewModel.OpenSettingsCommand}"
-                FontSize="12" />
-            <animations:Implicit.ShowAnimations>
-                <animations:OpacityAnimation To="1.0" Duration="0:0:0.6" />
-            </animations:Implicit.ShowAnimations>
-            <animations:Implicit.HideAnimations>
-                <animations:OpacityAnimation To="0.0" Duration="0:0:0.167" />
-            </animations:Implicit.HideAnimations>
-        </Grid>
+        <!--  Error message grid moved to MainPage.xaml so it remains enabled when PromptBox is disabled  -->
         <VisualStateManager.VisualStateGroups>
             <VisualStateGroup x:Name="CommonStates">
                 <VisualState x:Name="DefaultState" />
@@ -832,7 +776,6 @@
                     <VisualState.Setters>
                         <Setter Target="InputTxtBox.BorderBrush" Value="{ThemeResource SystemFillColorCriticalBrush}" />
                         <Setter Target="DisclaimerPresenter.Visibility" Value="Collapsed" />
-                        <Setter Target="ErrorMessageGrid.Visibility" Value="Visible" />
                     </VisualState.Setters>
                 </VisualState>
             </VisualStateGroup>

src/modules/AdvancedPaste/AdvancedPaste/AdvancedPasteXAML/MainWindow.xaml.cs

@@ -43,7 +43,8 @@ namespace AdvancedPaste
                 double GetHeight(int maxCustomActionCount) =>
                     baseHeight +
                     new PasteFormatsToHeightConverter().GetHeight(coreActionCount + _userSettings.AdditionalActions.Count) +
-                    new PasteFormatsToHeightConverter() { MaxItems = maxCustomActionCount }.GetHeight(_optionsViewModel.IsCustomAIServiceEnabled ? _userSettings.CustomActions.Count : 0);
+                    new PasteFormatsToHeightConverter() { MaxItems = maxCustomActionCount }.GetHeight(_optionsViewModel.IsCustomAIServiceEnabled ? _userSettings.CustomActions.Count : 0) +
+                    new PasteFormatsToHeightConverter() { MaxItems = maxCustomActionCount }.GetHeight(_optionsViewModel.PythonScriptPasteFormats.Count);
 
                 MinHeight = GetHeight(1);
                 Height = GetHeight(5);
@@ -59,6 +60,7 @@ namespace AdvancedPaste
                     UpdateHeight();
                 }
             };
+            _optionsViewModel.PythonScriptPasteFormats.CollectionChanged += (_, _) => UpdateHeight();
 
             AppWindow.SetIcon("Assets/AdvancedPaste/AdvancedPaste.ico");
             this.ExtendsContentIntoTitleBar = true;
@@ -141,11 +143,7 @@ namespace AdvancedPaste
         internal void FinishLoading(bool success)
         {
             MainPage.CustomFormatTextBox.IsLoading(false);
-
-            if (success)
-            {
-                VisualStateManager.GoToState(MainPage.CustomFormatTextBox, "DefaultState", true);
-            }
+            VisualStateManager.GoToState(MainPage.CustomFormatTextBox, "DefaultState", true);
         }
     }
 }

src/modules/AdvancedPaste/AdvancedPaste/AdvancedPasteXAML/Pages/MainPage.xaml

@@ -29,31 +29,31 @@
                         Padding="-9,0,0,0"
                         HorizontalAlignment="Stretch"
                         VerticalAlignment="Stretch"
-                        AutomationProperties.AcceleratorKey="{x:Bind ShortcutText, Mode=OneTime}"
+                        AutomationProperties.AcceleratorKey="{x:Bind ShortcutText, Mode=OneWay}"
                         AutomationProperties.AutomationControlType="ListItem"
-                        AutomationProperties.FullDescription="{x:Bind ToolTip, Mode=OneTime}"
-                        AutomationProperties.HelpText="{x:Bind Name, Mode=OneTime}"
-                        AutomationProperties.Name="{x:Bind AccessibleName, Mode=OneTime}">
+                        AutomationProperties.FullDescription="{x:Bind ToolTip, Mode=OneWay}"
+                        AutomationProperties.HelpText="{x:Bind Name, Mode=OneWay}"
+                        AutomationProperties.Name="{x:Bind AccessibleName, Mode=OneWay}">
                         <Grid.ColumnDefinitions>
                             <ColumnDefinition Width="48" />
                             <ColumnDefinition Width="*" />
                             <ColumnDefinition Width="Auto" />
                         </Grid.ColumnDefinitions>
                         <ToolTipService.ToolTip>
-                            <TextBlock Text="{x:Bind ToolTip, Mode=OneTime}" />
+                            <TextBlock Text="{x:Bind ToolTip, Mode=OneWay}" />
                         </ToolTipService.ToolTip>
                         <FontIcon
                             Margin="0,0,0,0"
                             VerticalAlignment="Center"
                             AutomationProperties.AccessibilityView="Raw"
                             FontSize="16"
-                            Glyph="{x:Bind IconGlyph, Mode=OneTime}" />
+                            Glyph="{x:Bind IconGlyph, Mode=OneWay}" />
                         <TextBlock
                             Grid.Column="1"
                             VerticalAlignment="Center"
                             x:Phase="1"
                             Style="{StaticResource CaptionTextBlockStyle}"
-                            Text="{x:Bind Name, Mode=OneTime}" />
+                            Text="{x:Bind Name, Mode=OneWay}" />
                         <TextBlock
                             Grid.Column="2"
                             Margin="0,0,8,0"
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@
                             VerticalAlignment="Center"
                             Foreground="{ThemeResource TextFillColorSecondaryBrush}"
                             Style="{StaticResource CaptionTextBlockStyle}"
-                            Text="{x:Bind ShortcutText, Mode=OneTime}" />
+                            Text="{x:Bind ShortcutText, Mode=OneWay}" />
                     </Grid>
                 </DataTemplate>
             </controls:PasteFormatTemplateSelector.ItemTemplate>
@@ -83,13 +83,13 @@
                             Margin="0,0,0,0"
                             VerticalAlignment="Center"
                             FontSize="16"
-                            Glyph="{x:Bind IconGlyph, Mode=OneTime}" />
+                            Glyph="{x:Bind IconGlyph, Mode=OneWay}" />
                         <TextBlock
                             Grid.Column="1"
                             VerticalAlignment="Center"
                             x:Phase="1"
                             Style="{StaticResource CaptionTextBlockStyle}"
-                            Text="{x:Bind Name, Mode=OneTime}" />
+                            Text="{x:Bind Name, Mode=OneWay}" />
                     </Grid>
                 </DataTemplate>
             </controls:PasteFormatTemplateSelector.ItemTemplateDisabled>
@@ -144,6 +144,7 @@
     </Page.KeyboardAccelerators>
     <Grid>
         <Grid.RowDefinitions>
+            <RowDefinition Height="Auto" />
             <RowDefinition Height="Auto" />
             <RowDefinition Height="Auto" />
             <RowDefinition Height="*" />
@@ -198,7 +199,7 @@
                             <ItemsView.ItemTemplate>
                                 <DataTemplate x:DataType="local:ClipboardItem">
                                     <ItemContainer
-                                        AutomationProperties.Name="{x:Bind Description, Mode=OneTime}"
+                                        AutomationProperties.Name="{x:Bind Description, Mode=OneWay}"
                                         CornerRadius="16"
                                         ToolTipService.ToolTip="{x:Bind Content}">
                                         <Grid
@@ -250,11 +251,10 @@
             Grid.Row="1"
             Margin="20,0,20,0"
             x:FieldModifier="public"
-            IsEnabled="{x:Bind ViewModel.IsCustomAIServiceEnabled, Mode=OneWay}"
-            TabIndex="0"
-            Visibility="{x:Bind ViewModel.ShowAIPasteSection, Converter={StaticResource BoolToVisibilityConverter}, Mode=OneWay}">
+            IsEnabled="True"
+            TabIndex="0">
             <controls:PromptBox.Footer>
-                <StackPanel Orientation="Horizontal">
+                <StackPanel Orientation="Horizontal" Visibility="{x:Bind ViewModel.IsCustomAIServiceEnabled, Mode=OneWay, Converter={StaticResource BoolToVisibilityConverter}}">
                     <TextBlock
                         x:Uid="AIMistakeNote"
                         Margin="0,0,2,0"
@@ -300,19 +300,70 @@
                 </StackPanel>
             </controls:PromptBox.Footer>
         </controls:PromptBox>
-        <ScrollViewer Grid.Row="2">
+        <Grid
+            x:Name="ErrorMessageGrid"
+            Grid.Row="2"
+            Margin="20,4,20,0"
+            ColumnSpacing="8"
+            Visibility="{x:Bind ViewModel.PasteActionError.HasText, Mode=OneWay, Converter={StaticResource BoolToVisibilityConverter}}">
+            <Grid.ColumnDefinitions>
+                <ColumnDefinition Width="Auto" />
+                <ColumnDefinition Width="*" />
+                <ColumnDefinition Width="Auto" />
+                <ColumnDefinition Width="Auto" />
+            </Grid.ColumnDefinitions>
+            <FontIcon
+                Grid.Column="0"
+                Margin="0,3,3,0"
+                VerticalAlignment="Top"
+                FontSize="12"
+                Foreground="{ThemeResource AccentTextFillColorPrimaryBrush}"
+                Glyph="&#xE946;"
+                Visibility="{x:Bind ViewModel.PasteActionError.HasDetails, Mode=OneWay, Converter={StaticResource BoolToVisibilityConverter}}" />
+            <TextBlock
+                Grid.Column="1"
+                FontWeight="SemiBold"
+                Foreground="{ThemeResource SystemFillColorCriticalBrush}"
+                MaxLines="2"
+                Style="{StaticResource CaptionTextBlockStyle}"
+                Text="{x:Bind ViewModel.PasteActionError.Text, Mode=OneWay}"
+                TextTrimming="CharacterEllipsis"
+                TextWrapping="Wrap" />
+            <HyperlinkButton
+                x:Name="ShowErrorDetailsBtn"
+                x:Uid="ShowErrorDetailsBtn"
+                Grid.Column="2"
+                Margin="4,-1,0,0"
+                Padding="0"
+                HorizontalAlignment="Left"
+                VerticalAlignment="Top"
+                Click="ShowErrorDetailsBtn_Click"
+                FontSize="12"
+                Visibility="{x:Bind ViewModel.PasteActionError.HasDetails, Mode=OneWay, Converter={StaticResource BoolToVisibilityConverter}}" />
+            <HyperlinkButton
+                x:Uid="SettingsBtn"
+                Grid.Column="3"
+                Margin="0,-1,0,0"
+                Padding="0"
+                HorizontalAlignment="Left"
+                VerticalAlignment="Top"
+                Command="{x:Bind ViewModel.OpenSettingsCommand}"
+                FontSize="12" />
+        </Grid>
+        <ScrollViewer Grid.Row="3">
             <Grid RowSpacing="4">
                 <Grid.RowDefinitions>
-                    <RowDefinition Height="{x:Bind ViewModel.StandardPasteFormats.Count, Mode=OneWay, Converter={StaticResource standardPasteFormatsToHeightConverter}}" />
                     <RowDefinition Height="Auto" />
-                    <RowDefinition Height="*" MinHeight="{x:Bind ViewModel.CustomActionPasteFormats.Count, Mode=OneWay, Converter={StaticResource customActionsToMinHeightConverter}}" />
+                    <RowDefinition Height="Auto" />
+                    <RowDefinition Height="Auto" />
+                    <RowDefinition Height="Auto" />
+                    <RowDefinition Height="Auto" />
                     <RowDefinition Height="Auto" />
                     <RowDefinition Height="Auto" />
                 </Grid.RowDefinitions>
                 <ListView
                     x:Name="PasteOptionsListView"
                     Grid.Row="0"
-                    VerticalAlignment="Bottom"
                     IsItemClickEnabled="True"
                     ItemClick="PasteFormat_ItemClick"
                     ItemContainerTransitions="{x:Null}"
@@ -342,6 +393,27 @@
                     ScrollViewer.VerticalScrollMode="Disabled"
                     SelectionMode="None"
                     TabIndex="2" />
+
+                <Rectangle
+                    Grid.Row="3"
+                    Height="1"
+                    HorizontalAlignment="Stretch"
+                    Fill="{ThemeResource DividerStrokeColorDefaultBrush}"
+                    Visibility="{x:Bind ViewModel.PythonScriptPasteFormats.Count, Mode=OneWay, Converter={StaticResource countToVisibilityConverter}}" />
+
+                <ListView
+                    x:Name="PythonScriptsListView"
+                    Grid.Row="4"
+                    VerticalAlignment="Top"
+                    IsItemClickEnabled="True"
+                    ItemClick="PasteFormat_ItemClick"
+                    ItemContainerTransitions="{x:Null}"
+                    ItemTemplateSelector="{StaticResource PasteFormatTemplateSelector}"
+                    ItemsSource="{x:Bind ViewModel.PythonScriptPasteFormats, Mode=OneWay}"
+                    ScrollViewer.VerticalScrollBarVisibility="Disabled"
+                    ScrollViewer.VerticalScrollMode="Disabled"
+                    SelectionMode="None"
+                    TabIndex="3" />
             </Grid>
         </ScrollViewer>
     </Grid>

src/modules/AdvancedPaste/AdvancedPaste/AdvancedPasteXAML/Pages/MainPage.xaml.cs

@@ -208,5 +208,43 @@ namespace AdvancedPaste.Pages
                 Clipboard.SetHistoryItemAsContent(item.Item);
             }
         }
+
+        private async void ShowErrorDetailsBtn_Click(object sender, RoutedEventArgs e)
+        {
+            var details = ViewModel.PasteActionError?.Details;
+            if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(details))
+            {
+                return;
+            }
+
+            var scrollViewer = new ScrollViewer
+            {
+                MaxHeight = 400,
+                MinWidth = 400,
+                HorizontalScrollBarVisibility = ScrollBarVisibility.Disabled,
+                VerticalScrollBarVisibility = ScrollBarVisibility.Auto,
+            };
+
+            var textBlock = new TextBlock
+            {
+                Text = details,
+                TextWrapping = TextWrapping.Wrap,
+                FontFamily = new Microsoft.UI.Xaml.Media.FontFamily("Consolas"),
+                FontSize = 12,
+                IsTextSelectionEnabled = true,
+            };
+
+            scrollViewer.Content = textBlock;
+
+            var dialog = new ContentDialog
+            {
+                Title = ResourceLoaderInstance.ResourceLoader.GetString("ErrorDetailsDialogTitle"),
+                CloseButtonText = ResourceLoaderInstance.ResourceLoader.GetString("ErrorDetailsDialogClose"),
+                Content = scrollViewer,
+                XamlRoot = this.XamlRoot,
+            };
+
+            await dialog.ShowAsync();
+        }
     }
 }

src/modules/AdvancedPaste/AdvancedPaste/Helpers/IUserSettings.cs

@@ -17,8 +17,6 @@ namespace AdvancedPaste.Settings
 
         public bool ShowCustomPreview { get; }
 
-        public bool ShowAIPaste { get; }
-
         public bool CloseAfterLosingFocus { get; }
 
         public bool EnableClipboardPreview { get; }
@@ -29,8 +27,26 @@ namespace AdvancedPaste.Settings
 
         public PasteAIConfiguration PasteAIConfiguration { get; }
 
+        public IReadOnlyList<AdvancedPastePythonScriptAction> PythonScriptActions { get; }
+
+        public bool IsPythonScriptsEnabled { get; }
+
+        public string PythonScriptsFolder { get; }
+
+        public string PythonExecutablePath { get; }
+
+        public bool PythonUseWsl { get; }
+
+        public string PythonWslDistribution { get; }
+
+        public int PythonScriptTimeoutSeconds { get; }
+
+        public IReadOnlyDictionary<string, string> TrustedScriptHashes { get; }
+
         public event EventHandler Changed;
 
         Task SetActiveAIProviderAsync(string providerId);
+
+        void StoreTrustedScriptHash(string scriptPath, string hash);
     }
 }

src/modules/AdvancedPaste/AdvancedPaste/Helpers/UserSettings.cs

@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@
 
 using System;
 using System.Collections.Generic;
+using System.IO;
 using System.IO.Abstractions;
 using System.Linq;
 using System.Threading;
@@ -25,6 +26,10 @@ namespace AdvancedPaste.Settings
         private readonly Lock _loadingSettingsLock = new();
         private readonly List<PasteFormats> _additionalActions;
         private readonly List<AdvancedPasteCustomAction> _customActions;
+        private readonly List<AdvancedPastePythonScriptAction> _pythonScriptActions;
+        private FileSystemWatcher _scriptFolderWatcher;
+        private CancellationTokenSource _scriptFolderDebounce;
+        private string _watchedScriptsFolder = string.Empty;
 
         private const string AdvancedPasteModuleName = "AdvancedPaste";
         private const int MaxNumberOfRetry = 5;
@@ -38,8 +43,6 @@ namespace AdvancedPaste.Settings
 
         public bool ShowCustomPreview { get; private set; }
 
-        public bool ShowAIPaste { get; private set; }
-
         public bool CloseAfterLosingFocus { get; private set; }
 
         public bool EnableClipboardPreview { get; private set; }
@@ -50,18 +53,39 @@ namespace AdvancedPaste.Settings
 
         public PasteAIConfiguration PasteAIConfiguration { get; private set; }
 
+        public IReadOnlyList<AdvancedPastePythonScriptAction> PythonScriptActions => _pythonScriptActions;
+
+        public string PythonScriptsFolder { get; private set; }
+
+        public bool IsPythonScriptsEnabled { get; private set; }
+
+        public string PythonExecutablePath { get; private set; }
+
+        public bool PythonUseWsl { get; private set; }
+
+        public string PythonWslDistribution { get; private set; } = string.Empty;
+
+        public int PythonScriptTimeoutSeconds { get; private set; } = 30;
+
+        public IReadOnlyDictionary<string, string> TrustedScriptHashes { get; private set; } = new Dictionary<string, string>();
+
         public UserSettings(IFileSystem fileSystem)
         {
             _settingsUtils = new SettingsUtils(fileSystem);
 
             IsAIEnabled = false;
             ShowCustomPreview = true;
-            ShowAIPaste = true;
             CloseAfterLosingFocus = false;
             EnableClipboardPreview = true;
             PasteAIConfiguration = new PasteAIConfiguration();
+            PythonScriptsFolder = GetDefaultScriptsFolder();
+            PythonExecutablePath = string.Empty;
+            PythonUseWsl = false;
+            PythonWslDistribution = string.Empty;
+            PythonScriptTimeoutSeconds = 30;
             _additionalActions = [];
             _customActions = [];
+            _pythonScriptActions = [];
             _taskScheduler = TaskScheduler.FromCurrentSynchronizationContext();
 
             LoadSettingsFromJson();
@@ -69,6 +93,14 @@ namespace AdvancedPaste.Settings
             _watcher = Helper.GetFileWatcher(AdvancedPasteModuleName, "settings.json", OnSettingsFileChanged, fileSystem);
         }
 
+        private static string GetDefaultScriptsFolder() =>
+            System.IO.Path.Combine(
+                Environment.GetFolderPath(Environment.SpecialFolder.LocalApplicationData),
+                "Microsoft",
+                "PowerToys",
+                "AdvancedPaste",
+                "Scripts");
+
         private void OnSettingsFileChanged()
         {
             lock (_loadingSettingsLock)
@@ -112,7 +144,6 @@ namespace AdvancedPaste.Settings
 
                                 IsAIEnabled = properties.IsAIEnabled;
                                 ShowCustomPreview = properties.ShowCustomPreview;
-                                ShowAIPaste = properties.ShowAIPaste;
                                 CloseAfterLosingFocus = properties.CloseAfterLosingFocus;
                                 EnableClipboardPreview = properties.EnableClipboardPreview;
                                 PasteAIConfiguration = properties.PasteAIConfiguration ?? new PasteAIConfiguration();
@@ -135,6 +166,49 @@ namespace AdvancedPaste.Settings
                                 _customActions.Clear();
                                 _customActions.AddRange(properties.CustomActions.Value.Where(customAction => customAction.IsShown && customAction.IsValid));
 
+                                var pythonScripts = properties.PythonScripts ?? new AdvancedPastePythonScriptSettings();
+                                pythonScripts.MigrateLegacyIfNeeded();
+
+                                var mode = pythonScripts.Mode ?? "disabled";
+
+                                // Enforce GPO: if Python scripts are disallowed by policy, force disabled.
+                                if (PowerToys.GPOWrapper.GPOWrapper.GetAllowedAdvancedPastePythonScriptsValue() == PowerToys.GPOWrapper.GpoRuleConfigured.Disabled)
+                                {
+                                    mode = "disabled";
+                                }
+
+                                IsPythonScriptsEnabled = !string.Equals(mode, "disabled", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase);
+                                PythonUseWsl = string.Equals(mode, "wsl", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase);
+
+                                if (PythonUseWsl)
+                                {
+                                    var wslSettings = pythonScripts.WslSettings ?? new PythonScriptWslSettings();
+                                    PythonScriptsFolder = string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(wslSettings.ScriptsFolder)
+                                        ? GetDefaultScriptsFolder()
+                                        : wslSettings.ScriptsFolder;
+                                    PythonExecutablePath = string.Empty;
+                                    PythonWslDistribution = wslSettings.Distribution ?? string.Empty;
+                                }
+                                else
+                                {
+                                    var winSettings = pythonScripts.WindowsSettings ?? new PythonScriptWindowsSettings();
+                                    PythonScriptsFolder = string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(winSettings.ScriptsFolder)
+                                        ? GetDefaultScriptsFolder()
+                                        : winSettings.ScriptsFolder;
+                                    PythonExecutablePath = winSettings.PythonExecutablePath ?? string.Empty;
+                                    PythonWslDistribution = string.Empty;
+                                }
+
+                                PythonScriptTimeoutSeconds = pythonScripts.TimeoutSeconds > 0 ? pythonScripts.TimeoutSeconds : 30;
+                                TrustedScriptHashes = new Dictionary<string, string>(
+                                    pythonScripts.TrustedScriptHashes ?? new Dictionary<string, string>(),
+                                    StringComparer.OrdinalIgnoreCase);
+
+                                _pythonScriptActions.Clear();
+                                _pythonScriptActions.AddRange(pythonScripts.Value);
+
+                                UpdateScriptFolderWatcher(PythonScriptsFolder);
+
                                 Changed?.Invoke(this, EventArgs.Empty);
                             }
 
@@ -299,6 +373,103 @@ namespace AdvancedPaste.Settings
             return string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(filtered) ? "default" : filtered.ToLowerInvariant();
         }
 
+        private void UpdateScriptFolderWatcher(string folderPath)
+        {
+            if (string.Equals(_watchedScriptsFolder, folderPath, StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase))
+            {
+                return;
+            }
+
+            _scriptFolderWatcher?.Dispose();
+            _scriptFolderWatcher = null;
+            _watchedScriptsFolder = folderPath;
+
+            if (string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(folderPath))
+            {
+                return;
+            }
+
+            try
+            {
+                if (!System.IO.Directory.Exists(folderPath))
+                {
+                    System.IO.Directory.CreateDirectory(folderPath);
+                }
+
+                _scriptFolderWatcher = new FileSystemWatcher(folderPath, "*.py")
+                {
+                    NotifyFilter = NotifyFilters.FileName | NotifyFilters.LastWrite | NotifyFilters.CreationTime,
+                    EnableRaisingEvents = true,
+                    IncludeSubdirectories = false,
+                };
+
+                _scriptFolderWatcher.Changed += OnScriptFolderChanged;
+                _scriptFolderWatcher.Created += OnScriptFolderChanged;
+                _scriptFolderWatcher.Deleted += OnScriptFolderChanged;
+                _scriptFolderWatcher.Renamed += OnScriptFolderChanged;
+            }
+            catch (Exception ex)
+            {
+                Logger.LogError($"Failed to set up script folder watcher for {folderPath}", ex);
+            }
+        }
+
+        private void OnScriptFolderChanged(object sender, FileSystemEventArgs e)
+        {
+            lock (_loadingSettingsLock)
+            {
+                _scriptFolderDebounce?.Cancel();
+                _scriptFolderDebounce?.Dispose();
+                _scriptFolderDebounce = new CancellationTokenSource();
+
+                var token = _scriptFolderDebounce.Token;
+                Task.Delay(TimeSpan.FromMilliseconds(500), token)
+                    .ContinueWith(
+                        _ =>
+                        {
+                            Task.Factory
+                                .StartNew(
+                                    () => Changed?.Invoke(this, EventArgs.Empty),
+                                    CancellationToken.None,
+                                    TaskCreationOptions.None,
+                                    _taskScheduler);
+                        },
+                        token,
+                        TaskContinuationOptions.NotOnCanceled,
+                        TaskScheduler.Default);
+            }
+        }
+
+        public void StoreTrustedScriptHash(string scriptPath, string hash)
+        {
+            lock (_loadingSettingsLock)
+            {
+                try
+                {
+                    var settings = _settingsUtils.GetSettingsOrDefault<AdvancedPasteSettings>(AdvancedPasteModuleName);
+                    if (settings?.Properties?.PythonScripts is null)
+                    {
+                        return;
+                    }
+
+                    settings.Properties.PythonScripts.TrustedScriptHashes ??= new Dictionary<string, string>();
+                    settings.Properties.PythonScripts.TrustedScriptHashes[scriptPath] = hash;
+                    settings.Save(_settingsUtils);
+
+                    // Update in-memory cache.
+                    var updated = new Dictionary<string, string>(TrustedScriptHashes, StringComparer.OrdinalIgnoreCase)
+                    {
+                        [scriptPath] = hash,
+                    };
+                    TrustedScriptHashes = updated;
+                }
+                catch (Exception ex)
+                {
+                    Logger.LogError("Failed to store trusted script hash", ex);
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
         public async Task SetActiveAIProviderAsync(string providerId)
         {
             if (string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(providerId))
@@ -391,6 +562,8 @@ namespace AdvancedPaste.Settings
                 if (disposing)
                 {
                     _cancellationTokenSource?.Dispose();
+                    _scriptFolderDebounce?.Dispose();
+                    _scriptFolderWatcher?.Dispose();
                     _watcher?.Dispose();
                 }
 

src/modules/AdvancedPaste/AdvancedPaste/Models/PasteFormat.cs

@@ -40,6 +40,14 @@ public sealed class PasteFormat
             IsSavedQuery = isSavedQuery,
         };
 
+    public static PasteFormat CreatePythonScriptFormat(string name, string scriptPath, ClipboardFormat availableFormats) =>
+        new(PasteFormats.PythonScript, availableFormats, isAIServiceEnabled: false)
+        {
+            Name = name,
+            Prompt = scriptPath,
+            IsSavedQuery = true,
+        };
+
     public PasteFormatMetadataAttribute Metadata => MetadataDict[Format];
 
     public string IconGlyph => Metadata.IconGlyph;

src/modules/AdvancedPaste/AdvancedPaste/Models/PasteFormats.cs

@@ -122,4 +122,12 @@ public enum PasteFormats
         KernelFunctionDescription = "Takes user instructions and applies them to the current clipboard content (text or image). Use this function for image analysis, description, or transformation tasks beyond simple OCR.",
         RequiresPrompt = true)]
     CustomTextTransformation,
+
+    [PasteFormatMetadata(
+        IsCoreAction = false,
+        IconGlyph = "\uE943",
+        RequiresAIService = false,
+        CanPreview = true,
+        SupportedClipboardFormats = ClipboardFormat.Text | ClipboardFormat.Html | ClipboardFormat.Image | ClipboardFormat.Audio | ClipboardFormat.Video | ClipboardFormat.File)]
+    PythonScript,
 }

src/modules/AdvancedPaste/AdvancedPaste/Services/PasteFormatExecutor.cs

@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-// Copyright (c) Microsoft Corporation
+// Copyright (c) Microsoft Corporation
 // The Microsoft Corporation licenses this file to you under the MIT license.
 // See the LICENSE file in the project root for more information.
 
@@ -9,15 +9,23 @@ using System.Threading.Tasks;
 using AdvancedPaste.Helpers;
 using AdvancedPaste.Models;
 using AdvancedPaste.Services.CustomActions;
+using AdvancedPaste.Services.PythonScripts;
+using ManagedCommon;
 using Microsoft.PowerToys.Telemetry;
 using Windows.ApplicationModel.DataTransfer;
 
 namespace AdvancedPaste.Services;
 
-public sealed class PasteFormatExecutor(IKernelService kernelService, ICustomActionTransformService customActionTransformService) : IPasteFormatExecutor
+public sealed class PasteFormatExecutor(
+    IKernelService kernelService,
+    ICustomActionTransformService customActionTransformService,
+    IPythonScriptService pythonScriptService,
+    IPythonScriptTrustService pythonScriptTrustService) : IPasteFormatExecutor
 {
     private readonly IKernelService _kernelService = kernelService;
     private readonly ICustomActionTransformService _customActionTransformService = customActionTransformService;
+    private readonly IPythonScriptService _pythonScriptService = pythonScriptService;
+    private readonly IPythonScriptTrustService _pythonScriptTrustService = pythonScriptTrustService;
 
     public async Task<DataPackage> ExecutePasteFormatAsync(PasteFormat pasteFormat, PasteActionSource source, CancellationToken cancellationToken, IProgress<double> progress)
     {
@@ -32,6 +40,15 @@ public sealed class PasteFormatExecutor(IKernelService kernelService, ICustomAct
 
         var clipboardData = Clipboard.GetContent();
 
+        // PythonScript must NOT run inside Task.Run: the trust confirmation (ContentDialog)
+        // requires the UI (XAML) thread and will throw if called from a thread-pool thread.
+        // Python script execution is fully async (process.WaitForExitAsync), so it is safe
+        // to await it directly without wrapping in Task.Run.
+        if (format == PasteFormats.PythonScript)
+        {
+            return await ExecutePythonScriptAsync(pasteFormat.Prompt, clipboardData, cancellationToken, progress);
+        }
+
         // Run on thread-pool; although we use Async routines consistently, some actions still occasionally take a long time without yielding.
         return await Task.Run(async () =>
             pasteFormat.Format switch
@@ -42,6 +59,111 @@ public sealed class PasteFormatExecutor(IKernelService kernelService, ICustomAct
             });
     }
 
+    private async Task<DataPackage> ExecutePythonScriptAsync(
+        string scriptPath,
+        DataPackageView clipboardData,
+        CancellationToken cancellationToken,
+        IProgress<double> progress)
+    {
+        // Security: ensure the script is trusted before executing.
+        if (!_pythonScriptTrustService.IsTrusted(scriptPath))
+        {
+            string hash;
+            try
+            {
+                hash = _pythonScriptTrustService.ComputeHash(scriptPath);
+            }
+            catch (System.IO.FileNotFoundException)
+            {
+                throw new PasteActionException(
+                    string.Format(System.Globalization.CultureInfo.CurrentCulture, ResourceLoaderInstance.ResourceLoader.GetString("PythonScriptNotFound"), scriptPath),
+                    new System.IO.FileNotFoundException(null, scriptPath));
+            }
+
+            var approved = await _pythonScriptTrustService.RequestTrustAsync(scriptPath, hash);
+
+            if (!approved)
+            {
+                throw new OperationCanceledException("User declined to trust the Python script.");
+            }
+
+            _pythonScriptTrustService.StoreTrust(scriptPath, hash);
+        }
+
+        var metadata = _pythonScriptService.ReadMetadata(scriptPath);
+
+        if (metadata is null)
+        {
+            throw new InvalidOperationException($"Script '{scriptPath}' does not define a valid advanced_paste_from_*_to_*() function.");
+        }
+
+        // Pre-flight: check for missing packages and offer to install them.
+        var missingPackages = await _pythonScriptService.GetMissingRequirementsAsync(metadata, cancellationToken);
+        if (missingPackages.Count > 0)
+        {
+            var approved = await _pythonScriptTrustService.RequestInstallAsync(metadata.Name, missingPackages);
+            if (!approved)
+            {
+                throw new OperationCanceledException("User declined to install missing Python packages.");
+            }
+
+            await _pythonScriptService.InstallRequirementsAsync(missingPackages, metadata.Platform, cancellationToken);
+        }
+
+        var detectedFormat = await clipboardData.GetAvailableFormatsAsync();
+
+        // V2 interface: script defines advanced_paste_from_*_to_*() — use unified runner.
+        if (metadata.IsV2)
+        {
+            return await _pythonScriptService.ExecuteScriptAsync(scriptPath, metadata.Platform, clipboardData, detectedFormat, cancellationToken, progress);
+        }
+
+        // Legacy paths for backward compatibility.
+        if (string.Equals(metadata.Platform, "linux", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase))
+        {
+            return await _pythonScriptService.ExecuteWslScriptAsync(scriptPath, clipboardData, detectedFormat, cancellationToken, progress);
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            // Windows mode: script modifies the clipboard in-process; we return the updated clipboard.
+            await _pythonScriptService.ExecuteWindowsScriptAsync(scriptPath, detectedFormat, cancellationToken, progress);
+
+            // Re-read clipboard after script has run.
+            return Clipboard.GetContent() is { } updatedView
+                ? await DataPackageFromViewAsync(updatedView)
+                : new DataPackage();
+        }
+    }
+
+    private static async Task<DataPackage> DataPackageFromViewAsync(DataPackageView view)
+    {
+        var pkg = new DataPackage();
+
+        if (view.Contains(StandardDataFormats.Text))
+        {
+            pkg.SetText(await view.GetTextAsync());
+        }
+
+        if (view.Contains(StandardDataFormats.Html))
+        {
+            pkg.SetHtmlFormat(await view.GetHtmlFormatAsync());
+        }
+
+        if (view.Contains(StandardDataFormats.StorageItems))
+        {
+            var items = await view.GetStorageItemsAsync();
+            pkg.SetStorageItems(items);
+        }
+
+        if (view.Contains(StandardDataFormats.Bitmap))
+        {
+            var bitmap = await view.GetBitmapAsync();
+            pkg.SetBitmap(bitmap);
+        }
+
+        return pkg;
+    }
+
     private static void WriteTelemetry(PasteFormats format, PasteActionSource source)
     {
         switch (source)

src/modules/AdvancedPaste/AdvancedPaste/Services/PythonScripts/IPythonScriptService.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,71 @@
+// Copyright (c) Microsoft Corporation
+// The Microsoft Corporation licenses this file to you under the MIT license.
+// See the LICENSE file in the project root for more information.
+
+using System;
+using System.Collections.Generic;
+using System.Threading;
+using System.Threading.Tasks;
+
+using AdvancedPaste.Models;
+using Windows.ApplicationModel.DataTransfer;
+
+namespace AdvancedPaste.Services.PythonScripts;
+
+public interface IPythonScriptService
+{
+    /// <summary>
+    /// V2 unified execution: C# reads the clipboard, pipes data as JSON to the runner,
+    /// and receives a DataPackage from JSON stdout. Works on both Windows and WSL
+    /// depending on the specified platform.
+    /// </summary>
+    Task<DataPackage> ExecuteScriptAsync(string scriptPath, string platform, DataPackageView clipboardData, ClipboardFormat detectedFormat, CancellationToken cancellationToken, IProgress<double> progress);
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Legacy Windows mode: the script directly manipulates the clipboard. C# waits for the process to exit.
+    /// Kept for backward compatibility with scripts that use win32clipboard directly.
+    /// </summary>
+    Task ExecuteWindowsScriptAsync(string scriptPath, ClipboardFormat detectedFormat, CancellationToken cancellationToken, IProgress<double> progress);
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Legacy WSL mode: C# passes data via JSON stdin, receives a DataPackage from JSON stdout.
+    /// Kept for backward compatibility with scripts that use json.load(sys.stdin) directly.
+    /// </summary>
+    Task<DataPackage> ExecuteWslScriptAsync(string scriptPath, DataPackageView clipboardData, ClipboardFormat detectedFormat, CancellationToken cancellationToken, IProgress<double> progress);
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Parses the @advancedpaste: header comments from a Python script file.
+    /// </summary>
+    PythonScriptMetadata ReadMetadata(string scriptPath);
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Discovers all .py scripts in <paramref name="folderPath"/> and returns their metadata.
+    /// </summary>
+    IReadOnlyList<PythonScriptMetadata> DiscoverScripts(string folderPath);
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Finds the Python executable to use. Returns null if none is found.
+    /// </summary>
+    string TryFindPythonExecutable(string overridePath = null);
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Returns true if wsl.exe is available on this machine.
+    /// </summary>
+    bool IsWslAvailable();
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Checks which of the declared requirements are not yet importable.
+    /// Returns an empty list if all packages are installed.
+    /// </summary>
+    Task<IReadOnlyList<PythonRequirement>> GetMissingRequirementsAsync(
+        PythonScriptMetadata metadata,
+        CancellationToken cancellationToken);
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Installs the given packages via pip / pip3.
+    /// </summary>
+    Task InstallRequirementsAsync(
+        IReadOnlyList<PythonRequirement> requirements,
+        string platform,
+        CancellationToken cancellationToken);
+}

src/modules/AdvancedPaste/AdvancedPaste/Services/PythonScripts/IPythonScriptTrustService.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,37 @@
+// Copyright (c) Microsoft Corporation
+// The Microsoft Corporation licenses this file to you under the MIT license.
+// See the LICENSE file in the project root for more information.
+
+using System.Collections.Generic;
+using System.Threading.Tasks;
+
+namespace AdvancedPaste.Services.PythonScripts;
+
+public interface IPythonScriptTrustService
+{
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Returns true if the script at <paramref name="scriptPath"/> is currently trusted (hash matches stored value).
+    /// </summary>
+    bool IsTrusted(string scriptPath);
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Shows a UI confirmation dialog for the script. Returns true if the user approved execution.
+    /// </summary>
+    Task<bool> RequestTrustAsync(string scriptPath, string hash);
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Persists the trust entry for <paramref name="scriptPath"/> with the given <paramref name="hash"/>.
+    /// </summary>
+    void StoreTrust(string scriptPath, string hash);
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Computes the SHA-256 hash of the script file and returns the hex string.
+    /// </summary>
+    string ComputeHash(string scriptPath);
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Shows a confirmation dialog listing the missing packages and asking the user
+    /// whether to install them. Returns true if the user approved installation.
+    /// </summary>
+    Task<bool> RequestInstallAsync(string scriptName, IReadOnlyList<PythonRequirement> missingPackages);
+}

src/modules/AdvancedPaste/AdvancedPaste/Services/PythonScripts/PythonRequirement.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,13 @@
+// Copyright (c) Microsoft Corporation
+// The Microsoft Corporation licenses this file to you under the MIT license.
+// See the LICENSE file in the project root for more information.
+
+namespace AdvancedPaste.Services.PythonScripts;
+
+/// <summary>
+/// Represents a single Python package requirement declared via
+/// <c># @advancedpaste:requires import_name=pip_package</c>.
+/// </summary>
+/// <param name="ImportName">The Python import name used in the script (e.g. "cv2").</param>
+/// <param name="PipPackage">The pip install name (e.g. "opencv-python-headless"). Equals <see cref="ImportName"/> when not explicitly specified.</param>
+public sealed record PythonRequirement(string ImportName, string PipPackage);

src/modules/AdvancedPaste/AdvancedPaste/Services/PythonScripts/PythonScriptMetadata.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
+// Copyright (c) Microsoft Corporation
+// The Microsoft Corporation licenses this file to you under the MIT license.
+// See the LICENSE file in the project root for more information.
+
+using System.Collections.Generic;
+
+using AdvancedPaste.Models;
+
+namespace AdvancedPaste.Services.PythonScripts;
+
+public sealed record PythonScriptMetadata(
+    string ScriptPath,
+    string Name,
+    string Description,
+    ClipboardFormat SupportedFormats,
+    string Platform,
+    string Version,
+    bool IsEnabled,
+    IReadOnlyList<PythonRequirement> Requirements,
+    bool IsV2 = false,
+    string OutputTypeHint = null);

src/modules/AdvancedPaste/AdvancedPaste/Services/PythonScripts/PythonScriptTrustService.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,127 @@
+// Copyright (c) Microsoft Corporation
+// The Microsoft Corporation licenses this file to you under the MIT license.
+// See the LICENSE file in the project root for more information.
+
+using System;
+using System.Collections.Generic;
+using System.IO;
+using System.Linq;
+using System.Security.Cryptography;
+using System.Threading.Tasks;
+
+using AdvancedPaste.Helpers;
+using AdvancedPaste.Settings;
+using ManagedCommon;
+using Microsoft.UI.Xaml.Controls;
+
+namespace AdvancedPaste.Services.PythonScripts;
+
+public sealed class PythonScriptTrustService(IUserSettings userSettings) : IPythonScriptTrustService
+{
+    private readonly IUserSettings _userSettings = userSettings;
+
+    public bool IsTrusted(string scriptPath)
+    {
+        var hashes = _userSettings.TrustedScriptHashes;
+        if (hashes is null || !hashes.TryGetValue(scriptPath, out var storedHash))
+        {
+            return false;
+        }
+
+        try
+        {
+            var currentHash = ComputeHash(scriptPath);
+            return string.Equals(currentHash, storedHash, StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase);
+        }
+        catch (Exception ex)
+        {
+            Logger.LogError($"Failed to compute hash for {scriptPath}", ex);
+            return false;
+        }
+    }
+
+    public async Task<bool> RequestTrustAsync(string scriptPath, string hash)
+    {
+        try
+        {
+            var resourceLoader = ResourceLoaderInstance.ResourceLoader;
+
+            var dialog = new ContentDialog
+            {
+                Title = resourceLoader.GetString("PythonScriptTrustTitle"),
+                Content = string.Format(
+                    System.Globalization.CultureInfo.CurrentCulture,
+                    resourceLoader.GetString("PythonScriptTrustContent"),
+                    scriptPath,
+                    hash),
+                PrimaryButtonText = resourceLoader.GetString("PythonScriptTrustConfirm"),
+                CloseButtonText = resourceLoader.GetString("PythonScriptTrustCancel"),
+            };
+
+            // XamlRoot must be set for ContentDialog to function.
+            var mainWindow = (Microsoft.UI.Xaml.Application.Current as AdvancedPaste.App)?.GetMainWindow();
+            if (mainWindow?.Content?.XamlRoot is { } xamlRoot)
+            {
+                dialog.XamlRoot = xamlRoot;
+            }
+
+            var result = await dialog.ShowAsync();
+            return result == ContentDialogResult.Primary;
+        }
+        catch (Exception ex)
+        {
+            Logger.LogError("Failed to show trust dialog", ex);
+            return false;
+        }
+    }
+
+    public void StoreTrust(string scriptPath, string hash)
+    {
+        _userSettings.StoreTrustedScriptHash(scriptPath, hash);
+    }
+
+    public string ComputeHash(string scriptPath)
+    {
+        using var stream = File.OpenRead(scriptPath);
+        var hashBytes = SHA256.HashData(stream);
+        return Convert.ToHexStringLower(hashBytes);
+    }
+
+    public async Task<bool> RequestInstallAsync(string scriptName, IReadOnlyList<PythonRequirement> missingPackages)
+    {
+        try
+        {
+            var resourceLoader = ResourceLoaderInstance.ResourceLoader;
+            var packageList = string.Join("\n", missingPackages.Select(r =>
+                string.Equals(r.ImportName, r.PipPackage, StringComparison.Ordinal)
+                    ? $"  • {r.PipPackage}"
+                    : $"  • {r.PipPackage}  (import: {r.ImportName})"));
+
+            var dialog = new ContentDialog
+            {
+                Title = resourceLoader.GetString("PythonPackageInstallTitle"),
+                Content = string.Format(
+                    System.Globalization.CultureInfo.CurrentCulture,
+                    resourceLoader.GetString("PythonPackageInstallContent"),
+                    scriptName,
+                    packageList),
+                PrimaryButtonText = resourceLoader.GetString("PythonPackageInstallConfirm"),
+                CloseButtonText = resourceLoader.GetString("PythonPackageInstallCancel"),
+            };
+
+            var mainWindow = (Microsoft.UI.Xaml.Application.Current as AdvancedPaste.App)?.GetMainWindow();
+            if (mainWindow?.Content?.XamlRoot is { } xamlRoot)
+            {
+                dialog.XamlRoot = xamlRoot;
+            }
+
+            var result = await dialog.ShowAsync();
+            return result == ContentDialogResult.Primary;
+        }
+        catch (Exception ex)
+        {
+            Logger.LogError("Failed to show package install dialog", ex);
+            return false;
+        }
+    }
+}

src/modules/AdvancedPaste/AdvancedPaste/Services/PythonScripts/_runner.py

@@ -0,0 +1,255 @@
+# Copyright (c) Microsoft Corporation
+# The Microsoft Corporation licenses this file to you under the MIT license.
+# See the LICENSE file in the project root for more information.
+
+"""
+Advanced Paste – Script Runner (V3 Named Function Interface)
+
+This runner is shipped with PowerToys and is NOT user-editable.
+It loads a user script, discovers the single advanced_paste_from_<input>_to_<output>
+function by name convention, calls it with the current clipboard data, and formats
+the return value into JSON on stdout.
+
+Each script must define exactly one function matching the pattern:
+  def advanced_paste_from_<input>_to_<output>(<param>)
+
+Supported input types:
+  - text, html, image, audio, video, files
+
+Required output types (declared via _to_ suffix):
+  - text, html, image, file, files
+
+Examples:
+  - advanced_paste_from_text_to_text(text: str)    → output is text
+  - advanced_paste_from_text_to_image(text: str)   → output is image
+  - advanced_paste_from_image_to_text(image_path)  → output is text
+  - advanced_paste_from_files_to_text(file_paths)  → output is text
+
+Protocol:
+  - Input:  JSON on stdin (clipboard data from C#)
+  - Output: JSON on stdout (result for C# to set on clipboard)
+  - Errors: stderr (displayed to user on failure)
+"""
+
+import importlib.util
+import json
+import os
+import re
+import sys
+from pathlib import Path
+
+
+def _apply_output_hint(result, hint: str) -> dict:
+    """
+    Force the output to the type specified by the _to_ suffix in the function name.
+    Converts the return value to match the hinted type.
+    """
+    if result is None:
+        if hint == "text":
+            return {"result_type": "text", "text": ""}
+        elif hint == "html":
+            return {"result_type": "html", "html": ""}
+        elif hint == "image":
+            return {"result_type": "image", "image_path": ""}
+        elif hint == "audio":
+            return {"result_type": "audio", "audio_path": ""}
+        elif hint == "video":
+            return {"result_type": "video", "video_path": ""}
+        elif hint in ("file", "files"):
+            return {"result_type": hint, "file_paths": []}
+
+    if hint == "text":
+        return {"result_type": "text", "text": str(result) if not isinstance(result, str) else result}
+    elif hint == "html":
+        return {"result_type": "html", "html": str(result) if not isinstance(result, str) else result}
+    elif hint == "image":
+        path = str(result)
+        return {"result_type": "image", "image_path": path}
+    elif hint == "audio":
+        path = str(result)
+        return {"result_type": "audio", "audio_path": path}
+    elif hint == "video":
+        path = str(result)
+        return {"result_type": "video", "video_path": path}
+    elif hint == "file":
+        if isinstance(result, (list, tuple)):
+            paths = [str(p) for p in result]
+        else:
+            paths = [str(result)]
+        return {"result_type": "file", "file_paths": paths}
+    elif hint == "files":
+        if isinstance(result, (list, tuple)):
+            paths = [str(p) for p in result]
+        else:
+            paths = [str(result)]
+        return {"result_type": "files", "file_paths": paths}
+
+    # Fallback (shouldn't happen with valid hints)
+    return {"result_type": "text", "text": str(result)}
+
+# Pattern matching advanced_paste_from_<input>_to_<output> function names.
+_AP_FUNCTION_PATTERN = re.compile(
+    r"^advanced_paste_from_(text|html|image|audio|video|files)_to_(text|html|image|audio|video|file|files)$"
+)
+
+
+def _load_user_module(script_path: str):
+    """Dynamically load the user script as a Python module."""
+    spec = importlib.util.spec_from_file_location("_user_script", script_path)
+    if spec is None or spec.loader is None:
+        raise ImportError(f"Cannot load script: {script_path}")
+    module = importlib.util.module_from_spec(spec)
+    # Add the script's directory to sys.path so relative imports/helpers work.
+    script_dir = os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(script_path))
+    if script_dir not in sys.path:
+        sys.path.insert(0, script_dir)
+    spec.loader.exec_module(module)
+    return module
+
+
+def _discover_ap_function(module) -> tuple:
+    """
+    Discover the single advanced_paste_from_<input>_to_<output> function in the module.
+    Returns a tuple (input_type, output_type, function) or None if not found.
+    Exits with error if multiple functions are defined.
+    """
+    matches = []
+    for name in dir(module):
+        match = _AP_FUNCTION_PATTERN.match(name)
+        if match:
+            fn = getattr(module, name)
+            if callable(fn):
+                input_type = match.group(1)
+                output_type = match.group(2)
+                matches.append((input_type, output_type, fn))
+
+    if len(matches) == 0:
+        return None
+    if len(matches) > 1:
+        names = [f"advanced_paste_from_{m[0]}_to_{m[1]}" for m in matches]
+        print(
+            f"Error: script defines multiple advanced_paste_from_*_to_* functions "
+            f"({', '.join(names)}). Only one is allowed per script.",
+            file=sys.stderr,
+        )
+        sys.exit(1)
+    return matches[0]
+
+
+def _format_output(result, output_type: str) -> dict:
+    """
+    Format the return value according to the declared output type from the function name.
+    The output_type comes from the _to_ suffix and is always provided.
+    """
+    if result is None:
+        if output_type in ("file", "files"):
+            return {"result_type": output_type, "file_paths": []}
+        elif output_type == "image":
+            return {"result_type": "image", "image_path": ""}
+        elif output_type == "audio":
+            return {"result_type": "audio", "audio_path": ""}
+        elif output_type == "video":
+            return {"result_type": "video", "video_path": ""}
+        elif output_type == "html":
+            return {"result_type": "html", "html": ""}
+        return {"result_type": "text", "text": ""}
+
+    return _apply_output_hint(result, output_type)
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Main entry point
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+def main():
+    if len(sys.argv) < 2:
+        print("Usage: _runner.py <script_path>", file=sys.stderr)
+        sys.exit(1)
+
+    script_path = sys.argv[1]
+
+    if not os.path.isfile(script_path):
+        print(f"Error: script not found: {script_path}", file=sys.stderr)
+        sys.exit(1)
+
+    # Read input payload from stdin.
+    try:
+        data = json.load(sys.stdin)
+    except json.JSONDecodeError as e:
+        print(f"Error: invalid JSON input: {e}", file=sys.stderr)
+        sys.exit(1)
+
+    # Load the user script.
+    module = _load_user_module(script_path)
+
+    # Discover the single advanced_paste_from_* function.
+    ap_result = _discover_ap_function(module)
+
+    if ap_result is None:
+        print(
+            f"Error: script '{os.path.basename(script_path)}' does not define an "
+            f"advanced_paste_from_<input>_to_<output> function.\n"
+            f"Example: def advanced_paste_from_text_to_text(text): return text.upper()",
+            file=sys.stderr,
+        )
+        sys.exit(1)
+
+    input_type, output_type, fn = ap_result
+
+    # Determine the input data key for this function's input type.
+    input_map = {
+        "text": "text",
+        "html": "html",
+        "image": "image_path",
+        "audio": "audio_path",
+        "video": "video_path",
+        "files": "file_paths",
+    }
+
+    key = input_map.get(input_type, input_type)
+    input_value = data.get(key)
+
+    # Expose work_dir as environment variable so scripts can write output files
+    # to a location accessible from both WSL and Windows (under /mnt/c/...).
+    work_dir = data.get("work_dir", "")
+    if work_dir:
+        os.environ["ADVANCED_PASTE_WORK_DIR"] = work_dir
+
+    # Check if the clipboard has matching data for this script's input type.
+    formats = data.get("format", ["text"])
+    if isinstance(formats, str):
+        formats = [formats]
+
+    # Normalize: treat "file" and "files" as equivalent so that
+    # advanced_paste_from_files_to_* scripts match the C# ClipboardFormat.File flag.
+    normalized_formats = set(formats)
+    if "file" in normalized_formats:
+        normalized_formats.add("files")
+    if "files" in normalized_formats:
+        normalized_formats.add("file")
+
+    if input_type not in normalized_formats:
+        print(
+            f"Error: script expects '{input_type}' input but clipboard has [{', '.join(formats)}].",
+            file=sys.stderr,
+        )
+        sys.exit(1)
+
+    if input_value is None:
+        print(
+            f"Error: no data available for format '{input_type}' "
+            f"(expected '{key}' in input payload).",
+            file=sys.stderr,
+        )
+        sys.exit(1)
+
+    # Call the function.
+    result = fn(input_value)
+    output = _format_output(result, output_type)
+
+    # Output JSON result.
+    json.dump(output, sys.stdout, ensure_ascii=False)
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    main()

src/modules/AdvancedPaste/AdvancedPaste/Strings/en-us/Resources.resw

@@ -212,10 +212,10 @@
     <value>Delete</value>
   </data>
   <data name="CustomFormatTextBox.PlaceholderText" xml:space="preserve">
-    <value>Describe what format you want..</value>
+    <value>Search or describe what format you want...</value>
   </data>
   <data name="InputTxtBoxTooltip.Text" xml:space="preserve">
-    <value>Describe what format you want..</value>
+    <value>Search or describe what format you want...</value>
   </data>
   <data name="LearnMoreLink.Text" xml:space="preserve">
     <value>Privacy</value>
@@ -372,4 +372,75 @@
     <value>Unable to load Foundry Local model: {0}</value>
     <comment>{0} is the model identifier. Do not translate {0}.</comment>
   </data>
+  <data name="PythonNotFound" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>Python was not found. Please install Python or configure the path in Settings.</value>
+  </data>
+  <data name="WslNotAvailable" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>WSL is not installed or not available. Cannot run Linux scripts.</value>
+  </data>
+  <data name="PythonScriptFailed" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>The Python script failed to execute.</value>
+  </data>
+  <data name="PythonScriptTimeout" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>Script execution timed out ({0} seconds).</value>
+    <comment>{0} is the configured timeout in seconds. Do not translate {0}.</comment>
+  </data>
+  <data name="PythonScriptNotFound" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>Script file not found: {0}</value>
+    <comment>{0} is the script file path. Do not translate {0}.</comment>
+  </data>
+  <data name="PythonScriptInvalidJson" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>The script output is not valid JSON.</value>
+  </data>
+  <data name="PythonScriptTrustTitle" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>Run Python Script?</value>
+  </data>
+  <data name="PythonScriptTrustContent" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>This script has not been verified. Running untrusted scripts can be a security risk. Do you want to run the following script?
+
+{0}
+
+SHA256: {1}</value>
+    <comment>{0} is the script file path. {1} is the SHA-256 hash of the script. Do not translate {0} or {1}.</comment>
+  </data>
+  <data name="PythonScriptTrustConfirm" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>Run</value>
+  </data>
+  <data name="PythonScriptTrustCancel" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>Cancel</value>
+  </data>
+  <data name="PythonPackageInstallTitle" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>Install Missing Packages?</value>
+  </data>
+  <data name="PythonPackageInstallContent" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>The script "{0}" requires the following Python packages that are not installed:
+
+{1}
+
+Install them now?</value>
+    <comment>{0} = script display name, {1} = bullet list of package names. Do not translate package names.</comment>
+  </data>
+  <data name="PythonPackageInstallConfirm" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>Install</value>
+  </data>
+  <data name="PythonPackageInstallCancel" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>Skip</value>
+  </data>
+  <data name="PythonPackageInstallFailed" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>Failed to install package(s) "{0}": {1}</value>
+    <comment>{0} = pip package names, {1} = error detail. Do not translate package names.</comment>
+  </data>
+  <data name="PythonPackageInstallTimeout" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>Package installation for "{0}" timed out ({1} seconds).</value>
+    <comment>{0} = pip package names, {1} = timeout in seconds. Do not translate {0} or {1}.</comment>
+  </data>
+  <data name="ShowErrorDetailsBtn.Content" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>Show details</value>
+  </data>
+  <data name="ErrorDetailsDialogTitle" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>Error Details</value>
+  </data>
+  <data name="ErrorDetailsDialogClose" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>Close</value>
+  </data>
 </root>

src/modules/AdvancedPaste/AdvancedPaste/ViewModels/OptionsViewModel.cs

@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ using System.Threading.Tasks;
 using AdvancedPaste.Helpers;
 using AdvancedPaste.Models;
 using AdvancedPaste.Services;
+using AdvancedPaste.Services.PythonScripts;
 using AdvancedPaste.Settings;
 using Common.UI;
 using CommunityToolkit.Mvvm.ComponentModel;
@@ -41,6 +42,7 @@ namespace AdvancedPaste.ViewModels
         private readonly IUserSettings _userSettings;
         private readonly IPasteFormatExecutor _pasteFormatExecutor;
         private readonly IAICredentialsProvider _credentialsProvider;
+        private readonly IPythonScriptService _pythonScriptService;
 
         private CancellationTokenSource _pasteActionCancellationTokenSource;
 
@@ -100,6 +102,8 @@ namespace AdvancedPaste.ViewModels
 
         public ObservableCollection<PasteFormat> CustomActionPasteFormats { get; } = [];
 
+        public ObservableCollection<PasteFormat> PythonScriptPasteFormats { get; } = [];
+
         public bool IsCustomAIServiceEnabled
         {
             get
@@ -234,8 +238,6 @@ namespace AdvancedPaste.ViewModels
 
         public bool ShowClipboardHistoryButton => ClipboardHistoryEnabled;
 
-        public bool ShowAIPasteSection => _userSettings.ShowAIPaste && IsAllowedByGPO;
-
         public bool HasIndeterminateTransformProgress => double.IsNaN(TransformProgress);
 
         private PasteFormats CustomAIFormat =>
@@ -260,11 +262,12 @@ namespace AdvancedPaste.ViewModels
 
         public event EventHandler PreviewRequested;
 
-        public OptionsViewModel(IFileSystem fileSystem, IAICredentialsProvider credentialsProvider, IUserSettings userSettings, IPasteFormatExecutor pasteFormatExecutor)
+        public OptionsViewModel(IFileSystem fileSystem, IAICredentialsProvider credentialsProvider, IUserSettings userSettings, IPasteFormatExecutor pasteFormatExecutor, IPythonScriptService pythonScriptService)
         {
             _credentialsProvider = credentialsProvider;
             _userSettings = userSettings;
             _pasteFormatExecutor = pasteFormatExecutor;
+            _pythonScriptService = pythonScriptService;
 
             GeneratedResponses = [];
             GeneratedResponses.CollectionChanged += (s, e) =>
@@ -322,7 +325,6 @@ namespace AdvancedPaste.ViewModels
             OnPropertyChanged(nameof(AIProviders));
             OnPropertyChanged(nameof(AllowedAIProviders));
             OnPropertyChanged(nameof(ShowClipboardPreview));
-            OnPropertyChanged(nameof(ShowAIPasteSection));
 
             NotifyActiveProviderChanged();
 
@@ -416,12 +418,51 @@ namespace AdvancedPaste.ViewModels
             }
 
             UpdateFormats(StandardPasteFormats, Enum.GetValues<PasteFormats>()
-                                                    .Where(format => PasteFormat.MetadataDict[format].IsCoreAction || _userSettings.AdditionalActions.Contains(format))
+                                                    .Where(format => format != PasteFormats.PythonScript &&
+                                                                     (PasteFormat.MetadataDict[format].IsCoreAction || _userSettings.AdditionalActions.Contains(format)))
                                                     .Select(CreateStandardPasteFormat));
 
             UpdateFormats(
                 CustomActionPasteFormats,
                 IsCustomAIServiceEnabled ? _userSettings.CustomActions.Select(customAction => CreateCustomAIPasteFormat(customAction.Name, customAction.Prompt, isSavedQuery: true)) : []);
+
+            UpdateFormats(
+                PythonScriptPasteFormats,
+                BuildPythonScriptFormats());
+        }
+
+        private IEnumerable<PasteFormat> BuildPythonScriptFormats()
+        {
+            if (!_userSettings.IsPythonScriptsEnabled)
+            {
+                yield break;
+            }
+
+            var folder = _userSettings.PythonScriptsFolder;
+            if (string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(folder))
+            {
+                yield break;
+            }
+
+            var discoveredScripts = _pythonScriptService.DiscoverScripts(folder);
+            var scriptActions = _userSettings.PythonScriptActions;
+
+            // Use metadata from discovered scripts, but apply IsShown from saved settings.
+            var hiddenPaths = new System.Collections.Generic.HashSet<string>(
+                scriptActions.Where(a => !a.IsShown).Select(a => a.ScriptPath),
+                StringComparer.OrdinalIgnoreCase);
+
+            foreach (var meta in discoveredScripts)
+            {
+                if (hiddenPaths.Contains(meta.ScriptPath) || !meta.IsEnabled)
+                {
+                    continue;
+                }
+
+                // Filter by intersection: only pass clipboard formats the script supports.
+                var filteredFormats = AvailableClipboardFormats & meta.SupportedFormats;
+                yield return PasteFormat.CreatePythonScriptFormat(meta.Name, meta.ScriptPath, filteredFormats);
+            }
         }
 
         public void Dispose()
@@ -695,7 +736,10 @@ namespace AdvancedPaste.ViewModels
             _pasteActionCancellationTokenSource = new();
             TransformProgress = double.NaN;
             PasteActionError = PasteActionError.None;
-            Query = pasteFormat.Query;
+
+            // For Python scripts the Prompt field holds the file path, not a user-visible query.
+            // Setting Query to the path would show it in the AI prompt box, which is misleading.
+            Query = pasteFormat.Format == PasteFormats.PythonScript ? string.Empty : pasteFormat.Query;
 
             try
             {
@@ -735,7 +779,7 @@ namespace AdvancedPaste.ViewModels
 
         internal async Task ExecutePasteFormatAsync(VirtualKey key)
         {
-            var pasteFormat = StandardPasteFormats.Concat(CustomActionPasteFormats)
+            var pasteFormat = StandardPasteFormats.Concat(CustomActionPasteFormats).Concat(PythonScriptPasteFormats)
                                                   .Where(pasteFormat => pasteFormat.IsEnabled)
                                                   .ElementAtOrDefault(key - VirtualKey.Number1);
 

src/modules/AdvancedPaste/AdvancedPasteModuleInterface/dllmain.cpp

@@ -496,119 +496,23 @@ private:
 
         if (!GetGUIThreadInfo(0, &gui_info))
         {
-            Logger::warn(L"Auto-copy: GetGUIThreadInfo failed (error={})", GetLastError());
             return false;
         }
 
         HWND target = gui_info.hwndFocus ? gui_info.hwndFocus : gui_info.hwndActive;
         if (!target)
         {
-            Logger::warn(L"Auto-copy: no focused or active window found");
             return false;
         }
 
         DWORD_PTR result = 0;
-        auto sendResult = SendMessageTimeout(target, WM_COPY, 0, 0, SMTO_ABORTIFHUNG | SMTO_BLOCK, 50, &result);
-        return sendResult != 0;
-    }
-
-    // Helper: poll clipboard sequence number for a change from initial_sequence.
-    // Returns true if the sequence number changed within the given number of polls.
-    bool poll_clipboard_sequence(DWORD initial_sequence, int poll_attempts, std::chrono::milliseconds poll_delay)
-    {
-        for (int poll = 0; poll < poll_attempts; ++poll)
-        {
-            if (GetClipboardSequenceNumber() != initial_sequence)
-            {
-                return true;
-            }
-            std::this_thread::sleep_for(poll_delay);
-        }
-        return false;
-    }
-
-    // Helper: send Ctrl+C via SendInput, releasing any held modifier keys first
-    // (the hotkey combination may still have modifiers physically pressed).
-    bool send_ctrl_c_input()
-    {
-        std::vector<INPUT> inputs;
-
-        // Release all modifier keys that are currently held down from the hotkey.
-        // Without this, the target app sees e.g. Win+Shift+Ctrl+C instead of just Ctrl+C.
-        try_inject_modifier_key_up(inputs, VK_LCONTROL);
-        try_inject_modifier_key_up(inputs, VK_RCONTROL);
-        try_inject_modifier_key_up(inputs, VK_LWIN);
-        try_inject_modifier_key_up(inputs, VK_RWIN);
-        try_inject_modifier_key_up(inputs, VK_LSHIFT);
-        try_inject_modifier_key_up(inputs, VK_RSHIFT);
-        try_inject_modifier_key_up(inputs, VK_LMENU);
-        try_inject_modifier_key_up(inputs, VK_RMENU);
-
-        // Ctrl down
-        {
-            INPUT input_event = {};
-            input_event.type = INPUT_KEYBOARD;
-            input_event.ki.wVk = VK_CONTROL;
-            input_event.ki.dwExtraInfo = CENTRALIZED_KEYBOARD_HOOK_DONT_TRIGGER_FLAG;
-            inputs.push_back(input_event);
-        }
-
-        // C down
-        {
-            INPUT input_event = {};
-            input_event.type = INPUT_KEYBOARD;
-            input_event.ki.wVk = 0x43; // C
-            input_event.ki.dwExtraInfo = CENTRALIZED_KEYBOARD_HOOK_DONT_TRIGGER_FLAG;
-            inputs.push_back(input_event);
-        }
-
-        // C up
-        {
-            INPUT input_event = {};
-            input_event.type = INPUT_KEYBOARD;
-            input_event.ki.wVk = 0x43; // C
-            input_event.ki.dwFlags = KEYEVENTF_KEYUP;
-            input_event.ki.dwExtraInfo = CENTRALIZED_KEYBOARD_HOOK_DONT_TRIGGER_FLAG;
-            inputs.push_back(input_event);
-        }
-
-        // Ctrl up
-        {
-            INPUT input_event = {};
-            input_event.type = INPUT_KEYBOARD;
-            input_event.ki.wVk = VK_CONTROL;
-            input_event.ki.dwFlags = KEYEVENTF_KEYUP;
-            input_event.ki.dwExtraInfo = CENTRALIZED_KEYBOARD_HOOK_DONT_TRIGGER_FLAG;
-            inputs.push_back(input_event);
-        }
-
-        // Restore modifiers that were held down
-        try_inject_modifier_key_restore(inputs, VK_LCONTROL);
-        try_inject_modifier_key_restore(inputs, VK_RCONTROL);
-        try_inject_modifier_key_restore(inputs, VK_LWIN);
-        try_inject_modifier_key_restore(inputs, VK_RWIN);
-        try_inject_modifier_key_restore(inputs, VK_LSHIFT);
-        try_inject_modifier_key_restore(inputs, VK_RSHIFT);
-        try_inject_modifier_key_restore(inputs, VK_LMENU);
-        try_inject_modifier_key_restore(inputs, VK_RMENU);
-
-        // Prevent Start Menu from activating after Win key release/restore
-        INPUT dummyEvent = {};
-        dummyEvent.type = INPUT_KEYBOARD;
-        dummyEvent.ki.wVk = 0xFF;
-        dummyEvent.ki.dwFlags = KEYEVENTF_KEYUP;
-        inputs.push_back(dummyEvent);
-
-        auto uSent = SendInput(static_cast<UINT>(inputs.size()), inputs.data(), sizeof(INPUT));
-        if (uSent != inputs.size())
-        {
-            DWORD errorCode = GetLastError();
-            auto errorMessage = get_last_error_message(errorCode);
-            Logger::error(L"SendInput failed for Ctrl+C. Expected to send {} inputs and sent only {}. {}", inputs.size(), uSent, errorMessage.has_value() ? errorMessage.value() : L"");
-            Trace::AdvancedPaste_Error(errorCode, errorMessage.has_value() ? errorMessage.value() : L"", L"input.SendInput");
-            return false;
-        }
-        return true;
+        return SendMessageTimeout(target,
+                                  WM_COPY,
+                                  0,
+                                  0,
+                                  SMTO_ABORTIFHUNG | SMTO_BLOCK,
+                                  50,
+                                  &result) != 0;
     }
 
     bool send_copy_selection()
@@ -622,30 +526,99 @@ private:
         for (int attempt = 0; attempt < copy_attempts; ++attempt)
         {
             const auto initial_sequence = GetClipboardSequenceNumber();
+            copy_succeeded = try_send_copy_message();
 
-            // Strategy 1: Try WM_COPY message (works for standard Win32 controls)
-            bool wm_copy_sent = try_send_copy_message();
-
-            if (wm_copy_sent)
+            if (!copy_succeeded)
             {
-                if (poll_clipboard_sequence(initial_sequence, clipboard_poll_attempts, clipboard_poll_delay))
+                std::vector<INPUT> inputs;
+
+                // Release any held modifiers (from the Advanced Paste hotkey) before sending Ctrl+C.
+                // Without this, apps may receive Win+Shift+Ctrl+C instead of Ctrl+C.
+                try_inject_modifier_key_up(inputs, VK_LCONTROL);
+                try_inject_modifier_key_up(inputs, VK_RCONTROL);
+                try_inject_modifier_key_up(inputs, VK_LWIN);
+                try_inject_modifier_key_up(inputs, VK_RWIN);
+                try_inject_modifier_key_up(inputs, VK_LSHIFT);
+                try_inject_modifier_key_up(inputs, VK_RSHIFT);
+                try_inject_modifier_key_up(inputs, VK_LMENU);
+                try_inject_modifier_key_up(inputs, VK_RMENU);
+
+                // send Ctrl+C (key downs and key ups)
+                {
+                    INPUT input_event = {};
+                    input_event.type = INPUT_KEYBOARD;
+                    input_event.ki.wVk = VK_CONTROL;
+                    input_event.ki.dwExtraInfo = CENTRALIZED_KEYBOARD_HOOK_DONT_TRIGGER_FLAG;
+                    inputs.push_back(input_event);
+                }
+
+                {
+                    INPUT input_event = {};
+                    input_event.type = INPUT_KEYBOARD;
+                    input_event.ki.wVk = 0x43; // C
+                    // Avoid triggering detection by the centralized keyboard hook.
+                    input_event.ki.dwExtraInfo = CENTRALIZED_KEYBOARD_HOOK_DONT_TRIGGER_FLAG;
+                    inputs.push_back(input_event);
+                }
+
+                {
+                    INPUT input_event = {};
+                    input_event.type = INPUT_KEYBOARD;
+                    input_event.ki.wVk = 0x43; // C
+                    input_event.ki.dwFlags = KEYEVENTF_KEYUP;
+                    // Avoid triggering detection by the centralized keyboard hook.
+                    input_event.ki.dwExtraInfo = CENTRALIZED_KEYBOARD_HOOK_DONT_TRIGGER_FLAG;
+                    inputs.push_back(input_event);
+                }
+
+                {
+                    INPUT input_event = {};
+                    input_event.type = INPUT_KEYBOARD;
+                    input_event.ki.wVk = VK_CONTROL;
+                    input_event.ki.dwFlags = KEYEVENTF_KEYUP;
+                    input_event.ki.dwExtraInfo = CENTRALIZED_KEYBOARD_HOOK_DONT_TRIGGER_FLAG;
+                    inputs.push_back(input_event);
+                }
+
+                // Restore modifiers that were released above.
+                try_inject_modifier_key_restore(inputs, VK_LCONTROL);
+                try_inject_modifier_key_restore(inputs, VK_RCONTROL);
+                try_inject_modifier_key_restore(inputs, VK_LWIN);
+                try_inject_modifier_key_restore(inputs, VK_RWIN);
+                try_inject_modifier_key_restore(inputs, VK_LSHIFT);
+                try_inject_modifier_key_restore(inputs, VK_RSHIFT);
+                try_inject_modifier_key_restore(inputs, VK_LMENU);
+                try_inject_modifier_key_restore(inputs, VK_RMENU);
+
+                auto uSent = SendInput(static_cast<UINT>(inputs.size()), inputs.data(), sizeof(INPUT));
+                if (uSent != inputs.size())
+                {
+                    DWORD errorCode = GetLastError();
+                    auto errorMessage = get_last_error_message(errorCode);
+                    Logger::error(L"SendInput failed for Ctrl+C. Expected to send {} inputs and sent only {}. {}", inputs.size(), uSent, errorMessage.has_value() ? errorMessage.value() : L"");
+                    Trace::AdvancedPaste_Error(errorCode, errorMessage.has_value() ? errorMessage.value() : L"", L"input.SendInput");
+                }
+                else
                 {
                     copy_succeeded = true;
                 }
             }
 
-            // Strategy 2: If WM_COPY didn't work, try SendInput Ctrl+C (works for Electron, browsers, etc.)
-            if (!copy_succeeded)
+            if (copy_succeeded)
             {
-                const auto sequence_before_ctrl_c = GetClipboardSequenceNumber();
-
-                if (send_ctrl_c_input())
+                bool sequence_changed = false;
+                for (int poll_attempt = 0; poll_attempt < clipboard_poll_attempts; ++poll_attempt)
                 {
-                    if (poll_clipboard_sequence(sequence_before_ctrl_c, clipboard_poll_attempts, clipboard_poll_delay))
+                    if (GetClipboardSequenceNumber() != initial_sequence)
                     {
-                        copy_succeeded = true;
+                        sequence_changed = true;
+                        break;
                     }
+
+                    std::this_thread::sleep_for(clipboard_poll_delay);
                 }
+
+                copy_succeeded = sequence_changed;
             }
 
             if (copy_succeeded)
@@ -659,11 +632,6 @@ private:
             }
         }
 
-        if (!copy_succeeded)
-        {
-            Logger::warn(L"Auto-copy: all {} copy attempts failed — the target application did not update the clipboard after WM_COPY and Ctrl+C", copy_attempts);
-        }
-
         return copy_succeeded;
     }
 
@@ -1036,7 +1004,6 @@ public:
             {
                 if (!send_copy_selection())
                 {
-                    Logger::warn(L"Auto-copy: failed to copy selection for custom action index {} — aborting action", custom_action_index);
                     return false;
                 }
             }

src/modules/AdvancedPaste/UITest-AdvancedPaste/TestFiles/settings.json

@@ -1 +1 @@
-{"properties":{"IsAIEnabled":{"value":false},"ShowCustomPreview":{"value":true},"ShowAIPaste":{"value":true},"CloseAfterLosingFocus":{"value":false},"advanced-paste-ui-hotkey":{"win":true,"ctrl":false,"alt":false,"shift":true,"code":86,"key":""},"paste-as-plain-hotkey":{"win":true,"ctrl":true,"alt":true,"shift":false,"code":79,"key":""},"paste-as-markdown-hotkey":{"win":true,"ctrl":true,"alt":true,"shift":false,"code":77,"key":""},"paste-as-json-hotkey":{"win":true,"ctrl":true,"alt":true,"shift":false,"code":74,"key":""},"custom-actions":{"value":[]},"additional-actions":{"image-to-text":{"shortcut":{"win":false,"ctrl":false,"alt":false,"shift":false,"code":0,"key":""},"isShown":true},"paste-as-file":{"isShown":true,"paste-as-txt-file":{"shortcut":{"win":false,"ctrl":false,"alt":false,"shift":false,"code":0,"key":""},"isShown":true},"paste-as-png-file":{"shortcut":{"win":false,"ctrl":false,"alt":false,"shift":false,"code":0,"key":""},"isShown":true},"paste-as-html-file":{"shortcut":{"win":false,"ctrl":false,"alt":false,"shift":false,"code":0,"key":""},"isShown":true}},"transcode":{"isShown":true,"transcode-to-mp3":{"shortcut":{"win":false,"ctrl":false,"alt":false,"shift":false,"code":0,"key":""},"isShown":true},"transcode-to-mp4":{"shortcut":{"win":false,"ctrl":false,"alt":false,"shift":false,"code":0,"key":""},"isShown":true}}},"paste-ai-configuration":{"active-provider-id":"","providers":[],"use-shared-credentials":true}},"name":"AdvancedPaste","version":"1"}
+{"properties":{"IsAIEnabled":{"value":false},"ShowCustomPreview":{"value":true},"CloseAfterLosingFocus":{"value":false},"advanced-paste-ui-hotkey":{"win":true,"ctrl":false,"alt":false,"shift":true,"code":86,"key":""},"paste-as-plain-hotkey":{"win":true,"ctrl":true,"alt":true,"shift":false,"code":79,"key":""},"paste-as-markdown-hotkey":{"win":true,"ctrl":true,"alt":true,"shift":false,"code":77,"key":""},"paste-as-json-hotkey":{"win":true,"ctrl":true,"alt":true,"shift":false,"code":74,"key":""},"custom-actions":{"value":[]},"additional-actions":{"image-to-text":{"shortcut":{"win":false,"ctrl":false,"alt":false,"shift":false,"code":0,"key":""},"isShown":true},"paste-as-file":{"isShown":true,"paste-as-txt-file":{"shortcut":{"win":false,"ctrl":false,"alt":false,"shift":false,"code":0,"key":""},"isShown":true},"paste-as-png-file":{"shortcut":{"win":false,"ctrl":false,"alt":false,"shift":false,"code":0,"key":""},"isShown":true},"paste-as-html-file":{"shortcut":{"win":false,"ctrl":false,"alt":false,"shift":false,"code":0,"key":""},"isShown":true}},"transcode":{"isShown":true,"transcode-to-mp3":{"shortcut":{"win":false,"ctrl":false,"alt":false,"shift":false,"code":0,"key":""},"isShown":true},"transcode-to-mp4":{"shortcut":{"win":false,"ctrl":false,"alt":false,"shift":false,"code":0,"key":""},"isShown":true}}},"paste-ai-configuration":{"active-provider-id":"","providers":[],"use-shared-credentials":true}},"name":"AdvancedPaste","version":"1"}

src/modules/EnvironmentVariables/EnvironmentVariables/EnvironmentVariablesXAML/MainWindow.xaml.cs

@@ -32,17 +32,6 @@ namespace EnvironmentVariables
             var loader = ResourceLoaderInstance.ResourceLoader;
             var title = App.GetService<IElevationHelper>().IsElevated ? loader.GetString("WindowAdminTitle") : loader.GetString("WindowTitle");
 
-            // The WinUI TitleBar control reads the owning window's title (AppWindow.Title) during a
-            // deferred layout pass. If the native window title is empty at that instant, the windowing
-            // layer can fault while resolving it and terminate the process. ResourceLoader.GetString
-            // returns an empty string when the resource map can't be resolved at runtime, which would
-            // leave the title empty here, so fall back to a non-empty product name to keep the native
-            // window title populated.
-            if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(title))
-            {
-                title = "Environment Variables";
-            }
-
             Title = title;
             titleBar.Title = title;
 

src/modules/FileLocksmith/FileLocksmithUI/FileLocksmithXAML/MainWindow.xaml.cs

@@ -25,15 +25,6 @@ namespace FileLocksmithUI
 
             var loader = ResourceLoaderInstance.ResourceLoader;
             var title = isElevated ? loader.GetString("AppAdminTitle") : loader.GetString("AppTitle");
-
-            // Guard against an empty title: ResourceLoader.GetString returns "" when the resource
-            // map can't be resolved, and an empty native window title can fault the WinUI TitleBar
-            // control while it reads AppWindow.Title during a deferred layout pass.
-            if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(title))
-            {
-                title = "File Locksmith";
-            }
-
             Title = title;
             titleBar.Title = title;
         }

src/modules/GrabAndMove/GrabAndMove/main.cpp

@@ -38,7 +38,6 @@ static GrabAndMoveModifier g_modifierKey = GrabAndMoveModifier::Alt;
 
 static bool g_altPressed = false;
 static bool g_winPressed = false;  // true while LWIN or RWIN is held (Win modifier mode)
-static bool g_ignoreModifier = false; // true if the user pressed the modifier then clicked the mouse without dragging
 static bool g_winAbsorbed = false; // true if we absorbed a Win keydown
 static bool g_dragging = false;
 static bool g_dragFirstMove = false; // true until first WM_MOUSEMOVE of a drag
@@ -117,30 +116,6 @@ static POINT g_resizeLast = {};   // cursor pos from previous frame
 static RECT g_resizeWndRect = {}; // current window rect (updated each frame)
 static ResizeHandle g_currentHandle = RESIZE_NONE;
 
-// Deferred activation state: a modifier+button press is held "pending" until the
-// cursor moves past the drag threshold (promoting it to a real drag/resize) or the
-// button is released first (replaying a normal modifier+click to the target).
-static bool g_pendingDrag = false;
-static bool g_pendingResize = false;
-static HWND g_pendingTarget = nullptr;
-static POINT g_pendingDownPt = {};
-
-// Set when a pending press was replayed to the target on modifier release while the
-// physical button was still down; the matching physical button-up is then swallowed.
-static bool g_swallowNextLButtonUp = false;
-static bool g_swallowNextRButtonUp = false;
-
-// Set once ReplayPendingClick has replayed the absorbed modifier key-down for a pending
-// click. The absorbed-modifier flags stay set so the keyboard hook still forwards the
-// real modifier key-up; this guard stops the key-down from being replayed a second time.
-static bool g_pendingModifierReplayed = false;
-
-// Set once a drag or resize has actually started during the current modifier hold.
-// While set, subsequent modifier+button presses skip the deferred/pending phase and
-// begin the drag/resize immediately - the user has already committed to Grab and Move.
-// Cleared when the modifier key is released.
-static bool g_activatedDuringHold = false;
-
 static const int MIN_WINDOW_WIDTH = 150;
 static const int MIN_WINDOW_HEIGHT = 50;
 
@@ -250,14 +225,6 @@ static void CALLBACK WinEventProc(HWINEVENTHOOK, DWORD, HWND hwnd, LONG, LONG, D
         g_winAbsorbed = false;
         g_altAbsorbed = false;
         g_dragConsumedAlt = false;
-        g_ignoreModifier = false;
-        g_activatedDuringHold = false;
-        g_pendingDrag = false;
-        g_pendingResize = false;
-        g_pendingTarget = nullptr;
-        g_swallowNextLButtonUp = false;
-        g_swallowNextRButtonUp = false;
-        g_pendingModifierReplayed = false;
         EndInteraction(true, true);
     }
 }
@@ -275,10 +242,6 @@ static bool IsSuppressedByGameMode()
 
 static bool IsActivationModifierPressed()
 {
-    if (g_ignoreModifier)
-    {
-        return false;
-    }
     if (g_modifierKey == GrabAndMoveModifier::Win)
         return g_winPressed;
     return g_altPressed;
@@ -817,85 +780,6 @@ static void ReplayAbsorbedModifier(bool alsoKeyUp)
     SendInput(alsoKeyUp ? 2 : 1, inputs, sizeof(INPUT));
 }
 
-// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-// Deferred activation helpers.
-// A modifier+button press does not start an interaction immediately; it is held
-// "pending" until the cursor moves past the drag threshold (then it becomes a
-// real drag/resize) or the button is released first (then the absorbed input is
-// replayed so the target application receives a normal modifier+click).
-// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-static void BeginDrag(HWND hwnd, POINT pt)
-{
-    g_dragging = true;
-    g_dragFirstMove = true;
-    g_dragConsumedAlt = true;
-    g_activatedDuringHold = true;
-    g_dragTarget = hwnd;
-    g_dragStart = pt;
-    GetWindowRect(hwnd, &g_dragWndRect);
-    PrepareOverlayMetrics(hwnd);
-    ShowOverlay(g_dragWndRect, g_curSizeAll);
-    TraceShortcutUse(true, GrabAndMoveShortcutAction::Move, L"started");
-}
-
-static void BeginResize(HWND hwnd, POINT pt)
-{
-    g_resizing = true;
-    g_resizeFirstMove = true;
-    g_dragConsumedAlt = true;
-    g_activatedDuringHold = true;
-    g_resizeTarget = hwnd;
-    g_resizeLast = pt;
-    GetWindowRect(hwnd, &g_resizeWndRect);
-    PrepareOverlayMetrics(hwnd);
-    g_currentHandle = GetClosestHandle(pt, g_resizeWndRect);
-    ShowOverlay(g_resizeWndRect, CursorForHandle(g_currentHandle));
-    TraceShortcutUse(true, GrabAndMoveShortcutAction::Resize, L"started");
-}
-
-// Replays a modifier+click to the target: first the absorbed modifier key-down
-// (if it was swallowed), then the button click. The modifier key-up is not
-// synthesized here - the real key-up still reaches the target when the user
-// releases the modifier. The absorbed-modifier flags are intentionally left set so
-// the keyboard hook forwards that real key-up; g_pendingModifierReplayed guards
-// against replaying the key-down more than once (e.g. across repeated clicks).
-static void ReplayPendingClick(bool isRight)
-{
-    if ((g_altAbsorbed || g_winAbsorbed) && !g_pendingModifierReplayed)
-    {
-        g_pendingModifierReplayed = true;
-        ReplayAbsorbedModifier(false); // modifier down only
-    }
-
-    INPUT inputs[2] = {};
-    inputs[0].type = INPUT_MOUSE;
-    inputs[0].mi.dwFlags = isRight ? MOUSEEVENTF_RIGHTDOWN : MOUSEEVENTF_LEFTDOWN;
-    inputs[1].type = INPUT_MOUSE;
-    inputs[1].mi.dwFlags = isRight ? MOUSEEVENTF_RIGHTUP : MOUSEEVENTF_LEFTUP;
-    SendInput(2, inputs, sizeof(INPUT));
-}
-
-// Called when the modifier is released while a press is still pending (button
-// held, no move yet). Delivers the click to the target now and swallows the
-// matching physical button-up that will arrive later.
-static void FlushPendingClickOnModifierRelease()
-{
-    if (g_pendingDrag)
-    {
-        g_pendingDrag = false;
-        g_pendingTarget = nullptr;
-        ReplayPendingClick(false);
-        g_swallowNextLButtonUp = true;
-    }
-    else if (g_pendingResize)
-    {
-        g_pendingResize = false;
-        g_pendingTarget = nullptr;
-        ReplayPendingClick(true);
-        g_swallowNextRButtonUp = true;
-    }
-}
-
 // ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 // System tray helpers
 // ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -1116,7 +1000,6 @@ static LRESULT CALLBACK KeyboardProc(int nCode, WPARAM wParam, LPARAM lParam)
                 {
                     g_winAbsorbed = true;
                     g_dragConsumedAlt = false;
-                    g_pendingModifierReplayed = false;
                     g_absorbedVk = kb->vkCode;
                     g_absorbedScanCode = kb->scanCode;
                     g_absorbedFlags = kb->flags;
@@ -1126,10 +1009,6 @@ static LRESULT CALLBACK KeyboardProc(int nCode, WPARAM wParam, LPARAM lParam)
             else if (wParam == WM_KEYUP || wParam == WM_SYSKEYUP)
             {
                 g_winPressed = false;
-                g_ignoreModifier = false;
-                g_activatedDuringHold = false;
-                // If a press was still pending (button held, no move), deliver it now.
-                FlushPendingClickOnModifierRelease();
                 bool wasDragging = g_dragging;
                 bool wasResizing = g_resizing;
                 EndInteraction(true, true);
@@ -1142,18 +1021,9 @@ static LRESULT CALLBACK KeyboardProc(int nCode, WPARAM wParam, LPARAM lParam)
                         g_dragConsumedAlt = false;
                         return 1;
                     }
-                    if (g_pendingModifierReplayed)
-                    {
-                        // The key-down was already replayed for a pending click; let the
-                        // real key-up reach the target (falls through to goto forward).
-                        g_pendingModifierReplayed = false;
-                    }
-                    else
-                    {
-                        // No drag happened; replay the keydown, THEN the keyup
-                        ReplayAbsorbedModifier(true);
-                        return 1; // swallow this keyup since the replay already sent one
-                    }
+                    // No drag happened; replay the keydown, THEN the keyup
+                    ReplayAbsorbedModifier(true);
+                    return 1; // swallow this keyup since the replay already sent one
                 }
             }
             goto forward; // let Win keyup pass through
@@ -1187,7 +1057,6 @@ static LRESULT CALLBACK KeyboardProc(int nCode, WPARAM wParam, LPARAM lParam)
                         {
                             g_altAbsorbed = true;
                             g_dragConsumedAlt = false;
-                            g_pendingModifierReplayed = false;
                             g_absorbedVk = kb->vkCode;
                             g_absorbedScanCode = kb->scanCode;
                             g_absorbedFlags = kb->flags;
@@ -1198,10 +1067,6 @@ static LRESULT CALLBACK KeyboardProc(int nCode, WPARAM wParam, LPARAM lParam)
                 else if (wParam == WM_KEYUP || wParam == WM_SYSKEYUP)
                 {
                     g_altPressed = false;
-                    g_ignoreModifier = false;
-                    g_activatedDuringHold = false;
-                    // If a press was still pending (button held, no move), deliver it now.
-                    FlushPendingClickOnModifierRelease();
                     bool wasDragging = g_dragging;
                     bool wasResizing = g_resizing;
                     EndInteraction(true, true);
@@ -1214,24 +1079,15 @@ static LRESULT CALLBACK KeyboardProc(int nCode, WPARAM wParam, LPARAM lParam)
                             g_dragConsumedAlt = false;
                             return 1;
                         }
-                        if (g_pendingModifierReplayed)
-                        {
-                            // The key-down was already replayed for a pending click; let
-                            // the real key-up reach the target.
-                            g_pendingModifierReplayed = false;
-                        }
-                        else
-                        {
-                            // No drag happened; replay the keydown, then let keyup through
-                            ReplayAbsorbedModifier(false);
-                        }
+                        // No drag happened; replay the keydown, then let keyup through
+                        ReplayAbsorbedModifier(false);
                     }
                 }
             }
             else
             {
                 // Non-Alt key while Alt was absorbed without a drag: replay Alt first
-                if (g_altAbsorbed && !g_dragConsumedAlt && !g_pendingModifierReplayed)
+                if (g_altAbsorbed && !g_dragConsumedAlt)
                 {
                     g_altAbsorbed = false;
                     g_altPressed = false;
@@ -1241,7 +1097,7 @@ static LRESULT CALLBACK KeyboardProc(int nCode, WPARAM wParam, LPARAM lParam)
         }
 
         // Non-Win key while Win was absorbed without a drag: replay Win first
-        if (g_winAbsorbed && !g_dragConsumedAlt && !isWinKey && !g_pendingModifierReplayed)
+        if (g_winAbsorbed && !g_dragConsumedAlt && !isWinKey)
         {
             g_winAbsorbed = false;
             g_winPressed = false;
@@ -1343,26 +1199,9 @@ static LRESULT CALLBACK MouseProc(int nCode, WPARAM wParam, LPARAM lParam)
         if (ms->flags & LLMHF_INJECTED)
             goto forward;
 
-        // Deliver-as-click bookkeeping: swallow the physical button-up that matches a
-        // press we already replayed to the target on modifier release.
-        if (wParam == WM_LBUTTONUP && g_swallowNextLButtonUp)
-        {
-            g_swallowNextLButtonUp = false;
-            return 1;
-        }
-        if (wParam == WM_RBUTTONUP && g_swallowNextRButtonUp)
-        {
-            g_swallowNextRButtonUp = false;
-            return 1;
-        }
-
-        // Recovery path: if a non-modifier click occurs while stale drag/resize/pending state exists, clear it.
+        // Recovery path: if a non-modifier click occurs while stale drag/resize state exists, clear it.
         if ((wParam == WM_LBUTTONDOWN || wParam == WM_RBUTTONDOWN) && !IsActivationModifierPressed())
         {
-            g_pendingDrag = false;
-            g_pendingResize = false;
-            g_pendingTarget = nullptr;
-            g_pendingModifierReplayed = false;
             EndInteraction(true, true);
         }
 
@@ -1371,7 +1210,7 @@ static LRESULT CALLBACK MouseProc(int nCode, WPARAM wParam, LPARAM lParam)
             HideOverlay();
         }
 
-        // ----- Modifier + Left Button Down: arm a pending drag (deferred until move) -----
+        // ----- Alt + Left Button Down: start drag -----
         if (wParam == WM_LBUTTONDOWN && IsActivationModifierPressed())
         {
             if (IsSuppressedByGameMode())
@@ -1389,60 +1228,23 @@ static LRESULT CALLBACK MouseProc(int nCode, WPARAM wParam, LPARAM lParam)
                     goto forward;
                 }
 
-                // Already committed to Grab and Move this hold: start dragging immediately.
-                if (g_activatedDuringHold)
-                {
-                    BeginDrag(hwnd, pt);
-                    return 1; // swallow the press; the drag is now active
-                }
+                g_dragging = true;
+                g_dragFirstMove = true;
+                g_dragConsumedAlt = true;
+                g_dragTarget = hwnd;
+                g_dragStart = pt;
+                GetWindowRect(hwnd, &g_dragWndRect);
+                PrepareOverlayMetrics(hwnd);
 
-                // A press is already pending (the other button is still held): don't
-                // overwrite it. Forward this one so we never strand the already-swallowed
-                // button-down (which would leak an unmatched button-up to the target).
-                if (g_pendingDrag || g_pendingResize)
-                {
-                    goto forward;
-                }
+                // Show the semi-transparent overlay on top of the target (persistent window – fix #9)
+                ShowOverlay(g_dragWndRect, g_curSizeAll);
 
-                // Defer: absorb the button-down but do nothing until the cursor moves.
-                g_pendingDrag = true;
-                g_pendingResize = false;
-                g_pendingTarget = hwnd;
-                g_pendingDownPt = pt;
-                return 1; // swallow the press for now; replayed on release if no move
+                // Swallow the click so the target window doesn't get it
+                TraceShortcutUse(true, GrabAndMoveShortcutAction::Move, L"started");
+                return 1;
             }
         }
 
-        // ----- Promote a pending press to a real drag/resize once past the threshold -----
-        if (wParam == WM_MOUSEMOVE && (g_pendingDrag || g_pendingResize))
-        {
-            int ddx = ms->pt.x - g_pendingDownPt.x;
-            int ddy = ms->pt.y - g_pendingDownPt.y;
-            if (ddx < 0) ddx = -ddx;
-            if (ddy < 0) ddy = -ddy;
-            if (ddx >= GetSystemMetrics(SM_CXDRAG) || ddy >= GetSystemMetrics(SM_CYDRAG))
-            {
-                bool wasResize = g_pendingResize;
-                HWND target = g_pendingTarget;
-                POINT downPt = g_pendingDownPt;
-                g_pendingDrag = false;
-                g_pendingResize = false;
-                g_pendingTarget = nullptr;
-
-                if (wasResize)
-                {
-                    BeginResize(target, downPt);
-                    HandleDragResize(ms->pt);
-                }
-                else
-                {
-                    BeginDrag(target, downPt);
-                    HandleDragMove(ms->pt);
-                }
-            }
-            return 0; // keep the cursor moving while waiting for the threshold
-        }
-
         // ----- Mouse Move while dragging -----
         if (wParam == WM_MOUSEMOVE && g_dragging && g_dragTarget)
         {
@@ -1455,16 +1257,6 @@ static LRESULT CALLBACK MouseProc(int nCode, WPARAM wParam, LPARAM lParam)
             return 0;
         }
 
-        // ----- Left Button Up while a drag is pending (no move): deliver the click -----
-        if (wParam == WM_LBUTTONUP && g_pendingDrag)
-        {
-            g_ignoreModifier = true;
-            g_pendingDrag = false;
-            g_pendingTarget = nullptr;
-            ReplayPendingClick(false);
-            return 1; // swallow the physical up; the injected click replaces it
-        }
-
         // ----- Left Button Up: end drag -----
         if (wParam == WM_LBUTTONUP && g_dragging)
         {
@@ -1481,7 +1273,7 @@ static LRESULT CALLBACK MouseProc(int nCode, WPARAM wParam, LPARAM lParam)
             return 1; // swallow the release
         }
 
-        // ----- Modifier + Right Button Down: arm a pending resize (deferred until move) -----
+        // ----- Alt + Right Button Down: start resize -----
         if (wParam == WM_RBUTTONDOWN && g_useAltResize && IsActivationModifierPressed())
         {
             if (IsSuppressedByGameMode())
@@ -1504,27 +1296,19 @@ static LRESULT CALLBACK MouseProc(int nCode, WPARAM wParam, LPARAM lParam)
                     goto forward;
                 }
 
-                // Already committed to Grab and Move this hold: start resizing immediately.
-                if (g_activatedDuringHold)
-                {
-                    BeginResize(hwnd, pt);
-                    return 1; // swallow the press; the resize is now active
-                }
+                g_resizing = true;
+                g_resizeFirstMove = true;
+                g_dragConsumedAlt = true;
+                g_resizeTarget = hwnd;
+                g_resizeLast = pt;
+                GetWindowRect(hwnd, &g_resizeWndRect);
+                PrepareOverlayMetrics(hwnd);
 
-                // A press is already pending (the other button is still held): don't
-                // overwrite it. Forward this one so we never strand the already-swallowed
-                // button-down (which would leak an unmatched button-up to the target).
-                if (g_pendingDrag || g_pendingResize)
-                {
-                    goto forward;
-                }
+                g_currentHandle = GetClosestHandle(pt, g_resizeWndRect);
+                ShowOverlay(g_resizeWndRect, CursorForHandle(g_currentHandle));
 
-                // Defer: absorb the button-down but do nothing until the cursor moves.
-                g_pendingResize = true;
-                g_pendingDrag = false;
-                g_pendingTarget = hwnd;
-                g_pendingDownPt = pt;
-                return 1; // swallow the press for now; replayed on release if no move
+                TraceShortcutUse(true, GrabAndMoveShortcutAction::Resize, L"started");
+                return 1; // swallow the right button press
             }
         }
 
@@ -1540,16 +1324,6 @@ static LRESULT CALLBACK MouseProc(int nCode, WPARAM wParam, LPARAM lParam)
             return 0;
         }
 
-        // ----- Right Button Up while a resize is pending (no move): deliver the click -----
-        if (wParam == WM_RBUTTONUP && g_pendingResize)
-        {
-            g_ignoreModifier = true;
-            g_pendingResize = false;
-            g_pendingTarget = nullptr;
-            ReplayPendingClick(true);
-            return 1; // swallow the physical up; the injected click replaces it
-        }
-
         // ----- Right Button Up: end resize -----
         if (wParam == WM_RBUTTONUP && g_resizing)
         {
@@ -1585,7 +1359,6 @@ static void HandleDragMove(POINT pt)
             RECT maxRect;
             GetWindowRect(g_dragTarget, &maxRect);
             int maxW = maxRect.right - maxRect.left;
-            int maxH = maxRect.bottom - maxRect.top;
 
             ShowWindow(g_dragTarget, SW_RESTORE);
 
@@ -1593,12 +1366,9 @@ static void HandleDragMove(POINT pt)
             int restoredW = g_dragWndRect.right - g_dragWndRect.left;
             int restoredH = g_dragWndRect.bottom - g_dragWndRect.top;
 
-            // Preserve the relative grab position in both axes so the cursor stays
-            // at the same proportional spot within the restored window.
-            float ratioL = (maxW > 0) ? static_cast<float>(g_dragStart.x - maxRect.left) / maxW : 0.5f;
-            float ratioT = (maxH > 0) ? static_cast<float>(g_dragStart.y - maxRect.top) / maxH : 0.5f;
-            int newX = g_dragStart.x - static_cast<int>(restoredW * ratioL);
-            int newY = g_dragStart.y - static_cast<int>(restoredH * ratioT);
+            float ratio = (maxW > 0) ? static_cast<float>(g_dragStart.x - maxRect.left) / maxW : 0.5f;
+            int newX = g_dragStart.x - static_cast<int>(restoredW * ratio);
+            int newY = g_dragStart.y - (GetSystemMetrics(SM_CYFRAME) + GetSystemMetrics(SM_CYCAPTION) / 2);
             SetWindowPos(g_dragTarget, nullptr, newX, newY, 0, 0,
                          SWP_NOSIZE | SWP_NOZORDER | SWP_NOACTIVATE | SWP_ASYNCWINDOWPOS);
 

src/modules/Hosts/Hosts/HostsXAML/MainWindow.xaml.cs

@@ -33,15 +33,6 @@ namespace Hosts
             var loader = new ResourceLoader("PowerToys.HostsUILib.pri", "PowerToys.HostsUILib/Resources");
 
             var title = Host.GetService<IElevationHelper>().IsElevated ? loader.GetString("WindowAdminTitle") : loader.GetString("WindowTitle");
-
-            // Guard against an empty title: ResourceLoader.GetString returns "" when the resource
-            // map can't be resolved, and an empty native window title can fault the WinUI TitleBar
-            // control while it reads AppWindow.Title during a deferred layout pass.
-            if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(title))
-            {
-                title = "Hosts File Editor";
-            }
-
             Title = title;
             titleBar.Title = title;
 

src/modules/MouseWithoutBorders/ModuleInterface/MouseWithoutBordersModuleInterface.vcxproj.filters

@@ -39,7 +39,6 @@
   </ItemGroup>
   <ItemGroup>
     <Natvis Include="$(MSBuildThisFileDirectory)..\..\natvis\wil.natvis" />
-    <Natvis Include="$(MSBuildThisFileDirectory)..\..\natvis\wil.natstepfilter" />
   </ItemGroup>
   <ItemGroup>
     <None Include="packages.config" />

src/modules/MouseWithoutBorders/ModuleInterface/packages.config

@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
 <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
 <packages>
-  <package id="Microsoft.Windows.ImplementationLibrary" version="1.0.260126.7" targetFramework="native" />
-</packages>
+  <package id="Microsoft.Windows.ImplementationLibrary" version="1.0.250325.1" targetFramework="native" />
+</packages>

src/modules/NewPlus/NewShellExtensionContextMenu.win10/resources.resx

@@ -119,7 +119,7 @@
   </resheader>
   <data name="context_menu_item_new" xml:space="preserve">
     <value>New+</value>
-    <comment>The main context menu item that users click on. This should be localized to match New in Windows. e.g. Danish it would become Ny+, French it would become Nouveau+ (not Nouveauté+)</comment>
+    <comment>The main context menu item that users click on. This should be localized to match New in Windows. e.g. Danish it would become Ny+</comment>
   </data>
   <data name="context_menu_item_open_templates" xml:space="preserve">
     <value>Open templates</value>

src/modules/NewPlus/NewShellExtensionContextMenu/resources.resx

@@ -119,7 +119,7 @@
   </resheader>
   <data name="context_menu_item_new" xml:space="preserve">
     <value>New+</value>
-    <comment>The main context menu item that users click on. This should be localized to match New in Windows. e.g. Danish it would become Ny+, French it would become Nouveau+ (not Nouveauté+)</comment>
+    <comment>The main context menu item that users click on. This should be localized to match New in Windows. e.g. Danish it would become Ny+</comment>
   </data>
   <data name="context_menu_item_open_templates" xml:space="preserve">
     <value>Open templates</value>

src/modules/ShortcutGuide/ShortcutGuide.Ui/Assets/ShortcutGuide/Manifests/+Microsoft.OutlookForWindows.en-US.yml

@@ -1,295 +0,0 @@
-PackageName: +Microsoft.OutlookForWindows
-Name: Outlook (new)
-WindowFilter: "olk.exe"
-BackgroundProcess: false
-Shortcuts:
-  - SectionName: Frequently used
-    Properties:
-      - Name: Create new message or calendar event
-        Recommended: true
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - N
-      - Name: Send email
-        Recommended: true
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - "<Enter>"
-      - Name: Reply to email
-        Recommended: true
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - R
-      - Name: Reply all
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: true
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - R
-      - Name: Forward message
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - F
-      - Name: Delete message or item
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: false
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - "<Delete>"
-      - Name: Permanently delete message
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: false
-          Shift: true
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - "<Delete>"
-      - Name: Mark as read
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - Q
-      - Name: Mark as unread
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - U
-      - Name: Search
-        Recommended: true
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - E
-  - SectionName: Navigate Outlook
-    Properties:
-      - Name: Go to Mail
-        Recommended: true
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - "<1>"
-      - Name: Go to Calendar
-        Recommended: true
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - "<2>"
-      - Name: Go to People
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - "<3>"
-      - Name: Go to To Do
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - "<4>"
-      - Name: Go to next message
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - ">"
-      - Name: Go to previous message
-        Description: Press Ctrl+Shift+Comma (rendered as Ctrl+<) to go back.
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: true
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - ","
-  - SectionName: Text editing
-    Properties:
-      - Name: Cut
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - X
-      - Name: Copy
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - C
-      - Name: Paste
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - V
-      - Name: Undo
-        Recommended: true
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - Z
-      - Name: Redo
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - Y
-      - Name: Insert hyperlink
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - K
-      - Name: Delete word to the left
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - "<Backspace>"
-  - SectionName: Format text
-    Properties:
-      - Name: Bold
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - B
-      - Name: Italic
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - I
-      - Name: Underline
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - U
-  - SectionName: Calendar
-    Properties:
-      - Name: Create new calendar item
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - N
-      - Name: Switch to Day view
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: true
-          Keys:
-            - "<1>"
-      - Name: Switch to Work week view
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: true
-          Keys:
-            - "<2>"
-      - Name: Switch to full Week view
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: true
-          Keys:
-            - "<3>"
-      - Name: Switch to Month view
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: true
-          Keys:
-            - "<4>"
-      - Name: Go to previous time period
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: true
-          Keys:
-            - "<Left>"
-      - Name: Go to next time period
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: true
-          Keys:
-            - "<Right>"
-      - Name: Go to today
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: false
-          Shift: true
-          Alt: true
-          Keys:
-            - Y

src/modules/ShortcutGuide/ShortcutGuide.Ui/Assets/ShortcutGuide/Manifests/AgileBits.1Password.en-US.yml

@@ -1,226 +0,0 @@
-PackageName: AgileBits.1Password
-Name: 1Password
-WindowFilter: "1Password.exe"
-BackgroundProcess: false
-Shortcuts:
-  - SectionName: Basics
-    Properties:
-      - Name: View keyboard shortcuts
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: true
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - "/"
-      - Name: Show Quick Access
-        Recommended: true
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: true
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - "<Space>"
-      - Name: Lock 1Password
-        Recommended: true
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: true
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - L
-  - SectionName: Navigation
-    Properties:
-      - Name: Find
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - F
-      - Name: Switch to all accounts
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - "<1>"
-      - Name: "Switch accounts & collections"
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - '2 - 9'
-      - Name: Back
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: false
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: true
-          Keys:
-            - "<Left>"
-      - Name: Forward
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: false
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: true
-          Keys:
-            - "<Right>"
-      - Name: Focus next row
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: false
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - "<Down>"
-      - Name: Focus previous row
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: false
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - "<Up>"
-      - Name: Focus right section
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: false
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - "<Right>"
-      - Name: Focus left section
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: false
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - "<Left>"
-  - SectionName: Selected item
-    Properties:
-      - Name: Copy primary field
-        Recommended: true
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - C
-      - Name: Copy password
-        Recommended: true
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: true
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - C
-      - Name: Copy one-time password
-        Recommended: true
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: true
-          Keys:
-            - C
-      - Name: "Open & fill in web browser"
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: true
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - F
-      - Name: Open item in new window
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - O
-      - Name: Edit item
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - E
-      - Name: Save item
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - S
-      - Name: Reveal concealed fields
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - R
-      - Name: Archive item
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: false
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - "<Delete>"
-      - Name: Delete item
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - "<Delete>"
-  - SectionName: View
-    Properties:
-      - Name: Show/hide sidebar
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: true
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - D
-      - Name: Zoom in
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - "+"
-      - Name: Zoom out
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - "-"
-      - Name: Actual size
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - "<0>"

src/modules/ShortcutGuide/ShortcutGuide.Ui/Assets/ShortcutGuide/Manifests/Obsidian.Obsidian.en-US.yml

@@ -1,196 +0,0 @@
-PackageName: Obsidian.Obsidian
-Name: Obsidian
-WindowFilter: "Obsidian.exe"
-BackgroundProcess: false
-Shortcuts:
-  - SectionName: Navigation
-    Properties:
-      - Name: Open command palette
-        Recommended: true
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - P
-      - Name: Open quick switcher
-        Recommended: true
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - O
-      - Name: Search in all files
-        Recommended: true
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: true
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - F
-      - Name: Toggle reading/editing view
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - E
-  - SectionName: Tabs
-    Properties:
-      - Name: New tab
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - T
-      - Name: Next tab
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - "<Tab>"
-      - Name: Previous tab
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: true
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - "<Tab>"
-      - Name: Switch to tab at position (1–8)
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - '1 - 8'
-      - Name: Switch to last tab
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - "<9>"
-      - Name: Reopen last closed tab
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: true
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - T
-  - SectionName: Editing
-    Properties:
-      - Name: Bold
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - B
-      - Name: Italic
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - I
-      - Name: Undo
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - Z
-      - Name: Redo
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - Y
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: true
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - Z
-      - Name: Paste without formatting
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: true
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - V
-      - Name: Select all
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - A
-      - Name: Delete current line
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: true
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - K
-      - Name: Delete previous word
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - "<Backspace>"
-      - Name: Delete next word
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - "<Delete>"
-      - Name: Move cursor to beginning of note
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - "<Home>"
-      - Name: Move cursor to end of note
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - "<End>"
-      - Name: Add file property
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - ";"

src/modules/ShortcutGuide/ShortcutGuide.Ui/Assets/ShortcutGuide/Manifests/Zoom.Zoom.en-US.yml

@@ -1,126 +0,0 @@
-PackageName: Zoom.Zoom
-Name: Zoom Workspace
-WindowFilter: "zoom.exe"
-BackgroundProcess: false
-Shortcuts:
-  - SectionName: General
-    Properties:
-      - Name: Navigate between Zoom windows
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: false
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - F6
-      - Name: Show or hide floating meeting controls
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: true
-          Shift: true
-          Alt: true
-          Keys:
-            - H
-  - SectionName: View
-    Properties:
-      - Name: Switch to active speaker view
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: false
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: true
-          Keys:
-            - F1
-      - Name: Switch to gallery view
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: false
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: true
-          Keys:
-            - F2
-      - Name: Enter or exit full screen
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: false
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: true
-          Keys:
-            - F
-      - Name: View previous page in gallery
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: false
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - PageUp
-      - Name: View next page in gallery
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: false
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: false
-          Keys:
-            - PageDown
-  - SectionName: Meeting controls
-    Properties:
-      - Name: Mute or unmute audio
-        Recommended: true
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: false
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: true
-          Keys:
-            - A
-      - Name: Start or stop video
-        Recommended: true
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: false
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: true
-          Keys:
-            - V
-      - Name: Raise or lower hand
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: false
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: true
-          Keys:
-            - Y
-      - Name: Open invite window
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: false
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: true
-          Keys:
-            - I
-      - Name: Open share screen window or stop sharing
-        Recommended: true
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: false
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: true
-          Keys:
-            - S
-      - Name: Pause or resume screen sharing
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: false
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: true
-          Keys:
-            - T
-      - Name: Prompt to leave or end meeting
-        Shortcut:
-        - Win: false
-          Ctrl: false
-          Shift: false
-          Alt: true
-          Keys:
-            - Q

src/modules/ShortcutGuide/ShortcutGuide.Ui/ShortcutGuideXAML/MainWindow.xaml.cs

@@ -57,17 +57,7 @@ namespace ShortcutGuide
                 return _currentApplicationIds;
             });
 
-            var title = ResourceLoaderInstance.ResourceLoader.GetString("Title")!;
-
-            // Guard against an empty title: ResourceLoader.GetString returns "" when the resource
-            // map can't be resolved, and an empty native window title can fault the WinUI TitleBar
-            // control while it reads AppWindow.Title during a deferred layout pass.
-            if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(title))
-            {
-                title = "Shortcut Guide";
-            }
-
-            Title = title;
+            Title = ResourceLoaderInstance.ResourceLoader.GetString("Title")!;
             ExtendsContentIntoTitleBar = true;
 
 #if !DEBUG

src/modules/ZoomIt/ZoomIt/ZoomIt.rc

@@ -171,7 +171,6 @@ FONT 8, "MS Shell Dlg", 400, 0, 0x1
 BEGIN
     CONTROL         "",IDC_HOTKEY,"msctls_hotkey32",WS_BORDER | WS_TABSTOP,59,57,80,12
     LTEXT           "After toggling ZoomIt you can zoom in with the mouse wheel or up and down arrow keys. Exit zoom mode with Escape or by pressing the right mouse button.",IDC_STATIC,7,6,230,26
-    LTEXT           "Copy a zoomed screen with Ctrl+C or save it by typing Ctrl+S. Crop the copy or save region by entering Ctrl+Shift instead of Ctrl.",IDC_STATIC,7,34,230,18
     LTEXT           "Zoom Toggle:",IDC_STATIC,7,59,51,8
     CONTROL         "",IDC_ZOOM_SLIDER,"msctls_trackbar32",TBS_AUTOTICKS | TBS_BOTH | TBS_NOTICKS | WS_TABSTOP,53,118,150,15,WS_EX_TRANSPARENT
     LTEXT           "Specify the initial level of magnification when zooming in:",IDC_STATIC,7,105,230,10
@@ -183,6 +182,8 @@ BEGIN
     LTEXT           "4.0",IDC_STATIC,190,136,12,8
     CONTROL         "Animate zoom in and zoom out:",IDC_ANIMATE_ZOOM,"Button",BS_AUTOCHECKBOX | BS_LEFTTEXT | WS_TABSTOP,7,74,116,10
     CONTROL         "Smooth zoomed image:",IDC_SMOOTH_IMAGE,"Button",BS_AUTOCHECKBOX | BS_LEFTTEXT | WS_TABSTOP,7,88,116,10
+    LTEXT           "Copy a zoomed screen with Ctrl+C or save it by typing Ctrl+S. Crop the copy or save region by entering Ctrl+Shift instead of Ctrl.",IDC_STATIC,7,148,230,17
+    LTEXT           "Copy a zoomed screen with Ctrl+C or save it by typing Ctrl+S. Crop the copy or save region by entering Ctrl+Shift instead of Ctrl.",IDC_STATIC,6,34,230,18
 END
 
 DRAW DIALOGEX 0, 0, 260, 228
@@ -314,31 +315,26 @@ BEGIN
     PUSHBUTTON      "Cancel",IDCANCEL,162,142,50,14
 END
 
-SNIP DIALOGEX 0, 0, 272, 105
+SNIP DIALOGEX 0, 0, 260, 80
 STYLE DS_SETFONT | DS_FIXEDSYS | DS_CONTROL | WS_CHILD | WS_CLIPSIBLINGS | WS_SYSMENU
 FONT 8, "MS Shell Dlg", 400, 0, 0x1
 BEGIN
-    LTEXT           "Copy a region of the screen to the clipboard, or save it to a file using the save shortcut.",IDC_STATIC,7,7,230,18
-    RTEXT           "Snip Toggle:",IDC_STATIC,22,33,45,8
-    CONTROL         "",IDC_SNIP_HOTKEY,"msctls_hotkey32",WS_BORDER | WS_TABSTOP,71,32,80,12
-    RTEXT           "Snip Save Toggle:",IDC_STATIC,7,49,60,8
-    CONTROL         "",IDC_SNIP_SAVE_HOTKEY,"msctls_hotkey32",WS_BORDER | WS_TABSTOP,71,48,80,12
-    LTEXT           "Copy text from the selected region to the clipboard:",IDC_STATIC,7,66,230,10
-    RTEXT           "Text Toggle:",IDC_STATIC,12,82,55,8
-    CONTROL         "",IDC_SNIP_OCR_HOTKEY,"msctls_hotkey32",WS_BORDER | WS_TABSTOP,71,81,80,12
+    LTEXT           "Copy a region of the screen to the clipboard or enter the hotkey with the Shift key in the opposite mode to save it to a file.",IDC_STATIC,7,7,230,19
+    LTEXT           "Snip Toggle:",IDC_STATIC,7,33,45,8
+    CONTROL         "",IDC_SNIP_HOTKEY,"msctls_hotkey32",WS_BORDER | WS_TABSTOP,67,32,80,12
+    LTEXT           "Copy text from the selected region to the clipboard:",IDC_STATIC,7,50,230,10
+    LTEXT           "Text Toggle:",IDC_STATIC,7,65,55,8
+    CONTROL         "",IDC_SNIP_OCR_HOTKEY,"msctls_hotkey32",WS_BORDER | WS_TABSTOP,67,63,80,12
 END
 
-PANORAMA DIALOGEX 0, 0, 260, 140
+PANORAMA DIALOGEX 0, 0, 260, 105
 STYLE DS_SETFONT | DS_FIXEDSYS | DS_CONTROL | WS_CHILD | WS_CLIPSIBLINGS | WS_SYSMENU
 FONT 8, "MS Shell Dlg", 400, 0, 0x1
 BEGIN
-    LTEXT           "Capture a scrolling panorama of a selected screen region. Select the area, then scroll the content. Move slowly and consistently, and do not rewind to previously covered areas.",IDC_STATIC,7,7,245,30
-    LTEXT           "Press the panorama toggle again to copy to the clipboard, or use the save shortcut to save to a file.",IDC_STATIC,7,39,245,18
-    LTEXT           "For the best results, scroll slowly and at a constant rate, do not include stationary content (like scrollbars) in the capture area, and avoid content that is changing (e.g., animations or videos). ",IDC_STATIC,7,62,245,30
-    LTEXT           "Panorama Toggle:",IDC_STATIC,7,95,80,8
-    CONTROL         "",IDC_SNIP_PANORAMA_HOTKEY,"msctls_hotkey32",WS_BORDER | WS_TABSTOP,90,93,80,12
-    LTEXT           "Panorama Save Toggle:",IDC_STATIC,7,111,80,8
-    CONTROL         "",IDC_SNIP_PANORAMA_SAVE_HOTKEY,"msctls_hotkey32",WS_BORDER | WS_TABSTOP,90,109,80,12
+    LTEXT           "Capture a scrolling panorama of a selected screen region. Select the area, then scroll the content. Move slowly and consistently, and do not rewind to previously covered areas. Press the hotkey again or with Shift to save to a file.",IDC_STATIC,7,7,245,33
+    LTEXT           "Panorama Toggle:",IDC_STATIC,7,74,63,8
+    CONTROL         "",IDC_SNIP_PANORAMA_HOTKEY,"msctls_hotkey32",WS_BORDER | WS_TABSTOP,73,72,80,12
+    LTEXT           "For the best results, scroll slowly and at a constant rate, do not include stationary content (like scrollbars) in the capture area, and avoid content that is changing (e.g., animations or videos). ",IDC_STATIC,7,41,245,30
 END
 
 DEMOTYPE DIALOGEX 0, 0, 260, 249
@@ -460,9 +456,7 @@ BEGIN
     "SNIP", DIALOG
     BEGIN
         LEFTMARGIN, 7
-        RIGHTMARGIN, 265
         TOPMARGIN, 7
-        BOTTOMMARGIN, 98
     END
 
     "PANORAMA", DIALOG

src/modules/ZoomIt/ZoomIt/ZoomItSettings.h

@@ -17,9 +17,7 @@ DWORD	g_BreakToggleKey = ((HOTKEYF_CONTROL) << 8)| '3';
 DWORD	g_DemoTypeToggleKey = ((HOTKEYF_CONTROL) << 8) | '7';
 DWORD	g_RecordToggleKey = ((HOTKEYF_CONTROL) << 8) | '5';
 DWORD   g_SnipToggleKey = ((HOTKEYF_CONTROL) << 8) | '6';
-DWORD   g_SnipSaveToggleKey = ((HOTKEYF_CONTROL | HOTKEYF_SHIFT) << 8) | '6';
 DWORD   g_SnipPanoramaToggleKey = ((HOTKEYF_CONTROL) << 8) | '8';
-DWORD   g_SnipPanoramaSaveToggleKey = ((HOTKEYF_CONTROL | HOTKEYF_SHIFT) << 8) | '8';
 DWORD   g_SnipOcrToggleKey = ((HOTKEYF_CONTROL | HOTKEYF_ALT) << 8) | '6';
 
 DWORD	g_ShowExpiredTime = 1;
@@ -82,9 +80,7 @@ REG_SETTING RegSettings[] = {
     { L"DrawToggleKey", SETTING_TYPE_DWORD, 0, &g_DrawToggleKey, static_cast<DOUBLE>(g_DrawToggleKey) },
     { L"RecordToggleKey", SETTING_TYPE_DWORD, 0, &g_RecordToggleKey, static_cast<DOUBLE>(g_RecordToggleKey) },
     { L"SnipToggleKey", SETTING_TYPE_DWORD, 0, &g_SnipToggleKey, static_cast<DOUBLE>(g_SnipToggleKey) },
-    { L"SnipSaveToggleKey", SETTING_TYPE_DWORD, 0, &g_SnipSaveToggleKey, static_cast<DOUBLE>(g_SnipSaveToggleKey) },
     { L"SnipPanoramaToggleKey", SETTING_TYPE_DWORD, 0, &g_SnipPanoramaToggleKey, static_cast<DOUBLE>(g_SnipPanoramaToggleKey) },
-    { L"SnipPanoramaSaveToggleKey", SETTING_TYPE_DWORD, 0, &g_SnipPanoramaSaveToggleKey, static_cast<DOUBLE>(g_SnipPanoramaSaveToggleKey) },
     { L"SnipOcrToggleKey", SETTING_TYPE_DWORD, 0, &g_SnipOcrToggleKey, static_cast<DOUBLE>(g_SnipOcrToggleKey) },
     { L"PenColor", SETTING_TYPE_DWORD, 0, &g_PenColor, static_cast<DOUBLE>(g_PenColor) },
     { L"PenWidth", SETTING_TYPE_DWORD, 0, &g_RootPenWidth, static_cast<DOUBLE>(g_RootPenWidth) },

src/modules/ZoomIt/ZoomIt/Zoomit.cpp

@@ -174,8 +174,6 @@ DWORD	g_RecordToggleMod;
 DWORD   g_SnipToggleMod;
 DWORD   g_SnipPanoramaToggleMod;
 DWORD   g_SnipOcrToggleMod;
-DWORD   g_SnipSaveToggleMod;
-DWORD   g_SnipPanoramaSaveToggleMod;
 
 BOOLEAN	g_ZoomOnLiveZoom = FALSE;
 DWORD	g_PenWidth = PEN_WIDTH;
@@ -214,10 +212,7 @@ BOOL	g_RecordToggle = FALSE;
 BOOL	g_RecordCropping = FALSE;
 SelectRectangle g_SelectRectangle;
 WebcamPreviewWindow g_WebcamPreview;
-// The full path of the last saved recording file.
 std::wstring	g_RecordingSaveLocation;
-// The last user-chosen recording filename. Used to construct unique recording filenames.
-std::wstring	g_RecordingSaveBaseFilename;
 std::wstring	g_ScreenshotSaveLocation;
 winrt::IDirect3DDevice	g_RecordDevice{ nullptr };
 std::shared_ptr<VideoRecordingSession> g_RecordingSession = nullptr;
@@ -3587,16 +3582,12 @@ void RegisterAllHotkeys(HWND hWnd)
     }
     if (g_SnipToggleKey) {
         registerHotkey( SNIP_HOTKEY, g_SnipToggleMod, g_SnipToggleKey & 0xFF );
+        registerHotkey( SNIP_SAVE_HOTKEY, ( g_SnipToggleMod ^ MOD_SHIFT ), g_SnipToggleKey & 0xFF );
     }
-    if (g_SnipSaveToggleKey) {
-        registerHotkey( SNIP_SAVE_HOTKEY, g_SnipSaveToggleMod, g_SnipSaveToggleKey & 0xFF);
-    }
-    if (g_SnipPanoramaToggleKey &&
+    if( g_SnipPanoramaToggleKey &&
         (g_SnipPanoramaToggleKey != g_SnipToggleKey || g_SnipPanoramaToggleMod != g_SnipToggleMod) ) {
         registerHotkey( SNIP_PANORAMA_HOTKEY, g_SnipPanoramaToggleMod | MOD_NOREPEAT, g_SnipPanoramaToggleKey & 0xFF );
-    }
-    if (g_SnipPanoramaSaveToggleKey) {
-        registerHotkey( SNIP_PANORAMA_SAVE_HOTKEY, g_SnipPanoramaSaveToggleMod | MOD_NOREPEAT, g_SnipPanoramaSaveToggleKey & 0xFF );
+        registerHotkey( SNIP_PANORAMA_SAVE_HOTKEY, ( g_SnipPanoramaToggleMod ^ MOD_SHIFT ) | MOD_NOREPEAT, g_SnipPanoramaToggleKey & 0xFF );
     }
     if (g_SnipOcrToggleKey) {
         registerHotkey( SNIP_OCR_HOTKEY, g_SnipOcrToggleMod, g_SnipOcrToggleKey & 0xFF );
@@ -4825,8 +4816,6 @@ INT_PTR CALLBACK OptionsProc( HWND hDlg, UINT message,
     TCHAR			text[32];
     DWORD			newToggleKey, newTimeout, newToggleMod, newBreakToggleKey, newDemoTypeToggleKey, newRecordToggleKey, newSnipToggleKey, newSnipPanoramaToggleKey, newSnipOcrToggleKey;
     DWORD			newDrawToggleKey, newDrawToggleMod, newBreakToggleMod, newDemoTypeToggleMod, newRecordToggleMod, newSnipToggleMod, newSnipPanoramaToggleMod, newSnipOcrToggleMod;
-    DWORD			newSnipSaveToggleKey, newSnipSaveToggleMod;
-    DWORD			newSnipPanoramaSaveToggleKey, newSnipPanoramaSaveToggleMod;
     DWORD			newLiveZoomToggleKey, newLiveZoomToggleMod;
     static std::vector<std::pair<std::wstring, std::wstring>>	microphones;
 
@@ -5061,9 +5050,7 @@ INT_PTR CALLBACK OptionsProc( HWND hDlg, UINT message,
         if( g_DemoTypeToggleKey ) SendMessage( GetDlgItem( g_OptionsTabs[DEMOTYPE_PAGE].hPage, IDC_DEMOTYPE_HOTKEY ), HKM_SETHOTKEY, g_DemoTypeToggleKey, 0 );
         if( g_RecordToggleKey )	SendMessage( GetDlgItem( g_OptionsTabs[RECORD_PAGE].hPage, IDC_RECORD_HOTKEY), HKM_SETHOTKEY, g_RecordToggleKey, 0 );
         if( g_SnipToggleKey) 	SendMessage( GetDlgItem( g_OptionsTabs[SNIP_PAGE].hPage, IDC_SNIP_HOTKEY), HKM_SETHOTKEY, g_SnipToggleKey, 0 );
-        if( g_SnipSaveToggleKey) 	SendMessage( GetDlgItem( g_OptionsTabs[SNIP_PAGE].hPage, IDC_SNIP_SAVE_HOTKEY), HKM_SETHOTKEY, g_SnipSaveToggleKey, 0 );
         if( g_SnipPanoramaToggleKey) SendMessage( GetDlgItem( g_OptionsTabs[PANORAMA_PAGE].hPage, IDC_SNIP_PANORAMA_HOTKEY), HKM_SETHOTKEY, g_SnipPanoramaToggleKey, 0 );
-        if( g_SnipPanoramaSaveToggleKey) SendMessage( GetDlgItem( g_OptionsTabs[PANORAMA_PAGE].hPage, IDC_SNIP_PANORAMA_SAVE_HOTKEY), HKM_SETHOTKEY, g_SnipPanoramaSaveToggleKey, 0 );
         if( g_SnipOcrToggleKey) SendMessage( GetDlgItem( g_OptionsTabs[SNIP_PAGE].hPage, IDC_SNIP_OCR_HOTKEY), HKM_SETHOTKEY, g_SnipOcrToggleKey, 0 );
         CheckDlgButton( hDlg, IDC_SHOW_TRAY_ICON,
             g_ShowTrayIcon ? BST_CHECKED: BST_UNCHECKED );
@@ -5525,9 +5512,7 @@ INT_PTR CALLBACK OptionsProc( HWND hDlg, UINT message,
             newDemoTypeToggleKey = static_cast<DWORD>(SendMessage( GetDlgItem( g_OptionsTabs[DEMOTYPE_PAGE].hPage, IDC_DEMOTYPE_HOTKEY ), HKM_GETHOTKEY, 0, 0 ));
             newRecordToggleKey = static_cast<DWORD>(SendMessage(GetDlgItem(g_OptionsTabs[RECORD_PAGE].hPage, IDC_RECORD_HOTKEY), HKM_GETHOTKEY, 0, 0));
             newSnipToggleKey = static_cast<DWORD>(SendMessage( GetDlgItem( g_OptionsTabs[SNIP_PAGE].hPage, IDC_SNIP_HOTKEY), HKM_GETHOTKEY, 0, 0 ));
-            newSnipSaveToggleKey = static_cast<DWORD>(SendMessage( GetDlgItem( g_OptionsTabs[SNIP_PAGE].hPage, IDC_SNIP_SAVE_HOTKEY), HKM_GETHOTKEY, 0, 0 ));
             newSnipPanoramaToggleKey = static_cast<DWORD>(SendMessage( GetDlgItem( g_OptionsTabs[PANORAMA_PAGE].hPage, IDC_SNIP_PANORAMA_HOTKEY), HKM_GETHOTKEY, 0, 0 ));
-            newSnipPanoramaSaveToggleKey = static_cast<DWORD>(SendMessage( GetDlgItem( g_OptionsTabs[PANORAMA_PAGE].hPage, IDC_SNIP_PANORAMA_SAVE_HOTKEY), HKM_GETHOTKEY, 0, 0 ));
             newSnipOcrToggleKey = static_cast<DWORD>(SendMessage( GetDlgItem( g_OptionsTabs[SNIP_PAGE].hPage, IDC_SNIP_OCR_HOTKEY), HKM_GETHOTKEY, 0, 0 ));
 
             newToggleMod = GetKeyMod( newToggleKey );
@@ -5537,9 +5522,7 @@ INT_PTR CALLBACK OptionsProc( HWND hDlg, UINT message,
             newDemoTypeToggleMod = GetKeyMod( newDemoTypeToggleKey );
             newRecordToggleMod = GetKeyMod(newRecordToggleKey);
             newSnipToggleMod = GetKeyMod( newSnipToggleKey );
-            newSnipSaveToggleMod = GetKeyMod( newSnipSaveToggleKey );
             newSnipPanoramaToggleMod = GetKeyMod( newSnipPanoramaToggleKey );
-            newSnipPanoramaSaveToggleMod = GetKeyMod( newSnipPanoramaSaveToggleKey );
             newSnipOcrToggleMod = GetKeyMod( newSnipOcrToggleKey );
 
             g_SliderZoomLevel = static_cast<int>(SendMessage( GetDlgItem(g_OptionsTabs[ZOOM_PAGE].hPage, IDC_ZOOM_SLIDER), TBM_GETPOS, 0, 0 ));
@@ -5608,41 +5591,25 @@ INT_PTR CALLBACK OptionsProc( HWND hDlg, UINT message,
 
             }
             else if (newSnipToggleKey &&
-                !RegisterHotKey(GetParent(hDlg), SNIP_HOTKEY, newSnipToggleMod, newSnipToggleKey & 0xFF)) {
+                (!RegisterHotKey(GetParent(hDlg), SNIP_HOTKEY, newSnipToggleMod, newSnipToggleKey & 0xFF) ||
+                 !RegisterHotKey(GetParent(hDlg), SNIP_SAVE_HOTKEY, (newSnipToggleMod ^ MOD_SHIFT), newSnipToggleKey & 0xFF))) {
 
                 MessageBox(hDlg, L"The specified snip hotkey is already in use.\nSelect a different snip hotkey.",
                     APPNAME, MB_ICONERROR);
                 UnregisterAllHotkeys(GetParent(hDlg));
                 break;
 
-            }
-            else if (newSnipSaveToggleKey &&
-                !RegisterHotKey(GetParent(hDlg), SNIP_SAVE_HOTKEY, newSnipSaveToggleMod, newSnipSaveToggleKey & 0xFF)) {
-
-                MessageBox(hDlg, L"The specified snip save hotkey is already in use.\nSelect a different snip save hotkey.",
-                    APPNAME, MB_ICONERROR);
-                UnregisterAllHotkeys(GetParent(hDlg));
-                break;
-
             }
             else if (newSnipPanoramaToggleKey &&
                 (newSnipPanoramaToggleKey != newSnipToggleKey || newSnipPanoramaToggleMod != newSnipToggleMod) &&
-                !RegisterHotKey(GetParent(hDlg), SNIP_PANORAMA_HOTKEY, newSnipPanoramaToggleMod | MOD_NOREPEAT, newSnipPanoramaToggleKey & 0xFF)) {
+                (!RegisterHotKey(GetParent(hDlg), SNIP_PANORAMA_HOTKEY, newSnipPanoramaToggleMod | MOD_NOREPEAT, newSnipPanoramaToggleKey & 0xFF) ||
+                 !RegisterHotKey(GetParent(hDlg), SNIP_PANORAMA_SAVE_HOTKEY, ( newSnipPanoramaToggleMod ^ MOD_SHIFT ) | MOD_NOREPEAT, newSnipPanoramaToggleKey & 0xFF))) {
 
                 MessageBox(hDlg, L"The specified panorama snip hotkey is already in use.\nSelect a different panorama snip hotkey.",
                     APPNAME, MB_ICONERROR);
                 UnregisterAllHotkeys(GetParent(hDlg));
                 break;
 
-            }
-            else if (newSnipPanoramaSaveToggleKey &&
-                !RegisterHotKey(GetParent(hDlg), SNIP_PANORAMA_SAVE_HOTKEY, newSnipPanoramaSaveToggleMod | MOD_NOREPEAT, newSnipPanoramaSaveToggleKey & 0xFF)) {
-
-                MessageBox(hDlg, L"The specified panorama snip save hotkey is already in use.\nSelect a different panorama snip save hotkey.",
-                    APPNAME, MB_ICONERROR);
-                UnregisterAllHotkeys(GetParent(hDlg));
-                break;
-
             }
             else if (newSnipOcrToggleKey &&
                 !RegisterHotKey(GetParent(hDlg), SNIP_OCR_HOTKEY, newSnipOcrToggleMod, newSnipOcrToggleKey & 0xFF)) {
@@ -5678,12 +5645,8 @@ INT_PTR CALLBACK OptionsProc( HWND hDlg, UINT message,
                 g_RecordToggleMod = newRecordToggleMod;
                 g_SnipToggleKey = newSnipToggleKey;
                 g_SnipToggleMod = newSnipToggleMod;
-                g_SnipSaveToggleKey = newSnipSaveToggleKey;
-                g_SnipSaveToggleMod = newSnipSaveToggleMod;
                 g_SnipPanoramaToggleKey = newSnipPanoramaToggleKey;
                 g_SnipPanoramaToggleMod = newSnipPanoramaToggleMod;
-                g_SnipPanoramaSaveToggleKey = newSnipPanoramaSaveToggleKey;
-                g_SnipPanoramaSaveToggleMod = newSnipPanoramaSaveToggleMod;
                 g_SnipOcrToggleKey = newSnipOcrToggleKey;
                 g_SnipOcrToggleMod = newSnipOcrToggleMod;
                 reg.WriteRegSettings( RegSettings );
@@ -6774,45 +6737,6 @@ void StopRecording()
     }
 }
 
-//----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-// GetTimestampSuffix
-//
-// Returns a timestamp string for disambiguating filenames.
-// Format: " YYYY-MM-DD HHMMSS", e.g." 2025-11-02 143000".
-//
-// Used as a suffix for the default recording filename. Ensures
-// chronological name sorting in Explorer.
-// 
-//----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-static std::wstring GetTimestampSuffix()
-{
-    auto const now = std::chrono::system_clock::now();
-    auto const in_time_t = std::chrono::system_clock::to_time_t( now );
-
-    std::tm buf{};
-    localtime_s( &buf, &in_time_t );
-
-    std::wstringstream ss;
-    ss << L" " << std::put_time( &buf, L"%Y-%m-%d %H%M%S" );
-
-    return ss.str();
-}
-
-//----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-// IsDefaultRecordingFilename
-// 
-// Determines if the provided filename matches the default recording name.
-// Case-insensitive comparison.
-// 
-// Returns:
-//   true if filename is the default; otherwise false.
-// 
-//----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-static bool IsDefaultRecordingFilename(const std::wstring& filename)
-{
-    return CompareStringOrdinal( DEFAULT_RECORDING_FILE, -1, filename.c_str(), -1, TRUE ) == CSTR_EQUAL
-        || CompareStringOrdinal( DEFAULT_GIF_RECORDING_FILE, -1, filename.c_str(), -1, TRUE ) == CSTR_EQUAL;
-}
 
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 //
@@ -6867,70 +6791,19 @@ std::wstring GetUniqueFilename(const std::wstring& lastSavePath, const wchar_t*
 //
 // GetUniqueRecordingFilename
 //
-// Generates a unique filename to be suggested in the "Save As" recording
-// dialog, based on the user's last chosen filename and save location.
-// This allows the user to quickly save a recording without worrying about
-// manual renaming to prevent overwriting earlier recordings.
-// 
-// There are two distinct behaviors based on the last used filename:
-// 
-// 1. For the default filename ("Recording.mp4"):
-//    Generates a more descriptive name by appending a timestamp, e.g.
-//    "Recording 2025-11-03 143015.mp4". This ensures chronological sorting
-//    in Explorer when ordered by name and is consistent with other tools.
-// 
-// 2. For custom filenames (e.g. "Presentation.mp4"):
-//    Appends a numeric suffix if the file already exists, e.g.
-//    "Presentation (1).mp4", "Presentation (2).mp4", etc.
-// 
-// Returns:
-//   A unique filename (without folder path).
-// 
-// Relies upon the global state of `g_RecordingSaveLocation` and
-// `g_RecordingSaveBaseFilename`.
+// Gets a unique file name for recording saves, using the " (N)" suffix
+// approach so that the user can hit OK without worrying about overwriting
+// if they are making multiple recordings in one session or don't want to
+// always see an overwrite dialog or stop to clean up files.
 //
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-static auto GetUniqueRecordingFilename()
+auto GetUniqueRecordingFilename()
 {
     const wchar_t* defaultFile = (g_RecordingFormat == RecordingFormat::GIF)
         ? DEFAULT_GIF_RECORDING_FILE
         : DEFAULT_RECORDING_FILE;
 
-    // Without a remembered filename, suggest the default name for the current format.
-    std::wstring baseFilename = g_RecordingSaveBaseFilename.empty()
-        ? std::wstring( defaultFile )
-        : g_RecordingSaveBaseFilename;
-
-    std::filesystem::path basePath{ baseFilename };
-
-    // For the default filename, append a timestamp so successive default saves stay
-    // unique and sort chronologically in Explorer.
-    if ( IsDefaultRecordingFilename( basePath.filename().wstring() ) )
-    {
-        return basePath.stem().wstring() + GetTimestampSuffix() + basePath.extension().wstring();
-    }
-
-    // For custom filenames, append a numeric suffix to avoid collisions.
-    std::filesystem::path directory;
-    if ( !g_RecordingSaveLocation.empty() )
-        directory = std::filesystem::path( g_RecordingSaveLocation ).parent_path();
-    if ( directory.empty() )
-    {
-        wil::unique_cotaskmem_string folderPath;
-        if ( SUCCEEDED( SHGetKnownFolderPath( FOLDERID_Videos, KF_FLAG_DEFAULT, nullptr, folderPath.put() ) ) )
-            directory = folderPath.get();
-    }
-
-    std::wstring baseStem = basePath.stem().wstring();
-    std::wstring baseExtension = basePath.extension().wstring();
-
-    std::filesystem::path testPath = directory / ( baseStem + baseExtension );
-    for ( int index = 1; std::filesystem::exists( testPath ); index++ )
-    {
-        testPath = directory / ( baseStem + L" (" + std::to_wstring( index ) + L')' + baseExtension );
-    }
-
-    return testPath.filename().wstring();
+    return GetUniqueFilename(g_RecordingSaveLocation, defaultFile, FOLDERID_Videos);
 }
 
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -6962,7 +6835,7 @@ auto GetUniqueScreenshotFilename()
 //
 // StartRecordingAsync
 //
-// Initiates screen recording and handles the save dialog workflow.
+// Starts the screen recording.
 //
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 winrt::fire_and_forget StartRecordingAsync( HWND hWnd, LPRECT rcCrop, HWND hWndRecord ) try
@@ -7207,30 +7080,8 @@ winrt::fire_and_forget StartRecordingAsync( HWND hWnd, LPRECT rcCrop, HWND hWndR
             if (!finalPath.empty())
             {
                 auto path = std::filesystem::path(finalPath);
-
-                // Remember the user's chosen filename and apply a timestamp to default
-                // names so successive saves stay unique and sort chronologically.
-                std::wstring filename = path.filename().wstring();
-                std::wstring finalFilename = filename;
-                if ( IsDefaultRecordingFilename( filename ) )
-                {
-                    // The user accepted or re-typed the default filename. Remember it so the
-                    // next suggestion also uses a timestamp, and append one to this save.
-                    g_RecordingSaveBaseFilename = filename;
-                    finalFilename = path.stem().wstring() + GetTimestampSuffix() + path.extension().wstring();
-                }
-                else if ( CompareStringOrdinal( suggestedName.c_str(), -1, filename.c_str(), -1, TRUE ) != CSTR_EQUAL )
-                {
-                    // The user chose their own filename instead of the suggested one. Remember
-                    // it so future suggestions use numeric suffixes based on this name.
-                    g_RecordingSaveBaseFilename = filename;
-                }
-
-                // The path actually written to disk (with any timestamp applied).
-                std::wstring savedPath = ( path.parent_path() / finalFilename ).wstring();
-
                 winrt::StorageFolder folder{ co_await winrt::StorageFolder::GetFolderFromPathAsync(path.parent_path().c_str()) };
-                destFile = co_await folder.CreateFileAsync(finalFilename.c_str(), winrt::CreationCollisionOption::ReplaceExisting);
+                destFile = co_await folder.CreateFileAsync(path.filename().c_str(), winrt::CreationCollisionOption::ReplaceExisting);
 
                 // If user trimmed, use the trimmed file
                 winrt::StorageFile sourceFile = file;
@@ -7248,8 +7099,8 @@ winrt::fire_and_forget StartRecordingAsync( HWND hWnd, LPRECT rcCrop, HWND hWndR
                     try { co_await file.DeleteAsync(); } catch (...) {}
                 }
 
-                // Use savedPath directly - destFile.Path() may be stale after MoveAndReplaceAsync
-                g_RecordingSaveLocation = savedPath;
+                // Use finalPath directly - destFile.Path() may be stale after MoveAndReplaceAsync
+                g_RecordingSaveLocation = finalPath;
                 // Update the registry buffer and save to persist across app restarts
                 wcsncpy_s(g_RecordingSaveLocationBuffer, g_RecordingSaveLocation.c_str(), _TRUNCATE);
                 reg.WriteRegSettings(RegSettings);
@@ -7749,9 +7600,7 @@ LRESULT APIENTRY MainWndProc(
         g_BreakToggleMod = GetKeyMod( g_BreakToggleKey );
         g_DemoTypeToggleMod = GetKeyMod( g_DemoTypeToggleKey );
         g_SnipToggleMod = GetKeyMod( g_SnipToggleKey );
-        g_SnipSaveToggleMod = GetKeyMod( g_SnipSaveToggleKey );
         g_SnipPanoramaToggleMod = GetKeyMod( g_SnipPanoramaToggleKey );
-        g_SnipPanoramaSaveToggleMod = GetKeyMod( g_SnipPanoramaSaveToggleKey );
         g_SnipOcrToggleMod = GetKeyMod( g_SnipOcrToggleKey );
         g_RecordToggleMod = GetKeyMod( g_RecordToggleKey );
 
@@ -7802,37 +7651,23 @@ LRESULT APIENTRY MainWndProc(
 
             }
             else if (g_SnipToggleKey &&
-                !RegisterHotKey(hWnd, SNIP_HOTKEY, g_SnipToggleMod, g_SnipToggleKey & 0xFF)) {
+                (!RegisterHotKey(hWnd, SNIP_HOTKEY, g_SnipToggleMod, g_SnipToggleKey & 0xFF) ||
+                 !RegisterHotKey(hWnd, SNIP_SAVE_HOTKEY, (g_SnipToggleMod ^ MOD_SHIFT), g_SnipToggleKey & 0xFF))) {
 
                 MessageBox(hWnd, L"The specified snip hotkey is already in use.\nSelect a different snip hotkey.",
                     APPNAME, MB_ICONERROR);
                 showOptions = TRUE;
 
-            }
-            else if (g_SnipSaveToggleKey &&
-                !RegisterHotKey(hWnd, SNIP_SAVE_HOTKEY, g_SnipSaveToggleMod, g_SnipSaveToggleKey & 0xFF)) {
-
-                MessageBox(hWnd, L"The specified snip save hotkey is already in use.\nSelect a different snip save hotkey.",
-                    APPNAME, MB_ICONERROR);
-                showOptions = TRUE;
-
             }
             else if (g_SnipPanoramaToggleKey &&
                 (g_SnipPanoramaToggleKey != g_SnipToggleKey || g_SnipPanoramaToggleMod != g_SnipToggleMod) &&
-                !RegisterHotKey(hWnd, SNIP_PANORAMA_HOTKEY, g_SnipPanoramaToggleMod | MOD_NOREPEAT, g_SnipPanoramaToggleKey & 0xFF)) {
+                (!RegisterHotKey(hWnd, SNIP_PANORAMA_HOTKEY, g_SnipPanoramaToggleMod | MOD_NOREPEAT, g_SnipPanoramaToggleKey & 0xFF) ||
+                 !RegisterHotKey(hWnd, SNIP_PANORAMA_SAVE_HOTKEY, ( g_SnipPanoramaToggleMod ^ MOD_SHIFT ) | MOD_NOREPEAT, g_SnipPanoramaToggleKey & 0xFF))) {
 
                 MessageBox(hWnd, L"The specified panorama snip hotkey is already in use.\nSelect a different panorama snip hotkey.",
                     APPNAME, MB_ICONERROR);
                 showOptions = TRUE;
 
-            }
-            else if (g_SnipPanoramaSaveToggleKey &&
-                !RegisterHotKey(hWnd, SNIP_PANORAMA_SAVE_HOTKEY, g_SnipPanoramaSaveToggleMod | MOD_NOREPEAT, g_SnipPanoramaSaveToggleKey & 0xFF)) {
-
-                MessageBox(hWnd, L"The specified panorama snip save hotkey is already in use.\nSelect a different panorama snip save hotkey.",
-                    APPNAME, MB_ICONERROR);
-                showOptions = TRUE;
-
             }
             else if (g_SnipOcrToggleKey &&
                 !RegisterHotKey(hWnd, SNIP_OCR_HOTKEY, g_SnipOcrToggleMod, g_SnipOcrToggleKey & 0xFF)) {
@@ -10419,9 +10254,7 @@ LRESULT APIENTRY MainWndProc(
         g_BreakToggleMod = GetKeyMod(g_BreakToggleKey);
         g_DemoTypeToggleMod = GetKeyMod(g_DemoTypeToggleKey);
         g_SnipToggleMod = GetKeyMod(g_SnipToggleKey);
-        g_SnipSaveToggleMod = GetKeyMod(g_SnipSaveToggleKey);
         g_SnipPanoramaToggleMod = GetKeyMod(g_SnipPanoramaToggleKey);
-        g_SnipPanoramaSaveToggleMod = GetKeyMod(g_SnipPanoramaSaveToggleKey);
         g_SnipOcrToggleMod = GetKeyMod(g_SnipOcrToggleKey);
         g_RecordToggleMod = GetKeyMod(g_RecordToggleKey);
         BOOL showOptions = FALSE;
@@ -10484,7 +10317,8 @@ LRESULT APIENTRY MainWndProc(
         }
         if (g_SnipToggleKey)
         {
-            if (!RegisterHotKey(hWnd, SNIP_HOTKEY, g_SnipToggleMod, g_SnipToggleKey & 0xFF))
+            if (!RegisterHotKey(hWnd, SNIP_HOTKEY, g_SnipToggleMod, g_SnipToggleKey & 0xFF) ||
+                !RegisterHotKey(hWnd, SNIP_SAVE_HOTKEY, (g_SnipToggleMod ^ MOD_SHIFT), g_SnipToggleKey & 0xFF))
             {
                 if(!g_StartedByPowerToys)
                 {
@@ -10493,21 +10327,11 @@ LRESULT APIENTRY MainWndProc(
                 showOptions = TRUE;
             }
         }
-        if (g_SnipSaveToggleKey)
-        {
-            if (!RegisterHotKey(hWnd, SNIP_SAVE_HOTKEY, g_SnipSaveToggleMod, g_SnipSaveToggleKey & 0xFF))
-            {
-                if(!g_StartedByPowerToys)
-                {
-                    MessageBox(hWnd, L"The specified snip save hotkey is already in use.\nSelect a different snip save hotkey.", APPNAME, MB_ICONERROR);
-                }
-                showOptions = TRUE;
-            }
-        }
         if (g_SnipPanoramaToggleKey &&
             (g_SnipPanoramaToggleKey != g_SnipToggleKey || g_SnipPanoramaToggleMod != g_SnipToggleMod))
         {
-            if (!RegisterHotKey(hWnd, SNIP_PANORAMA_HOTKEY, g_SnipPanoramaToggleMod | MOD_NOREPEAT, g_SnipPanoramaToggleKey & 0xFF))
+            if (!RegisterHotKey(hWnd, SNIP_PANORAMA_HOTKEY, g_SnipPanoramaToggleMod | MOD_NOREPEAT, g_SnipPanoramaToggleKey & 0xFF) ||
+                !RegisterHotKey(hWnd, SNIP_PANORAMA_SAVE_HOTKEY, ( g_SnipPanoramaToggleMod ^ MOD_SHIFT ) | MOD_NOREPEAT, g_SnipPanoramaToggleKey & 0xFF))
             {
                 if(!g_StartedByPowerToys)
                 {
@@ -10516,17 +10340,6 @@ LRESULT APIENTRY MainWndProc(
                 showOptions = TRUE;
             }
         }
-        if (g_SnipPanoramaSaveToggleKey)
-        {
-            if (!RegisterHotKey(hWnd, SNIP_PANORAMA_SAVE_HOTKEY, g_SnipPanoramaSaveToggleMod | MOD_NOREPEAT, g_SnipPanoramaSaveToggleKey & 0xFF))
-            {
-                if(!g_StartedByPowerToys)
-                {
-                    MessageBox(hWnd, L"The specified panorama snip save hotkey is already in use.\nSelect a different panorama snip save hotkey.", APPNAME, MB_ICONERROR);
-                }
-                showOptions = TRUE;
-            }
-        }
         if (g_SnipOcrToggleKey)
         {
             if (!RegisterHotKey(hWnd, SNIP_OCR_HOTKEY, g_SnipOcrToggleMod, g_SnipOcrToggleKey & 0xFF))

src/modules/ZoomIt/ZoomIt/pch.h

@@ -93,6 +93,7 @@
 #include <algorithm>
 #include <filesystem>
 #include <future>
+#include <regex>
 #include <fstream>
 #include <sstream>
 

src/modules/ZoomIt/ZoomIt/resource.h

@@ -137,8 +137,6 @@
 #define IDC_WEBCAM_BRIGHTNESS_LABEL     1131
 #define IDC_WEBCAM_BRIGHTNESS_SLIDER    1132
 #define IDC_NOISE_CANCELLATION          1133
-#define IDC_SNIP_SAVE_HOTKEY            1134
-#define IDC_SNIP_PANORAMA_SAVE_HOTKEY   1135
 #define IDC_SAVE                        40002
 #define IDC_COPY                        40004
 #define IDC_RECORD                      40006
@@ -153,8 +151,8 @@
 #ifdef APSTUDIO_INVOKED
 #ifndef APSTUDIO_READONLY_SYMBOLS
 #define _APS_NEXT_RESOURCE_VALUE        120
-#define _APS_NEXT_COMMAND_VALUE         40012
-#define _APS_NEXT_CONTROL_VALUE         1136
+#define _APS_NEXT_COMMAND_VALUE         40015
+#define _APS_NEXT_CONTROL_VALUE         1134
 #define _APS_NEXT_SYMED_VALUE           101
 #endif
 #endif

src/modules/ZoomIt/ZoomItSettingsInterop/ZoomItSettings.cpp

@@ -70,10 +70,8 @@ namespace winrt::PowerToys::ZoomItSettingsInterop::implementation
         { L"DrawToggleKey", SPECIAL_SEMANTICS_SHORTCUT },
         { L"RecordToggleKey", SPECIAL_SEMANTICS_SHORTCUT },
         { L"SnipToggleKey", SPECIAL_SEMANTICS_SHORTCUT },
-        { L"SnipSaveToggleKey", SPECIAL_SEMANTICS_SHORTCUT },
         { L"SnipOcrToggleKey", SPECIAL_SEMANTICS_SHORTCUT },
         { L"SnipPanoramaToggleKey", SPECIAL_SEMANTICS_SHORTCUT },
-        { L"SnipPanoramaSaveToggleKey", SPECIAL_SEMANTICS_SHORTCUT },
         { L"BreakTimerKey", SPECIAL_SEMANTICS_SHORTCUT },
         { L"DemoTypeToggleKey", SPECIAL_SEMANTICS_SHORTCUT },
         { L"PenColor", SPECIAL_SEMANTICS_COLOR },

src/modules/alwaysontop/AlwaysOnTop/WindowBorder.cpp

@@ -160,7 +160,7 @@ bool WindowBorder::Init(HINSTANCE hinstance)
 
 void WindowBorder::UpdateBorderPosition() const
 {
-    if (!m_trackingWindow || !m_frameDrawer || !m_window)
+    if (!m_trackingWindow)
     {
         return;
     }

src/modules/cmdpal/Microsoft.CmdPal.Common/Helpers/ShellArgumentBuilder.cs

@@ -1,98 +0,0 @@
-// Copyright (c) Microsoft Corporation
-// The Microsoft Corporation licenses this file to you under the MIT license.
-// See the LICENSE file in the project root for more information.
-
-using System.Text;
-
-namespace Microsoft.CmdPal.Common.Helpers;
-
-public static class ShellArgumentBuilder
-{
-    public static string BuildArguments(params string[] arguments)
-    {
-        if (arguments.Length <= 0)
-        {
-            return string.Empty;
-        }
-
-        var stringBuilder = new StringBuilder();
-        foreach (var argument in arguments)
-        {
-            AppendArgument(stringBuilder, argument);
-        }
-
-        return stringBuilder.ToString();
-    }
-
-    private static void AppendArgument(StringBuilder stringBuilder, string argument)
-    {
-        if (stringBuilder.Length > 0)
-        {
-            stringBuilder.Append(' ');
-        }
-
-        if (argument.Length == 0 || ShouldBeQuoted(argument))
-        {
-            stringBuilder.Append('"');
-            var index = 0;
-            while (index < argument.Length)
-            {
-                var c = argument[index++];
-                if (c == '\\')
-                {
-                    var numBackSlash = 1;
-                    while (index < argument.Length && argument[index] == '\\')
-                    {
-                        index++;
-                        numBackSlash++;
-                    }
-
-                    if (index == argument.Length)
-                    {
-                        stringBuilder.Append('\\', numBackSlash * 2);
-                    }
-                    else if (argument[index] == '"')
-                    {
-                        stringBuilder.Append('\\', (numBackSlash * 2) + 1);
-                        stringBuilder.Append('"');
-                        index++;
-                    }
-                    else
-                    {
-                        stringBuilder.Append('\\', numBackSlash);
-                    }
-
-                    continue;
-                }
-
-                if (c == '"')
-                {
-                    stringBuilder.Append('\\');
-                    stringBuilder.Append('"');
-                    continue;
-                }
-
-                stringBuilder.Append(c);
-            }
-
-            stringBuilder.Append('"');
-        }
-        else
-        {
-            stringBuilder.Append(argument);
-        }
-    }
-
-    private static bool ShouldBeQuoted(string argument)
-    {
-        foreach (var c in argument)
-        {
-            if (char.IsWhiteSpace(c) || c == '"')
-            {
-                return true;
-            }
-        }
-
-        return false;
-    }
-}

src/modules/cmdpal/Microsoft.CmdPal.Common/Services/HttpCaching/HttpCachingClient.cs

@@ -94,7 +94,6 @@ internal sealed partial class HttpCachingClient : IDisposable
     public void Dispose()
     {
         _httpClient.Dispose();
-        _cacheHandler.Dispose();
     }
 
     private static bool IsSupportedHttpUri(Uri resourceUri)

src/modules/cmdpal/Microsoft.CmdPal.UI.ViewModels/Commands/MainListPage.cs

@@ -146,7 +146,13 @@ public sealed partial class MainListPage : DynamicListPage,
         // The all apps page will kick off a BG thread to start loading apps.
         // We just want to know when it is done.
         var allApps = AllAppsCommandProvider.Page;
-        allApps.PropChanged += AllApps_PropChanged;
+        allApps.PropChanged += (s, p) =>
+        {
+            if (p.PropertyName == nameof(allApps.IsLoading))
+            {
+                IsLoading = ActuallyLoading();
+            }
+        };
 
         WeakReferenceMessenger.Default.Register<ClearSearchMessage>(this);
         WeakReferenceMessenger.Default.Register<UpdateFallbackItemsMessage>(this);
@@ -166,14 +172,6 @@ public sealed partial class MainListPage : DynamicListPage,
         }
     }
 
-    private void AllApps_PropChanged(object? sender, IPropChangedEventArgs e)
-    {
-        if (e.PropertyName == nameof(AllAppsCommandProvider.Page.IsLoading))
-        {
-            IsLoading = ActuallyLoading();
-        }
-    }
-
     private void PinnedCommands_CollectionChanged(object? sender, NotifyCollectionChangedEventArgs e)
     {
         _defaultViewDirty = true;
@@ -784,8 +782,6 @@ public sealed partial class MainListPage : DynamicListPage,
         _tlcManager.TopLevelCommands.CollectionChanged -= Commands_CollectionChanged;
         _tlcManager.PinnedCommands.CollectionChanged -= PinnedCommands_CollectionChanged;
 
-        AllAppsCommandProvider.Page.PropChanged -= AllApps_PropChanged;
-
         if (_settingsService is not null)
         {
             _settingsService.SettingsChanged -= SettingsChangedHandler;

src/modules/cmdpal/Microsoft.CmdPal.UI.ViewModels/DetailsViewModel.cs

@@ -7,11 +7,9 @@ using Microsoft.CommandPalette.Extensions;
 
 namespace Microsoft.CmdPal.UI.ViewModels;
 
-public partial class DetailsViewModel : ExtensionObjectViewModel
+public partial class DetailsViewModel(IDetails _details, WeakReference<IPageContext> context) : ExtensionObjectViewModel(context)
 {
-    private readonly ExtensionObject<IDetails> _detailsModel;
-    private INotifyPropChanged? _observableDetails;
-    private bool _isSubscribed;
+    private readonly ExtensionObject<IDetails> _detailsModel = new(_details);
 
     // Remember - "observable" properties from the model (via PropChanged)
     // cannot be marked [ObservableProperty]
@@ -27,81 +25,6 @@ public partial class DetailsViewModel : ExtensionObjectViewModel
     //   where IDetailsElement = {IDetailsTags, IDetailsLink, IDetailsSeparator}
     public List<DetailsElementViewModel> Metadata { get; private set; } = [];
 
-    public DetailsViewModel(IDetails details, WeakReference<IPageContext> context)
-        : base(context)
-    {
-        _detailsModel = new(details);
-    }
-
-    private void Model_PropChanged(object sender, IPropChangedEventArgs args)
-    {
-        try
-        {
-            FetchProperty(args.PropertyName);
-        }
-        catch (Exception ex)
-        {
-            ShowException(ex);
-        }
-    }
-
-    private void FetchProperty(string propertyName)
-    {
-        var model = _detailsModel.Unsafe;
-        if (model is null)
-        {
-            return;
-        }
-
-        switch (propertyName)
-        {
-            case nameof(IDetails.Title):
-                Title = model.Title ?? string.Empty;
-                UpdateProperty(nameof(Title));
-                break;
-            case nameof(IDetails.Body):
-                Body = model.Body ?? string.Empty;
-                UpdateProperty(nameof(Body));
-                break;
-            case nameof(IDetails.HeroImage):
-                HeroImage = new(model.HeroImage);
-                HeroImage.InitializeProperties();
-                UpdateProperty(nameof(HeroImage));
-                break;
-            case nameof(IDetails.Metadata):
-                RebuildMetadata(model);
-                UpdateProperty(nameof(Metadata));
-                break;
-        }
-    }
-
-    private void RebuildMetadata(IDetails model)
-    {
-        var newMetadata = new List<DetailsElementViewModel>();
-        var meta = model.Metadata;
-        if (meta is not null)
-        {
-            foreach (var element in meta)
-            {
-                DetailsElementViewModel? vm = element.Data switch
-                {
-                    IDetailsSeparator => new DetailsSeparatorViewModel(element, this.PageContext),
-                    IDetailsLink => new DetailsLinkViewModel(element, this.PageContext),
-                    IDetailsCommands => new DetailsCommandsViewModel(element, this.PageContext),
-                    IDetailsTags => new DetailsTagsViewModel(element, this.PageContext),
-                    _ => null,
-                };
-                if (vm is not null)
-                {
-                    vm.InitializeProperties();
-                    newMetadata.Add(vm);
-                }
-            }
-        }
-
-        Metadata = newMetadata;
-    }
-
     public override void InitializeProperties()
     {
         var model = _detailsModel.Unsafe;
@@ -110,14 +33,6 @@ public partial class DetailsViewModel : ExtensionObjectViewModel
             return;
         }
 
-        // Subscribe to PropChanged if the model supports it (only subscribe once)
-        if (!_isSubscribed && model is INotifyPropChanged observable)
-        {
-            observable.PropChanged += Model_PropChanged;
-            _observableDetails = observable;
-            _isSubscribed = true;
-        }
-
         Title = model.Title ?? string.Empty;
         Body = model.Body ?? string.Empty;
         HeroImage = new(model.HeroImage);
@@ -142,18 +57,25 @@ public partial class DetailsViewModel : ExtensionObjectViewModel
 
         UpdateProperty(nameof(Size));
 
-        RebuildMetadata(model);
-    }
-
-    protected override void UnsafeCleanup()
-    {
-        base.UnsafeCleanup();
-
-        if (_isSubscribed && _observableDetails is not null)
+        var meta = model.Metadata;
+        if (meta is not null)
         {
-            _observableDetails.PropChanged -= Model_PropChanged;
-            _observableDetails = null;
-            _isSubscribed = false;
+            foreach (var element in meta)
+            {
+                DetailsElementViewModel? vm = element.Data switch
+                {
+                    IDetailsSeparator => new DetailsSeparatorViewModel(element, this.PageContext),
+                    IDetailsLink => new DetailsLinkViewModel(element, this.PageContext),
+                    IDetailsCommands => new DetailsCommandsViewModel(element, this.PageContext),
+                    IDetailsTags => new DetailsTagsViewModel(element, this.PageContext),
+                    _ => null,
+                };
+                if (vm is not null)
+                {
+                    vm.InitializeProperties();
+                    Metadata.Add(vm);
+                }
+            }
         }
     }
 }

src/modules/cmdpal/Microsoft.CmdPal.UI.ViewModels/Dock/DockViewModel.cs

@@ -83,11 +83,6 @@ public sealed partial class DockViewModel : IDisposable
             return;
         }
 
-        if (_settings == settings)
-        {
-            return;
-        }
-
         _settings = settings;
         SetupBands();
     }

src/modules/cmdpal/Microsoft.CmdPal.UI.ViewModels/ListItemViewModel.cs

@@ -158,13 +158,11 @@ public partial class ListItemViewModel : CommandItemViewModel
                 UpdateProperty(nameof(Type), nameof(IsInteractive));
                 break;
             case nameof(Details):
-                var existingReference = Details;
                 var extensionDetails = model.Details;
                 Details = extensionDetails is not null ? new(extensionDetails, PageContext) : null;
                 Details?.InitializeProperties();
                 UpdateProperty(nameof(Details), nameof(HasDetails));
                 UpdateShowDetailsCommand();
-                existingReference?.SafeCleanup();
                 break;
             case nameof(model.MoreCommands):
                 AddShowDetailsCommands();

src/modules/cmdpal/Microsoft.CmdPal.UI.ViewModels/Services/WinRTExtensionService.cs

@@ -541,9 +541,6 @@ public partial class WinRTExtensionService : IExtensionService, IDisposable
         {
             if (disposing)
             {
-                _catalog.PackageInstalling -= Catalog_PackageInstalling;
-                _catalog.PackageUninstalling -= Catalog_PackageUninstalling;
-                _catalog.PackageUpdating -= Catalog_PackageUpdating;
                 _getInstalledExtensionsLock.Dispose();
             }
 

src/modules/cmdpal/Microsoft.CmdPal.UI.ViewModels/Settings/DockSettings.cs

@@ -48,10 +48,7 @@ public record DockSettings
     public string? BackgroundImagePath { get; init; }
 
     // </Theme settings>
-
-    // Band lists use EquatableList backing fields so the compiler-synthesized record equality
-    // compares them by content, not by reference. See EquatableList<T> for why this matters.
-    private readonly EquatableList<DockBandSettings> _startBands = new(ImmutableList.Create(
+    private ImmutableList<DockBandSettings>? _startBands = ImmutableList.Create(
         new DockBandSettings
         {
             ProviderId = "com.microsoft.cmdpal.builtin.core",
@@ -62,23 +59,23 @@ public record DockSettings
             ProviderId = "WinGet",
             CommandId = "com.microsoft.cmdpal.winget",
             ShowTitles = false,
-        }));
+        });
 
     public ImmutableList<DockBandSettings> StartBands
     {
-        get => _startBands.List;
-        init => _startBands = new(value);
+        get => _startBands ?? ImmutableList<DockBandSettings>.Empty;
+        init => _startBands = value;
     }
 
-    private readonly EquatableList<DockBandSettings> _centerBands = new(ImmutableList<DockBandSettings>.Empty);
+    private ImmutableList<DockBandSettings>? _centerBands = ImmutableList<DockBandSettings>.Empty;
 
     public ImmutableList<DockBandSettings> CenterBands
     {
-        get => _centerBands.List;
-        init => _centerBands = new(value);
+        get => _centerBands ?? ImmutableList<DockBandSettings>.Empty;
+        init => _centerBands = value;
     }
 
-    private readonly EquatableList<DockBandSettings> _endBands = new(ImmutableList.Create(
+    private ImmutableList<DockBandSettings>? _endBands = ImmutableList.Create(
         new DockBandSettings
         {
             ProviderId = "PerformanceMonitor",
@@ -88,12 +85,12 @@ public record DockSettings
         {
             ProviderId = "com.microsoft.cmdpal.builtin.datetime",
             CommandId = "com.microsoft.cmdpal.timedate.dockBand",
-        }));
+        });
 
     public ImmutableList<DockBandSettings> EndBands
     {
-        get => _endBands.List;
-        init => _endBands = new(value);
+        get => _endBands ?? ImmutableList<DockBandSettings>.Empty;
+        init => _endBands = value;
     }
 
     public bool ShowLabels { get; init; } = true;
@@ -102,12 +99,12 @@ public record DockSettings
     /// Gets the per-monitor dock configurations. Each entry overrides global
     /// settings for a specific display. Empty by default (all monitors use global).
     /// </summary>
-    private readonly EquatableList<DockMonitorConfig> _monitorConfigs = new(ImmutableList<DockMonitorConfig>.Empty);
+    private ImmutableList<DockMonitorConfig>? _monitorConfigs = ImmutableList<DockMonitorConfig>.Empty;
 
     public ImmutableList<DockMonitorConfig> MonitorConfigs
     {
-        get => _monitorConfigs.List;
-        init => _monitorConfigs = new(value);
+        get => _monitorConfigs ?? ImmutableList<DockMonitorConfig>.Empty;
+        init => _monitorConfigs = value ?? ImmutableList<DockMonitorConfig>.Empty;
     }
 
     /// <summary>
@@ -195,41 +192,20 @@ public sealed record DockMonitorConfig
     /// </summary>
     public bool IsCustomized { get; init; }
 
-    // Nullable EquatableList backing fields give the synthesized record equality structural
-    // comparison of the per-monitor bands while preserving null ("inherit global") vs. an
-    // explicit (possibly empty) list. See EquatableList<T>.
-    private readonly EquatableList<DockBandSettings>? _startBands;
-
     /// <summary>
     /// Gets the per-monitor start bands. Only used when <see cref="IsCustomized"/> is <c>true</c>.
     /// </summary>
-    public ImmutableList<DockBandSettings>? StartBands
-    {
-        get => _startBands?.List;
-        init => _startBands = value is null ? null : new EquatableList<DockBandSettings>(value);
-    }
-
-    private readonly EquatableList<DockBandSettings>? _centerBands;
+    public ImmutableList<DockBandSettings>? StartBands { get; init; }
 
     /// <summary>
     /// Gets the per-monitor center bands. Only used when <see cref="IsCustomized"/> is <c>true</c>.
     /// </summary>
-    public ImmutableList<DockBandSettings>? CenterBands
-    {
-        get => _centerBands?.List;
-        init => _centerBands = value is null ? null : new EquatableList<DockBandSettings>(value);
-    }
-
-    private readonly EquatableList<DockBandSettings>? _endBands;
+    public ImmutableList<DockBandSettings>? CenterBands { get; init; }
 
     /// <summary>
     /// Gets the per-monitor end bands. Only used when <see cref="IsCustomized"/> is <c>true</c>.
     /// </summary>
-    public ImmutableList<DockBandSettings>? EndBands
-    {
-        get => _endBands?.List;
-        init => _endBands = value is null ? null : new EquatableList<DockBandSettings>(value);
-    }
+    public ImmutableList<DockBandSettings>? EndBands { get; init; }
 
     /// <summary>
     /// Gets the UTC timestamp when this monitor was last seen connected. Used for

src/modules/cmdpal/Microsoft.CmdPal.UI.ViewModels/Settings/EquatableList`1.cs

@@ -1,70 +0,0 @@
-// Copyright (c) Microsoft Corporation
-// The Microsoft Corporation licenses this file to you under the MIT license.
-// See the LICENSE file in the project root for more information.
-
-using System.Collections.Immutable;
-
-namespace Microsoft.CmdPal.UI.ViewModels.Settings;
-
-/// <summary>
-/// A thin wrapper around <see cref="ImmutableList{T}"/> that provides <em>structural</em>
-/// (element-by-element) equality. <see cref="ImmutableList{T}"/> itself only implements
-/// reference equality, which means a record holding one compares unequal to an otherwise
-/// identical record whenever the list was rebuilt into a fresh instance (e.g. after loading
-/// settings from disk).
-/// </summary>
-/// <remarks>
-/// Used as the <em>backing field</em> type for record list properties (the public properties
-/// still expose <see cref="ImmutableList{T}"/>). Because the compiler-synthesized record
-/// equality compares backing fields, swapping the field type here makes that synthesized
-/// equality structural — with no hand-written <c>Equals</c> to keep in sync as new properties
-/// are added.
-/// </remarks>
-internal readonly struct EquatableList<T> : IEquatable<EquatableList<T>>
-{
-    private readonly ImmutableList<T>? _list;
-
-    public EquatableList(ImmutableList<T>? list) => _list = list;
-
-    public ImmutableList<T> List => _list ?? ImmutableList<T>.Empty;
-
-    public bool Equals(EquatableList<T> other)
-    {
-        var a = List;
-        var b = other.List;
-
-        if (ReferenceEquals(a, b))
-        {
-            return true;
-        }
-
-        if (a.Count != b.Count)
-        {
-            return false;
-        }
-
-        var comparer = EqualityComparer<T>.Default;
-        for (var i = 0; i < a.Count; i++)
-        {
-            if (!comparer.Equals(a[i], b[i]))
-            {
-                return false;
-            }
-        }
-
-        return true;
-    }
-
-    public override bool Equals(object? obj) => obj is EquatableList<T> other && Equals(other);
-
-    public override int GetHashCode()
-    {
-        var hash = default(HashCode);
-        foreach (var item in List)
-        {
-            hash.Add(item);
-        }
-
-        return hash.ToHashCode();
-    }
-}

src/modules/cmdpal/Microsoft.CmdPal.UI.ViewModels/SettingsModel.cs

@@ -11,10 +11,6 @@ namespace Microsoft.CmdPal.UI.ViewModels;
 
 public record SettingsModel
 {
-    // LOAD BEARNING: Some SettingsChanged subscribers react selectively (e.g.
-    // MainWindow.MainWindowSettingsComparer, DockWindowManager.OnSettingsChanged). If a new
-    // setting needs a live reaction, add it there too - otherwise it won't take effect.
-
     ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
     // SETTINGS HERE
     public static HotkeySettings DefaultActivationShortcut { get; } = new HotkeySettings(true, false, true, false, 0x20); // win+alt+space

src/modules/cmdpal/Microsoft.CmdPal.UI.ViewModels/ShellViewModel.cs

@@ -55,18 +55,6 @@ public partial class ShellViewModel : ObservableObject,
                 oldValue.PropertyChanged -= CurrentPage_PropertyChanged;
                 value.PropertyChanged += CurrentPage_PropertyChanged;
 
-                // Re-evaluate search-box visibility for the page we're switching to.
-                // CurrentPage_PropertyChanged only reacts to a *change* of HasSearchBox, so
-                // switching to a page whose HasSearchBox already holds its final value (e.g.
-                // navigating back to a list from a ContentPage) would otherwise never restore
-                // the search box. Only force it visible here; hiding it on content pages is
-                // deliberately deferred (see ShellPage.FocusAfterLoaded) so focus doesn't jump
-                // around for screen readers.
-                if (value.HasSearchBox)
-                {
-                    IsSearchBoxVisible = true;
-                }
-
                 if (oldValue is IDisposable disposable)
                 {
                     try

src/modules/cmdpal/Microsoft.CmdPal.UI/Controls/BlurImageControl.cs

@@ -94,7 +94,6 @@ internal sealed partial class BlurImageControl : Control
     private SpriteVisual? _effectVisual;
     private CompositionEffectBrush? _effectBrush;
     private CompositionSurfaceBrush? _imageBrush;
-    private LoadedImageSurface? _lastLoadedSurface;
 
     public BlurImageControl()
     {
@@ -380,20 +379,10 @@ internal sealed partial class BlurImageControl : Control
             }
 
             Logger.LogDebug($"Starting load of BlurImageControl from '{bitmapImage.UriSource}'");
-
-            // Each call to LoadImageAsync creates a new LoadedImageSurface backed by native
-            // composition resources. The old surface becomes unrooted once the brush points at
-            // the new one, so it isn't leaked, but dispose it explicitly so the unmanaged
-            // resources are released deterministically instead of waiting for finalization.
-            var previousSurface = _lastLoadedSurface;
-
             var loadedSurface = LoadedImageSurface.StartLoadFromUri(bitmapImage.UriSource);
-            _lastLoadedSurface = loadedSurface;
             loadedSurface.LoadCompleted += OnLoadedSurfaceOnLoadCompleted;
             SetLoadedSurfaceToBrush(loadedSurface);
             _effectBrush?.SetSourceParameter(ImageSourceParameterName, _imageBrush);
-
-            previousSurface?.Dispose();
         }
         catch (Exception ex)
         {

src/modules/cmdpal/Microsoft.CmdPal.UI/Controls/CmdPalMainControl.xaml.cs

@@ -126,16 +126,6 @@ public sealed partial class CmdPalMainControl : UserControl
         return CardBorder.ActualHeight;
     }
 
-    /// <summary>
-    /// When <paramref name="stretch"/> is <see langword="true"/>, the card stretches to fill
-    /// the entire window vertically (non-compact mode). When <see langword="false"/>, the card
-    /// sizes itself to its content and anchors to the top of the window (compact mode).
-    /// </summary>
-    public void SetCardStretch(bool stretch)
-    {
-        CardBorder.VerticalAlignment = stretch ? VerticalAlignment.Stretch : VerticalAlignment.Top;
-    }
-
     /// <summary>
     /// Forwards the host window's activation state to the current backdrop so the system can
     /// render its active / inactive appearance correctly.

src/modules/cmdpal/Microsoft.CmdPal.UI/Controls/ContentFormControl.xaml.cs

@@ -8,9 +8,7 @@ using Microsoft.CmdPal.UI.ViewModels;
 using Microsoft.UI.Xaml;
 using Microsoft.UI.Xaml.Automation;
 using Microsoft.UI.Xaml.Controls;
-using Microsoft.UI.Xaml.Input;
 using Microsoft.UI.Xaml.Media;
-using Windows.System;
 
 namespace Microsoft.CmdPal.UI.Controls;
 
@@ -24,7 +22,6 @@ public sealed partial class ContentFormControl : UserControl
     // tree. If this gets GC'ed, then it'll revoke our Action handler, and the
     // form will do seemingly nothing.
     private RenderedAdaptiveCard? _renderedCard;
-    private AdaptiveCard? _adaptiveCard;
 
     public ContentFormViewModel? ViewModel { get => _viewModel; set => AttachViewModel(value); }
 
@@ -98,11 +95,9 @@ public sealed partial class ContentFormControl : UserControl
     private void DisplayCard(AdaptiveCardParseResult result)
     {
         _renderedCard = _renderer.RenderAdaptiveCard(result.AdaptiveCard);
-        _adaptiveCard = result.AdaptiveCard;
         ContentGrid.Children.Clear();
         if (_renderedCard.FrameworkElement is not null)
         {
-            _renderedCard.FrameworkElement.KeyDown += OnFormKeyDown;
             ContentGrid.Children.Add(_renderedCard.FrameworkElement);
 
             // Use the Loaded event to ensure we focus after the card is in the visual tree
@@ -119,9 +114,8 @@ public sealed partial class ContentFormControl : UserControl
 
     private void OnFrameworkElementLayoutUpdated(object? sender, object e)
     {
-        // Only fix once — unhook from sender (not _renderedCard, which may have been
-        // reassigned by the time this fires).
-        if (sender is FrameworkElement element)
+        // Only fix once — unhook after first layout pass
+        if (_renderedCard?.FrameworkElement is FrameworkElement element)
         {
             element.LayoutUpdated -= OnFrameworkElementLayoutUpdated;
             FixToggleAccessibilityNames(element);
@@ -282,50 +276,6 @@ public sealed partial class ContentFormControl : UserControl
         return null;
     }
 
-    private void OnFormKeyDown(object sender, KeyRoutedEventArgs e)
-    {
-        // Snapshot the fields so a subsequent DisplayCard call can't swap the
-        // rendered/parsed card out from under us mid-method. This keeps the
-        // resolved submit action and the gathered inputs from the same card.
-        var renderedCard = _renderedCard;
-        var adaptiveCard = _adaptiveCard;
-
-        if (e.Key != VirtualKey.Enter || renderedCard == null || adaptiveCard == null)
-        {
-            return;
-        }
-
-        // Only submit when Enter is pressed inside a single-line TextBox
-        if (e.OriginalSource is TextBox textBox && !textBox.AcceptsReturn)
-        {
-            // Find the first Submit or Execute action on the card
-            IAdaptiveActionElement? submitAction = null;
-            foreach (var action in adaptiveCard.Actions)
-            {
-                if (action is AdaptiveSubmitAction or AdaptiveExecuteAction)
-                {
-                    submitAction = action;
-                    break;
-                }
-            }
-
-            if (submitAction != null)
-            {
-                e.Handled = true;
-
-                // Validate (and gather) the inputs before submitting. AsJson() only
-                // returns the values cached by a successful ValidateInputs() call, so
-                // skipping this would submit an empty payload. This mirrors what the
-                // renderer does internally when a submit button is clicked.
-                var inputs = renderedCard.UserInputs;
-                if (inputs.ValidateInputs(submitAction))
-                {
-                    ViewModel?.HandleSubmit(submitAction, inputs.AsJson());
-                }
-            }
-        }
-    }
-
     private void Rendered_Action(RenderedAdaptiveCard sender, AdaptiveActionEventArgs args) =>
         ViewModel?.HandleSubmit(args.Action, args.Inputs.AsJson());
 }

src/modules/cmdpal/Microsoft.CmdPal.UI/Controls/SearchBar.xaml.cs

@@ -27,6 +27,7 @@ namespace Microsoft.CmdPal.UI.Controls;
 public sealed partial class SearchBar : UserControl,
     INotifyPropertyChanged,
     IRecipient<GoHomeMessage>,
+    IRecipient<FocusSearchBoxMessage>,
     IRecipient<UpdateSuggestionMessage>,
     IRecipient<FocusParamMessage>,
     ICurrentPageAware
@@ -71,8 +72,6 @@ public sealed partial class SearchBar : UserControl,
 
     public event PropertyChangedEventHandler? PropertyChanged;
 
-    public event EventHandler? ActiveFocusTargetChanged;
-
     private static void OnCurrentPageViewModelChanged(DependencyObject d, DependencyPropertyChangedEventArgs e)
     {
         //// TODO: If the Debounce timer hasn't fired, we may want to store the current Filter in the OldValue/prior VM, but we don't want that to go actually do work...
@@ -103,9 +102,8 @@ public sealed partial class SearchBar : UserControl,
         @this?.PropertyChanged?.Invoke(@this, new(nameof(PageType)));
         @this?.PropertyChanged?.Invoke(@this, new(nameof(Parameters)));
 
-        // Let the shell decide if it's safe to restore focus after the
-        // SwitchPresenter swaps to a different top-bar input.
-        @this?.ActiveFocusTargetChanged?.Invoke(@this, EventArgs.Empty);
+        // Attempt to focus us again, once we evaluate what input is visible
+        @this?.Focus();
     }
 
     public string PageType => CurrentPageViewModel switch
@@ -122,6 +120,7 @@ public sealed partial class SearchBar : UserControl,
     {
         this.InitializeComponent();
         WeakReferenceMessenger.Default.Register<GoHomeMessage>(this);
+        WeakReferenceMessenger.Default.Register<FocusSearchBoxMessage>(this);
         WeakReferenceMessenger.Default.Register<UpdateSuggestionMessage>(this);
         WeakReferenceMessenger.Default.Register<FocusParamMessage>(this);
     }
@@ -498,13 +497,9 @@ public sealed partial class SearchBar : UserControl,
         }
     }
 
-    /// <summary>
-    /// Moves focus to the inner search text box using <see cref="FocusState.Keyboard"/>, which
-    /// (unlike a programmatic <c>Focus</c> on the control) lets the screen reader announce the
-    /// box and its placeholder. Used for summon and post-navigation focus alike so both paths
-    /// are announced consistently.
-    /// </summary>
-    internal void FocusActiveControl()
+    public void Receive(FocusSearchBoxMessage message) => Focus();
+
+    private void Focus()
     {
         this.DispatcherQueue.TryEnqueue(DispatcherQueuePriority.Low, () =>
         {

src/modules/cmdpal/Microsoft.CmdPal.UI/Dock/DockWindow.xaml.cs

@@ -219,11 +219,6 @@ public sealed partial class DockWindow : WindowEx,
             return;
         }
 
-        if (_settings == args.DockSettings)
-        {
-            return;
-        }
-
         _settings = args.DockSettings;
         RefreshSideOverride();
         DispatcherQueue.TryEnqueue(UpdateSettingsOnUiThread);

src/modules/cmdpal/Microsoft.CmdPal.UI/Dock/DockWindowManager.cs

@@ -26,9 +26,6 @@ public sealed partial class DockWindowManager : IDisposable
     private bool _disposed;
     private int _syncing;
 
-    private bool? _lastSyncedEnableDock;
-    private DockSettings? _lastSyncedDockSettings;
-
     public DockWindowManager(
         IMonitorService monitorService,
         ISettingsService settingsService,
@@ -220,14 +217,6 @@ public sealed partial class DockWindowManager : IDisposable
 
     private void OnSettingsChanged(ISettingsService sender, SettingsModel args)
     {
-        if (args.EnableDock == _lastSyncedEnableDock && args.DockSettings == _lastSyncedDockSettings)
-        {
-            return;
-        }
-
-        _lastSyncedEnableDock = args.EnableDock;
-        _lastSyncedDockSettings = args.DockSettings;
-
         _dispatcherQueue.TryEnqueue(() =>
         {
             if (!_disposed)

src/modules/cmdpal/Microsoft.CmdPal.UI/MainWindow.xaml.cs

@@ -2,7 +2,6 @@
 // The Microsoft Corporation licenses this file to you under the MIT license.
 // See the LICENSE file in the project root for more information.
 
-using System.Collections.Immutable;
 using System.Diagnostics;
 using System.Runtime.InteropServices;
 using CmdPalKeyboardService;
@@ -82,11 +81,6 @@ public sealed partial class MainWindow : WindowEx,
     private bool _suppressDpiChange;
     private bool _themeServiceInitialized;
 
-    // The snapshot of settings last consumed by HotReloadSettings. Used to skip redundant
-    // hot-reloads when a SettingsChanged notification touches settings this window doesn't
-    // care about (theme, provider config, aliases, and so on).
-    private SettingsModel? _lastAppliedSettings;
-
     // Session tracking for telemetry
     private Stopwatch? _sessionStopwatch;
     private int _sessionCommandsExecuted;
@@ -119,8 +113,6 @@ public sealed partial class MainWindow : WindowEx,
 
     public bool IsVisibleToUser { get; private set; } = true;
 
-    public event EventHandler? IsVisibleToUserChanged;
-
     public MainWindow()
     {
         InitializeComponent();
@@ -200,7 +192,7 @@ public sealed partial class MainWindow : WindowEx,
         App.Current.Services.GetRequiredService<ISettingsService>().SettingsChanged += SettingsChangedHandler;
 
         // Make sure that we update the acrylic theme when the OS theme changes
-        RootElement.ActualThemeChanged += RootElement_ActualThemeChanged;
+        RootElement.ActualThemeChanged += (s, e) => DispatcherQueue.TryEnqueue(UpdateBackdrop);
 
         // Hardcoding event name to avoid bringing in the PowerToys.interop dependency. Event name must match CMDPAL_SHOW_EVENT from shared_constants.h
         NativeEventWaiter.WaitForEventLoop("Local\\PowerToysCmdPal-ShowEvent-62336fcd-8611-4023-9b30-091a6af4cc5a", () =>
@@ -230,11 +222,6 @@ public sealed partial class MainWindow : WindowEx,
         UpdateBackdrop();
     }
 
-    private void RootElement_ActualThemeChanged(FrameworkElement sender, object args)
-    {
-        DispatcherQueue.TryEnqueue(UpdateBackdrop);
-    }
-
     private static void LocalKeyboardListener_OnKeyPressed(object? sender, LocalKeyboardListenerKeyPressedEventArgs e)
     {
         if (e.Key == VirtualKey.GoBack)
@@ -245,14 +232,6 @@ public sealed partial class MainWindow : WindowEx,
 
     private void SettingsChangedHandler(ISettingsService sender, SettingsModel args)
     {
-        // Only rebuild window state when a setting HotReloadSettings actually consumes has
-        // changed. Most SettingsChanged notifications (theme, provider config, aliases, ...)
-        // don't affect the host window, so hot-reloading on every one is wasteful.
-        if (MainWindowSettingsComparer.Instance.Equals(_lastAppliedSettings, args))
-        {
-            return;
-        }
-
         DispatcherQueue.TryEnqueue(HotReloadSettings);
     }
 
@@ -478,11 +457,7 @@ public sealed partial class MainWindow : WindowEx,
 
     private void HotReloadSettings()
     {
-        // NOTE: SettingsChangedHandler skips this method when nothing relevant changed, using
-        // MainWindowSettingsComparer. When you start consuming a new setting below, add it to
-        // that comparer too — otherwise changes to it won't trigger a hot-reload.
         var settings = App.Current.Services.GetRequiredService<ISettingsService>().Settings;
-        _lastAppliedSettings = settings;
 
         SetupHotkey(settings);
         App.Current.Services.GetService<TrayIconService>()!.SetupTrayIcon(settings.ShowSystemTrayIcon);
@@ -507,87 +482,6 @@ public sealed partial class MainWindow : WindowEx,
     private static bool ShouldShowHwndFrame(SettingsModel settings) =>
         !BuildInfo.IsCiBuild && settings.ShowHwndFrame;
 
-    /// <summary>
-    /// Compares two <see cref="SettingsModel"/> instances by only the settings that
-    /// <see cref="HotReloadSettings"/> (and the methods it calls) actually consume. Any change
-    /// to a setting outside this set is invisible to the host window, so treating such models
-    /// as equal lets <see cref="SettingsChangedHandler"/> skip a redundant hot-reload.
-    /// </summary>
-    /// <remarks>
-    /// Keep this in sync with the settings read by <see cref="HotReloadSettings"/>,
-    /// <see cref="SetupHotkey"/>, <see cref="ShouldShowHwndFrame"/>, and
-    /// <see cref="HandleExpandCompactOnUiThread"/>.
-    /// </remarks>
-    private sealed class MainWindowSettingsComparer : IEqualityComparer<SettingsModel>
-    {
-        public static MainWindowSettingsComparer Instance { get; } = new();
-
-        public bool Equals(SettingsModel? x, SettingsModel? y)
-        {
-            if (ReferenceEquals(x, y))
-            {
-                return true;
-            }
-
-            if (x is null || y is null)
-            {
-                return false;
-            }
-
-            return x.UseLowLevelGlobalHotkey == y.UseLowLevelGlobalHotkey
-                && x.ShowSystemTrayIcon == y.ShowSystemTrayIcon
-                && x.IgnoreShortcutWhenFullscreen == y.IgnoreShortcutWhenFullscreen
-                && x.IgnoreShortcutWhenBusy == y.IgnoreShortcutWhenBusy
-                && x.AllowBreakthroughShortcut == y.AllowBreakthroughShortcut
-                && x.AutoGoHomeInterval == y.AutoGoHomeInterval
-                && x.ShowHwndFrame == y.ShowHwndFrame
-                && x.CompactMode == y.CompactMode
-                && x.Hotkey == y.Hotkey // HotkeySettings is a record (value equality)
-                && CommandHotkeysEqual(x.CommandHotkeys, y.CommandHotkeys);
-        }
-
-        // TopLevelHotkey is a record (value equality); compare element-wise. ImmutableList
-        // itself only implements reference equality, so we can't rely on ==.
-        private static bool CommandHotkeysEqual(ImmutableList<TopLevelHotkey> x, ImmutableList<TopLevelHotkey> y)
-        {
-            if (ReferenceEquals(x, y))
-            {
-                return true;
-            }
-
-            if (x.Count != y.Count)
-            {
-                return false;
-            }
-
-            for (var i = 0; i < x.Count; i++)
-            {
-                if (x[i] != y[i])
-                {
-                    return false;
-                }
-            }
-
-            return true;
-        }
-
-        public int GetHashCode(SettingsModel obj)
-        {
-            var hash = default(HashCode);
-            hash.Add(obj.UseLowLevelGlobalHotkey);
-            hash.Add(obj.ShowSystemTrayIcon);
-            hash.Add(obj.IgnoreShortcutWhenFullscreen);
-            hash.Add(obj.IgnoreShortcutWhenBusy);
-            hash.Add(obj.AllowBreakthroughShortcut);
-            hash.Add(obj.AutoGoHomeInterval);
-            hash.Add(obj.ShowHwndFrame);
-            hash.Add(obj.CompactMode);
-            hash.Add(obj.Hotkey);
-            hash.Add(obj.CommandHotkeys.Count);
-            return hash.ToHashCode();
-        }
-    }
-
     /// <summary>
     /// Configures the HWND for the borderless / transparent main-window mode and (when
     /// the internal debug toggle is enabled) overlays the OS-drawn chrome so the HWND's
@@ -832,10 +726,6 @@ public sealed partial class MainWindow : WindowEx,
         // forces the NC repaint every time we show, so the frame is gone from
         // the very first summon.
         PInvoke.SetWindowPos(hwnd, HWND.HWND_TOPMOST, 0, 0, 0, 0, SET_WINDOW_POS_FLAGS.SWP_NOMOVE | SET_WINDOW_POS_FLAGS.SWP_NOSIZE | SET_WINDOW_POS_FLAGS.SWP_FRAMECHANGED);
-
-        // Treat the overall show/hide lifecycle as the authoritative
-        // visibility transition, not the lower-level cloak/uncloak helpers.
-        SetIsVisibleToUser(true);
     }
 
     private static DisplayArea GetScreen(HWND currentHwnd, MonitorBehavior target)
@@ -1020,10 +910,6 @@ public sealed partial class MainWindow : WindowEx,
             // Sure, it's not ideal, but at least it's not visible.
         }
 
-        // Treat the overall show/hide lifecycle as the authoritative
-        // visibility transition, not the lower-level cloak/uncloak helpers.
-        SetIsVisibleToUser(false);
-
         WeakReferenceMessenger.Default.Send(new WindowHiddenMessage());
 
         // Start auto-go-home timer
@@ -1057,6 +943,10 @@ public sealed partial class MainWindow : WindowEx,
             {
                 Logger.LogWarning($"DWM cloaking of the main window failed. HRESULT: {hr.Value}.");
             }
+            else
+            {
+                IsVisibleToUser = false;
+            }
 
             wasCloaked = hr.Succeeded;
         }
@@ -1070,20 +960,10 @@ public sealed partial class MainWindow : WindowEx,
         {
             BOOL value = false;
             PInvoke.DwmSetWindowAttribute(_hwnd, DWMWINDOWATTRIBUTE.DWMWA_CLOAK, &value, (uint)sizeof(BOOL));
+            IsVisibleToUser = true;
         }
     }
 
-    private void SetIsVisibleToUser(bool isVisibleToUser)
-    {
-        if (IsVisibleToUser == isVisibleToUser)
-        {
-            return;
-        }
-
-        IsVisibleToUser = isVisibleToUser;
-        IsVisibleToUserChanged?.Invoke(this, EventArgs.Empty);
-    }
-
     internal void MainWindow_Closed(object sender, WindowEventArgs args)
     {
         var serviceProvider = App.Current.Services;
@@ -1617,7 +1497,6 @@ public sealed partial class MainWindow : WindowEx,
                 // but that's the price to pay for having the HWND not light-dismiss while we're debugging.
                 Cloak();
                 this.Hide();
-                SetIsVisibleToUser(false);
                 WeakReferenceMessenger.Default.Send(new WindowHiddenMessage());
 
                 return;
@@ -1804,9 +1683,6 @@ public sealed partial class MainWindow : WindowEx,
 
     public void Dispose()
     {
-        _themeService.ThemeChanged -= ThemeServiceOnThemeChanged;
-        App.Current.Services.GetRequiredService<ISettingsService>().SettingsChanged -= SettingsChangedHandler;
-
         _localKeyboardListener.Dispose();
         _windowThemeSynchronizer.Dispose();
         DisposeAcrylic();
@@ -1875,26 +1751,17 @@ public sealed partial class MainWindow : WindowEx,
     {
         var settings = App.Current.Services.GetRequiredService<ISettingsService>().Settings;
 
-        if (!settings.CompactMode)
+        // Only the compact + centered configuration needs a screen-fit clamp. There the card
+        // is anchored near the vertical center of the display, so an expanded list could run
+        // off the bottom edge; cap its height so it always fits. In every other case the card
+        // is free to fill the (fixed-size) HWND as before.
+        if (expanded && settings.CompactMode && IsCenteringSummon(settings))
         {
-            // When compact mode is off the card is always static and fills the entire window,
-            // regardless of how much content is currently displayed.
-            RootElement.SetCardStretch(true);
-            RootElement.SetCardMaxHeight(double.PositiveInfinity);
+            RootElement.SetCardMaxHeight(ComputeExpandedCardMaxHeightDip());
         }
         else
         {
-            // In compact mode the card sizes itself to its content and anchors to the top.
-            RootElement.SetCardStretch(false);
-
-            // Only the compact + centered configuration needs a screen-fit clamp. There the card
-            // is anchored near the vertical center of the display, so an expanded list could run
-            // off the bottom edge; cap its height so it always fits. In every other case the card
-            // is free to fill the (fixed-size) HWND as before.
-            var cardMaxHeight = expanded && IsCenteringSummon(settings)
-                ? ComputeExpandedCardMaxHeightDip()
-                : double.PositiveInfinity;
-            RootElement.SetCardMaxHeight(cardMaxHeight);
+            RootElement.SetCardMaxHeight(double.PositiveInfinity);
         }
     }
 

src/modules/cmdpal/Microsoft.CmdPal.UI/Pages/ShellPage.xaml

@@ -353,7 +353,6 @@
                     <cpcontrols:SearchBar
                         x:Name="SearchBox"
                         HorizontalAlignment="Stretch"
-                        ActiveFocusTargetChanged="SearchBox_ActiveFocusTargetChanged"
                         CurrentPageViewModel="{x:Bind ViewModel.CurrentPage, Mode=OneWay}" />
                     <Grid.Transitions>
                         <TransitionCollection>
@@ -602,4 +601,4 @@
             </VisualStateGroup>
         </VisualStateManager.VisualStateGroups>
     </Grid>
-</Page>
+</Page>

src/modules/cmdpal/Microsoft.CmdPal.UI/Pages/ShellPage.xaml.cs

@@ -38,7 +38,6 @@ public sealed partial class ShellPage : Microsoft.UI.Xaml.Controls.Page,
     IRecipient<NavigateBackMessage>,
     IRecipient<OpenSettingsMessage>,
     IRecipient<HotkeySummonMessage>,
-    IRecipient<FocusSearchBoxMessage>,
     IRecipient<ShowDetailsMessage>,
     IRecipient<HideDetailsMessage>,
     IRecipient<ClearSearchMessage>,
@@ -68,12 +67,6 @@ public sealed partial class ShellPage : Microsoft.UI.Xaml.Controls.Page,
 
     private readonly CompositeFormat _pageNavigatedAnnouncement;
 
-    private readonly ISettingsService _settingsService;
-
-    // The last compact-mode setting we reacted to. Lets us ignore hot-reloads of unrelated
-    // settings and only re-evaluate the layout when compact mode itself changes.
-    private bool _compactMode;
-
     private SettingsWindow? _settingsWindow;
     private DockWindowManager? _dockWindowManager;
 
@@ -86,46 +79,20 @@ public sealed partial class ShellPage : Microsoft.UI.Xaml.Controls.Page,
     // select-all the character the user just typed (which triggered the expand). This
     // one-shot flag suppresses that select for the expand-driven load.
     private bool _suppressSelectOnNextLoad;
-    private bool _pendingTopBarFocusRestore;
     private bool _isDisposed;
 
     public ShellViewModel ViewModel { get; private set; } = App.Current.Services.GetService<ShellViewModel>()!;
 
     public event PropertyChangedEventHandler? PropertyChanged;
 
-    private IHostWindow? _hostWindow;
-
-    public IHostWindow? HostWindow
-    {
-        get => _hostWindow;
-        set
-        {
-            if (ReferenceEquals(_hostWindow, value))
-            {
-                return;
-            }
-
-            if (_hostWindow is not null)
-            {
-                _hostWindow.IsVisibleToUserChanged -= HostWindow_IsVisibleToUserChanged;
-            }
-
-            _hostWindow = value;
-
-            if (_hostWindow is not null)
-            {
-                _hostWindow.IsVisibleToUserChanged += HostWindow_IsVisibleToUserChanged;
-            }
-        }
-    }
+    public IHostWindow? HostWindow { get; set; }
 
     public bool ExpandedMode { get; set; }
 
     public ShellPage()
     {
-        _settingsService = App.Current.Services.GetRequiredService<ISettingsService>();
-        _compactMode = _settingsService.Settings.CompactMode;
-        this.ExpandedMode = !_compactMode;
+        var settings = App.Current.Services.GetRequiredService<ISettingsService>().Settings;
+        this.ExpandedMode = !settings.CompactMode;
 
         this.InitializeComponent();
 
@@ -133,7 +100,6 @@ public sealed partial class ShellPage : Microsoft.UI.Xaml.Controls.Page,
         WeakReferenceMessenger.Default.Register<NavigateBackMessage>(this);
         WeakReferenceMessenger.Default.Register<OpenSettingsMessage>(this);
         WeakReferenceMessenger.Default.Register<HotkeySummonMessage>(this);
-        WeakReferenceMessenger.Default.Register<FocusSearchBoxMessage>(this);
         WeakReferenceMessenger.Default.Register<SettingsWindowClosedMessage>(this);
 
         WeakReferenceMessenger.Default.Register<ShowDetailsMessage>(this);
@@ -153,11 +119,6 @@ public sealed partial class ShellPage : Microsoft.UI.Xaml.Controls.Page,
 
         WeakReferenceMessenger.Default.Register<ExpandCompactModeMessage>(this);
 
-        // The compact-mode setting can be toggled while the palette is open. React to the
-        // hot-reload so the expanded/collapsed layout updates immediately instead of waiting
-        // for the next navigation or search-text change.
-        _settingsService.SettingsChanged += OnSettingsChanged;
-
         AddHandler(PreviewKeyDownEvent, new KeyEventHandler(ShellPage_OnPreviewKeyDown), true);
         AddHandler(KeyDownEvent, new KeyEventHandler(ShellPage_OnKeyDown), false);
         AddHandler(PointerPressedEvent, new PointerEventHandler(ShellPage_OnPointerPressed), true);
@@ -469,8 +430,6 @@ public sealed partial class ShellPage : Microsoft.UI.Xaml.Controls.Page,
 
     public void Receive(ClearSearchMessage message) => SearchBox.ClearSearch();
 
-    public void Receive(FocusSearchBoxMessage message) => RequestTopBarFocusRestore();
-
     public void Receive(HotkeySummonMessage message) => _ = DispatcherQueue.TryEnqueue(() => SummonOnUiThread(message));
 
     public void Receive(SettingsWindowClosedMessage message) => _settingsWindow = null;
@@ -584,12 +543,9 @@ public sealed partial class ShellPage : Microsoft.UI.Xaml.Controls.Page,
             ViewModel.GoHome(withAnimation, focusSearch);
         }
 
-        // Only move focus when the palette is actually on screen. FocusActiveControl uses keyboard
-        // focus so the screen reader announces the box; doing that while the window is hidden
-        // would announce it prematurely.
-        if (focusSearch && HostWindow?.IsVisibleToUser == true)
+        if (focusSearch)
         {
-            SearchBox.FocusActiveControl();
+            SearchBox.Focus(Microsoft.UI.Xaml.FocusState.Programmatic);
             SearchBox.SelectSearch();
         }
     }
@@ -604,11 +560,10 @@ public sealed partial class ShellPage : Microsoft.UI.Xaml.Controls.Page,
             GoBack(withAnimation, focusSearch: false);
         }
 
-        // focus search box, even if we were already home (but only when the palette is on
-        // screen - see GoBack; keyboard focus while hidden announces prematurely).
-        if (focusSearch && HostWindow?.IsVisibleToUser == true)
+        // focus search box, even if we were already home
+        if (focusSearch)
         {
-            SearchBox.FocusActiveControl();
+            SearchBox.Focus(Microsoft.UI.Xaml.FocusState.Programmatic);
             SearchBox.SelectSearch();
         }
     }
@@ -655,40 +610,6 @@ public sealed partial class ShellPage : Microsoft.UI.Xaml.Controls.Page,
         }
     }
 
-    private void SearchBox_ActiveFocusTargetChanged(object? sender, EventArgs e)
-    {
-        RequestTopBarFocusRestore();
-    }
-
-    private void HostWindow_IsVisibleToUserChanged(object? sender, EventArgs e)
-    {
-        if (HostWindow?.IsVisibleToUser == true &&
-            _pendingTopBarFocusRestore &&
-            ViewModel.CurrentPage?.HasSearchBox == true)
-        {
-            _pendingTopBarFocusRestore = false;
-            SearchBox.FocusActiveControl();
-        }
-    }
-
-    private void RequestTopBarFocusRestore()
-    {
-        if (ViewModel.CurrentPage?.HasSearchBox != true)
-        {
-            _pendingTopBarFocusRestore = false;
-            return;
-        }
-
-        if (HostWindow?.IsVisibleToUser == true)
-        {
-            _pendingTopBarFocusRestore = false;
-            SearchBox.FocusActiveControl();
-            return;
-        }
-
-        _pendingTopBarFocusRestore = true;
-    }
-
     private void BackButton_Clicked(object sender, Microsoft.UI.Xaml.RoutedEventArgs e) => WeakReferenceMessenger.Default.Send<NavigateBackMessage>(new());
 
     private void RootFrame_Navigated(object sender, Microsoft.UI.Xaml.Navigation.NavigationEventArgs e)
@@ -753,11 +674,6 @@ public sealed partial class ShellPage : Microsoft.UI.Xaml.Controls.Page,
         var settings = App.Current.Services.GetRequiredService<ISettingsService>().Settings;
         if (!settings.CompactMode)
         {
-            // Compact mode is off: the shell always shows the full expanded UI. Set it
-            // explicitly (rather than trusting the constructor's initial value) so toggling
-            // the setting off at runtime restores the list and command bar when the palette
-            // was collapsed.
-            HandleExpandCompactOnUiThread(true);
             return;
         }
 
@@ -817,7 +733,7 @@ public sealed partial class ShellPage : Microsoft.UI.Xaml.Controls.Page,
                 return;
             }
 
-            SearchBox.FocusActiveControl();
+            SearchBox.Focus(FocusState.Programmatic);
             SearchBox.SelectSearch();
         }
         else
@@ -1020,24 +936,6 @@ public sealed partial class ShellPage : Microsoft.UI.Xaml.Controls.Page,
         this.DispatcherQueue.TryEnqueue(UpdateCompactModeForCurrentPage);
     }
 
-    private void OnSettingsChanged(ISettingsService sender, SettingsModel args)
-    {
-        // Only the compact-mode setting affects the expanded/collapsed layout, so ignore
-        // hot-reloads that leave it unchanged. Comparing and updating _compactMode on the UI
-        // thread keeps it single-threaded regardless of which thread raises the event.
-        var compactMode = args.CompactMode;
-        this.DispatcherQueue.TryEnqueue(() =>
-        {
-            if (compactMode == _compactMode)
-            {
-                return;
-            }
-
-            _compactMode = compactMode;
-            UpdateCompactModeForCurrentPage();
-        });
-    }
-
     private void HandleExpandCompactOnUiThread(bool expanded)
     {
         var settings = App.Current.Services.GetRequiredService<ISettingsService>().Settings;
@@ -1081,13 +979,6 @@ public sealed partial class ShellPage : Microsoft.UI.Xaml.Controls.Page,
 
         _isDisposed = true;
         WeakReferenceMessenger.Default.UnregisterAll(this);
-        _settingsService.SettingsChanged -= OnSettingsChanged;
-
-        if (_hostWindow is not null)
-        {
-            _hostWindow.IsVisibleToUserChanged -= HostWindow_IsVisibleToUserChanged;
-            _hostWindow = null;
-        }
 
         _focusAfterLoadedCts?.Cancel();
         _focusAfterLoadedCts?.Dispose();

src/modules/cmdpal/Microsoft.CmdPal.UI/Services/IHostWindow.cs

@@ -9,11 +9,6 @@ namespace Microsoft.CmdPal.UI.Services;
 /// </summary>
 public interface IHostWindow
 {
-    /// <summary>
-    /// Raised when <see cref="IsVisibleToUser"/> changes.
-    /// </summary>
-    event EventHandler? IsVisibleToUserChanged;
-
     /// <summary>
     /// Gets a value indicating whether the window is visible to the user, taking account not only window visibility but also cloaking.
     /// </summary>

src/modules/cmdpal/Microsoft.CmdPal.UI/Settings/ExtensionsPage.xaml.cs

@@ -22,7 +22,6 @@ public sealed partial class ExtensionsPage : Page
 
     private readonly SettingsViewModel? viewModel;
     private readonly Dictionary<string, WeakReference<SettingsCard>> _vmToCardMap = new();
-    private readonly Dictionary<SettingsCard, ProviderSettingsViewModel> _cardToVmMap = new();
 
     public ExtensionsPage()
     {
@@ -32,23 +31,6 @@ public sealed partial class ExtensionsPage : Page
         var themeService = App.Current.Services.GetService<IThemeService>()!;
         var settingsService = App.Current.Services.GetRequiredService<ISettingsService>();
         viewModel = new SettingsViewModel(topLevelCommandManager, _mainTaskScheduler, themeService, settingsService);
-
-        Unloaded += ExtensionsPage_Unloaded;
-    }
-
-    private void ExtensionsPage_Unloaded(object sender, RoutedEventArgs e)
-    {
-        // ProviderSettingsViewModel subscribes to its CommandProviderWrapper (owned by the
-        // singleton TopLevelCommandManager), so a live VM roots this page through the
-        // PropertyChanged handler below. Drain any VMs still hooked when the page is torn
-        // down; SettingsCard_DataContextChanged only unhooks the ones that get recycled.
-        foreach (var vm in _cardToVmMap.Values)
-        {
-            vm.PropertyChanged -= ProviderViewModel_PropertyChanged;
-        }
-
-        _cardToVmMap.Clear();
-        _vmToCardMap.Clear();
     }
 
     private void SettingsCard_Click(object sender, RoutedEventArgs e)
@@ -64,28 +46,16 @@ public sealed partial class ExtensionsPage : Page
 
     private void SettingsCard_DataContextChanged(FrameworkElement sender, DataContextChangedEventArgs args)
     {
-        if (sender is SettingsCard card)
+        // Store the card reference keyed by Id (not the VM itself) to avoid leaking VM references
+        if (sender is SettingsCard card && card.DataContext is ProviderSettingsViewModel newVm)
         {
-            // Unsubscribe from the previous ViewModel to prevent handler accumulation
-            // when virtualization recycles items with a new DataContext.
-            if (_cardToVmMap.TryGetValue(card, out var oldVm))
-            {
-                oldVm.PropertyChanged -= ProviderViewModel_PropertyChanged;
-                _cardToVmMap.Remove(card);
-            }
+            _vmToCardMap[newVm.Id] = new WeakReference<SettingsCard>(card);
+            newVm.PropertyChanged += ProviderViewModel_PropertyChanged;
 
-            // Store the card reference keyed by Id (not the VM itself) to avoid leaking VM references
-            if (card.DataContext is ProviderSettingsViewModel newVm)
+            // Immediately update automation name in case DisplayName is already available
+            if (card.Content is ToggleSwitch toggle && !string.IsNullOrEmpty(newVm.DisplayName))
             {
-                _vmToCardMap[newVm.Id] = new WeakReference<SettingsCard>(card);
-                _cardToVmMap[card] = newVm;
-                newVm.PropertyChanged += ProviderViewModel_PropertyChanged;
-
-                // Immediately update automation name in case DisplayName is already available
-                if (card.Content is ToggleSwitch toggle && !string.IsNullOrEmpty(newVm.DisplayName))
-                {
-                    AutomationProperties.SetName(toggle, newVm.DisplayName);
-                }
+                AutomationProperties.SetName(toggle, newVm.DisplayName);
             }
         }
     }

src/modules/cmdpal/Tests/Microsoft.CmdPal.Common.UnitTests/Helpers/ShellArgumentBuilderTests.cs

@@ -1,32 +0,0 @@
-// Copyright (c) Microsoft Corporation
-// The Microsoft Corporation licenses this file to you under the MIT license.
-// See the LICENSE file in the project root for more information.
-
-using Microsoft.CmdPal.Common.Helpers;
-
-namespace Microsoft.CmdPal.Common.UnitTests.Helpers;
-
-[TestClass]
-public class ShellArgumentBuilderTests
-{
-    [DataTestMethod]
-    [DataRow("plain", "plain")]
-    [DataRow("C:\\Program Files\\PowerToys", "\"C:\\Program Files\\PowerToys\"")]
-    [DataRow("say \"hello\"", "\"say \\\"hello\\\"\"")]
-    [DataRow("", "\"\"")]
-    [DataRow("C:\\Program Files\\", "\"C:\\Program Files\\\\\"")]
-    public void BuildArguments_FormatsSingleArgument(string argument, string expected)
-    {
-        var actual = ShellArgumentBuilder.BuildArguments(argument);
-
-        Assert.AreEqual(expected, actual);
-    }
-
-    [TestMethod]
-    public void BuildArguments_FormatsMultipleArguments()
-    {
-        var actual = ShellArgumentBuilder.BuildArguments("plain", "C:\\Program Files\\PowerToys", "two words");
-
-        Assert.AreEqual("plain \"C:\\Program Files\\PowerToys\" \"two words\"", actual);
-    }
-}

src/modules/cmdpal/Tests/Microsoft.CmdPal.UI.ViewModels.UnitTests/DetailsViewModelTests.cs

@@ -1,137 +0,0 @@
-// Copyright (c) Microsoft Corporation
-// The Microsoft Corporation licenses this file to you under the MIT license.
-// See the LICENSE file in the project root for more information.
-
-using System;
-using System.Threading.Tasks;
-using Microsoft.CommandPalette.Extensions;
-using Microsoft.CommandPalette.Extensions.Toolkit;
-using Microsoft.VisualStudio.TestTools.UnitTesting;
-
-namespace Microsoft.CmdPal.UI.ViewModels.UnitTests;
-
-[TestClass]
-public partial class DetailsViewModelTests
-{
-    private sealed class TestPageContext : IPageContext
-    {
-        public TaskScheduler Scheduler => TaskScheduler.Default;
-
-        public ICommandProviderContext ProviderContext => CommandProviderContext.Empty;
-
-        public void ShowException(Exception ex, string? extensionHint = null)
-        {
-            throw new AssertFailedException($"Unexpected exception from view model: {ex}");
-        }
-    }
-
-    private static WeakReference<IPageContext> CreatePageContext()
-    {
-        var ctx = new TestPageContext();
-        return new WeakReference<IPageContext>(ctx);
-    }
-
-    [TestMethod]
-    public void InitializeProperties_SetsBodyAndTitle()
-    {
-        var details = new Details { Title = "Hello", Body = "World" };
-        var vm = new DetailsViewModel(details, CreatePageContext());
-
-        vm.InitializeProperties();
-
-        Assert.AreEqual("Hello", vm.Title);
-        Assert.AreEqual("World", vm.Body);
-    }
-
-    [TestMethod]
-    public void PropChanged_Body_UpdatesViewModelProperty()
-    {
-        var details = new Details { Title = "Initial", Body = "Initial body" };
-        var vm = new DetailsViewModel(details, CreatePageContext());
-        vm.InitializeProperties();
-
-        // Act — toolkit Details raises PropChanged synchronously on set
-        details.Body = "Updated body";
-
-        // The property value is set synchronously in FetchProperty;
-        // ApplyPendingUpdates flushes the PropertyChanged notification queue.
-        vm.ApplyPendingUpdates();
-
-        Assert.AreEqual("Updated body", vm.Body);
-    }
-
-    [TestMethod]
-    public void PropChanged_Title_UpdatesViewModelProperty()
-    {
-        var details = new Details { Title = "Original", Body = "Text" };
-        var vm = new DetailsViewModel(details, CreatePageContext());
-        vm.InitializeProperties();
-
-        details.Title = "New Title";
-        vm.ApplyPendingUpdates();
-
-        Assert.AreEqual("New Title", vm.Title);
-    }
-
-    [TestMethod]
-    public void PropChanged_Metadata_RebuildsList()
-    {
-        var details = new Details
-        {
-            Title = "T",
-            Body = "B",
-            Metadata = [],
-        };
-        var vm = new DetailsViewModel(details, CreatePageContext());
-        vm.InitializeProperties();
-        Assert.AreEqual(0, vm.Metadata.Count);
-
-        // Act — update metadata with a link element
-        details.Metadata = [new DetailsElement { Key = "link", Data = new DetailsLink("http://example.com", "Example") }];
-        vm.ApplyPendingUpdates();
-
-        Assert.AreEqual(1, vm.Metadata.Count);
-    }
-
-    [TestMethod]
-    public void Cleanup_UnsubscribesFromPropChanged()
-    {
-        var details = new Details { Title = "T", Body = "Original" };
-        var vm = new DetailsViewModel(details, CreatePageContext());
-        vm.InitializeProperties();
-
-        // Act — cleanup unsubscribes, then change should not propagate
-        vm.SafeCleanup();
-        details.Body = "After cleanup";
-
-        Assert.AreEqual("Original", vm.Body);
-    }
-
-    [TestMethod]
-    public void NonObservableDetails_DoesNotThrow()
-    {
-        // IDetails that does NOT implement INotifyPropChanged
-        var details = new NonObservableDetails();
-        var vm = new DetailsViewModel(details, CreatePageContext());
-
-        // Should not throw — just doesn't subscribe to anything
-        vm.InitializeProperties();
-
-        Assert.AreEqual("Static Title", vm.Title);
-        Assert.AreEqual("Static Body", vm.Body);
-    }
-
-    /// <summary>
-    /// A minimal IDetails that does NOT implement INotifyPropChanged.
-    /// </summary>
-    private sealed partial class NonObservableDetails : IDetails
-    {
-        public IIconInfo HeroImage => new IconInfo(string.Empty);
-
-        public string Title => "Static Title";
-
-        public string Body => "Static Body";
-
-        public IDetailsElement[] Metadata => [];
-    }
-}

src/modules/cmdpal/Tests/Microsoft.CmdPal.UI.ViewModels.UnitTests/DockSettingsEqualityTests.cs

@@ -1,98 +0,0 @@
-// Copyright (c) Microsoft Corporation
-// The Microsoft Corporation licenses this file to you under the MIT license.
-// See the LICENSE file in the project root for more information.
-
-using System.Collections.Immutable;
-using Microsoft.CmdPal.UI.ViewModels.Settings;
-using Microsoft.VisualStudio.TestTools.UnitTesting;
-
-namespace Microsoft.CmdPal.UI.ViewModels.UnitTests;
-
-/// <summary>
-/// Verifies that <see cref="DockSettings"/> (and its nested <see cref="DockMonitorConfig"/>)
-/// compare by <em>content</em> rather than by list reference. Dock consumers guard their
-/// (expensive) reloads with <c>_settings == args.DockSettings</c>, so two settings that differ
-/// only by having freshly-rebuilt band lists — e.g. after loading from disk — must compare
-/// equal, otherwise the reload fires needlessly.
-/// </summary>
-[TestClass]
-public class DockSettingsEqualityTests
-{
-    private static DockBandSettings Band(string providerId, string commandId, bool? showTitles = null) =>
-        new() { ProviderId = providerId, CommandId = commandId, ShowTitles = showTitles };
-
-    [TestMethod]
-    public void Equal_WhenBandListsHaveSameContentButDifferentInstances()
-    {
-        var a = new DockSettings
-        {
-            StartBands = ImmutableList.Create(Band("p", "home"), Band("w", "winget", showTitles: false)),
-        };
-        var b = new DockSettings
-        {
-            StartBands = ImmutableList.Create(Band("p", "home"), Band("w", "winget", showTitles: false)),
-        };
-
-        // Distinct ImmutableList instances — would be reference-unequal without EquatableList.
-        Assert.AreNotSame(a.StartBands, b.StartBands);
-        Assert.AreEqual(a, b);
-        Assert.IsTrue(a == b);
-        Assert.AreEqual(a.GetHashCode(), b.GetHashCode());
-    }
-
-    [TestMethod]
-    public void NotEqual_WhenABandDiffers()
-    {
-        var a = new DockSettings { StartBands = ImmutableList.Create(Band("p", "home")) };
-        var b = new DockSettings { StartBands = ImmutableList.Create(Band("p", "settings")) };
-
-        Assert.AreNotEqual(a, b);
-        Assert.IsTrue(a != b);
-    }
-
-    [TestMethod]
-    public void NotEqual_WhenBandOrderDiffers()
-    {
-        var a = new DockSettings { StartBands = ImmutableList.Create(Band("p", "a"), Band("p", "b")) };
-        var b = new DockSettings { StartBands = ImmutableList.Create(Band("p", "b"), Band("p", "a")) };
-
-        Assert.AreNotEqual(a, b);
-    }
-
-    [TestMethod]
-    public void Equal_WhenMonitorConfigsHaveSameContentIncludingPerMonitorBands()
-    {
-        var a = new DockSettings
-        {
-            MonitorConfigs = ImmutableList.Create(new DockMonitorConfig
-            {
-                MonitorDeviceId = @"\\.\DISPLAY1",
-                IsCustomized = true,
-                StartBands = ImmutableList.Create(Band("p", "home")),
-            }),
-        };
-        var b = new DockSettings
-        {
-            MonitorConfigs = ImmutableList.Create(new DockMonitorConfig
-            {
-                MonitorDeviceId = @"\\.\DISPLAY1",
-                IsCustomized = true,
-                StartBands = ImmutableList.Create(Band("p", "home")),
-            }),
-        };
-
-        Assert.AreEqual(a, b);
-        Assert.AreEqual(a.GetHashCode(), b.GetHashCode());
-    }
-
-    [TestMethod]
-    public void NotEqual_WhenPerMonitorBandsIsNullVersusEmpty()
-    {
-        // null means "inherit global bands"; an explicit empty list does not. The two must
-        // stay distinguishable so a monitor can't silently switch between the two meanings.
-        var inherit = new DockMonitorConfig { MonitorDeviceId = "m", StartBands = null };
-        var explicitEmpty = new DockMonitorConfig { MonitorDeviceId = "m", StartBands = ImmutableList<DockBandSettings>.Empty };
-
-        Assert.AreNotEqual(inherit, explicitEmpty);
-    }
-}

src/modules/cmdpal/Tests/Microsoft.CmdPal.UI.ViewModels.UnitTests/EquatableListTests.cs

@@ -1,105 +0,0 @@
-// Copyright (c) Microsoft Corporation
-// The Microsoft Corporation licenses this file to you under the MIT license.
-// See the LICENSE file in the project root for more information.
-
-using System.Collections.Immutable;
-using Microsoft.CmdPal.UI.ViewModels.Settings;
-using Microsoft.VisualStudio.TestTools.UnitTesting;
-
-namespace Microsoft.CmdPal.UI.ViewModels.UnitTests;
-
-/// <summary>
-/// Tests for <see cref="EquatableList{T}"/> — the value-equality wrapper used as the backing
-/// field for record list properties so record equality compares list contents, not references.
-/// </summary>
-[TestClass]
-public class EquatableListTests
-{
-    private static EquatableList<string> Of(params string[] items) =>
-        new(ImmutableList.Create(items));
-
-    [TestMethod]
-    public void Equal_WhenSameContentDifferentInstances()
-    {
-        var a = Of("x", "y", "z");
-        var b = Of("x", "y", "z");
-
-        Assert.AreNotSame(a.List, b.List);
-        Assert.IsTrue(a.Equals(b));
-        Assert.AreEqual(a, b);
-        Assert.AreEqual(a.GetHashCode(), b.GetHashCode());
-    }
-
-    [TestMethod]
-    public void Equal_WhenSameUnderlyingReference()
-    {
-        var shared = ImmutableList.Create("a", "b");
-        var a = new EquatableList<string>(shared);
-        var b = new EquatableList<string>(shared);
-
-        Assert.IsTrue(a.Equals(b));
-    }
-
-    [TestMethod]
-    public void NotEqual_WhenAnElementDiffers()
-    {
-        Assert.AreNotEqual(Of("a", "b"), Of("a", "c"));
-    }
-
-    [TestMethod]
-    public void NotEqual_WhenOrderDiffers()
-    {
-        Assert.AreNotEqual(Of("a", "b"), Of("b", "a"));
-    }
-
-    [TestMethod]
-    public void NotEqual_WhenCountsDiffer()
-    {
-        Assert.AreNotEqual(Of("a"), Of("a", "b"));
-    }
-
-    [TestMethod]
-    public void EmptyLists_AreEqual()
-    {
-        var fromEmpty = new EquatableList<string>(ImmutableList<string>.Empty);
-        var fromNull = new EquatableList<string>(null);
-
-        Assert.IsTrue(fromEmpty.Equals(fromNull));
-        Assert.AreEqual(fromEmpty.GetHashCode(), fromNull.GetHashCode());
-    }
-
-    [TestMethod]
-    public void Default_ExposesEmptyListAndEqualsEmpty()
-    {
-        EquatableList<string> defaulted = default;
-
-        // A default(struct) has a null inner list; List must still surface an empty list
-        // (never null) and compare equal to an explicitly-empty instance.
-        Assert.IsNotNull(defaulted.List);
-        Assert.AreEqual(0, defaulted.List.Count);
-        Assert.IsTrue(defaulted.Equals(new EquatableList<string>(ImmutableList<string>.Empty)));
-    }
-
-    [TestMethod]
-    public void List_IsNeverNull()
-    {
-        Assert.IsNotNull(new EquatableList<string>(null).List);
-    }
-
-    [TestMethod]
-    public void EqualsObject_ReturnsFalse_ForOtherTypes()
-    {
-        object other = "not an equatable list";
-
-        Assert.IsFalse(Of("a").Equals(other));
-        Assert.IsFalse(Of("a").Equals(null!));
-    }
-
-    [TestMethod]
-    public void EqualsObject_ReturnsTrue_ForBoxedEqualValue()
-    {
-        object boxed = Of("a", "b");
-
-        Assert.IsTrue(Of("a", "b").Equals(boxed));
-    }
-}

src/modules/cmdpal/ext/Microsoft.CmdPal.Ext.Bookmark/Helpers/CommandLauncher.cs

@@ -5,7 +5,6 @@
 using System.ComponentModel;
 using System.Runtime.InteropServices;
 using ManagedCommon;
-using Microsoft.CmdPal.Common.Helpers;
 
 namespace Microsoft.CmdPal.Ext.Bookmarks.Helpers;
 
@@ -25,7 +24,7 @@ internal static class CommandLauncher
                 // You can notice the difference with Recycle Bin for example:
                 // - "explorer ::{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}"
                 // - "::{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}"
-                return ShellHelpers.OpenInShell("explorer.exe", ShellArgumentBuilder.BuildArguments(classification.Target));
+                return ShellHelpers.OpenInShell("explorer.exe", classification.Target);
 
             case LaunchMethod.ActivateAppId:
                 return ActivateAppId(classification.Target, classification.Arguments);

src/modules/cmdpal/ext/Microsoft.CmdPal.Ext.Bookmark/Microsoft.CmdPal.Ext.Bookmarks.csproj

@@ -11,7 +11,6 @@
     <ProjectPriFileName>Microsoft.CmdPal.Ext.Bookmarks.pri</ProjectPriFileName>
   </PropertyGroup>
   <ItemGroup>
-    <ProjectReference Include="..\..\Microsoft.CmdPal.Common\Microsoft.CmdPal.Common.csproj" />
     <ProjectReference Include="..\..\extensionsdk\Microsoft.CommandPalette.Extensions.Toolkit\Microsoft.CommandPalette.Extensions.Toolkit.csproj" />
     <ProjectReference Include="..\..\ext\Microsoft.CmdPal.Ext.Indexer\Microsoft.CmdPal.Ext.Indexer.csproj" />
   </ItemGroup>

src/modules/cmdpal/ext/Microsoft.CmdPal.Ext.PerformanceMonitor/PerformanceMonitorCommandsProvider.cs

@@ -19,16 +19,6 @@ public partial class PerformanceMonitorCommandsProvider : CommandProvider
     public const string ProviderLoadGuardBlockId = ProviderIdValue + ".ProviderLoad";
     public const string PageIdValue = "com.microsoft.cmdpal.performanceWidget";
 
-    private static readonly PerformanceMetricKind?[] BandMetrics =
-    [
-        null,
-        PerformanceMetricKind.Cpu,
-        PerformanceMetricKind.Memory,
-        PerformanceMetricKind.Network,
-        PerformanceMetricKind.Gpu,
-        PerformanceMetricKind.Battery,
-    ];
-
     internal static ProviderCrashSentinel CrashSentinel { get; } = new(ProviderIdValue);
 
     private readonly Lock _stateLock = new();
@@ -119,26 +109,15 @@ public partial class PerformanceMonitorCommandsProvider : CommandProvider
         DisposeActivePages();
 
         var page = new PerformanceMonitorDisabledPage(this);
-
-        // Mirror the compact form of the real bands, and keep texts short
-        var disabledValue = Resources.GetResource("Performance_Monitor_Disabled_Band_Title");
-        var bands = new List<ICommandItem>(BandMetrics.Length);
-        foreach (var metric in BandMetrics)
-        {
-            var icon = GetBandIcon(metric);
-            var item = new ListItem(page)
+        var band = new PerformanceMonitorDisabledPage(this);
+        _bands =
+        [
+            new CommandItem(band)
             {
-                Title = disabledValue,
-                Subtitle = GetBandSubtitle(metric),
-                Icon = icon,
-            };
-            bands.Add(new WrappedDockItem([item], PerformanceWidgetsPage.GetBandId(metric), GetBandDisplayTitle(metric))
-            {
-                Icon = icon,
-            });
-        }
-
-        _bands = bands.ToArray();
+                Title = Resources.GetResource("Performance_Monitor_Disabled_Band_Title"),
+                Subtitle = DisplayName,
+            },
+        ];
         _commands =
         [
             new CommandItem(page)
@@ -150,45 +129,6 @@ public partial class PerformanceMonitorCommandsProvider : CommandProvider
         _softDisabled = true;
     }
 
-    private string GetBandDisplayTitle(PerformanceMetricKind? metric)
-    {
-        return metric switch
-        {
-            PerformanceMetricKind.Cpu => Resources.GetResource("CPU_Usage_Title"),
-            PerformanceMetricKind.Memory => Resources.GetResource("Memory_Usage_Title"),
-            PerformanceMetricKind.Network => Resources.GetResource("Network_Usage_Title"),
-            PerformanceMetricKind.Gpu => Resources.GetResource("GPU_Usage_Title"),
-            PerformanceMetricKind.Battery => Resources.GetResource("Battery_Usage_Title"),
-            _ => DisplayName,
-        };
-    }
-
-    private string GetBandSubtitle(PerformanceMetricKind? metric)
-    {
-        return metric switch
-        {
-            PerformanceMetricKind.Cpu => Resources.GetResource("CPU_Usage_Subtitle"),
-            PerformanceMetricKind.Memory => Resources.GetResource("Memory_Usage_Subtitle"),
-            PerformanceMetricKind.Network => Resources.GetResource("Network_Usage_Subtitle"),
-            PerformanceMetricKind.Gpu => Resources.GetResource("GPU_Usage_Subtitle"),
-            PerformanceMetricKind.Battery => Resources.GetResource("Battery_Usage_Subtitle"),
-            _ => string.Empty,
-        };
-    }
-
-    private static IconInfo GetBandIcon(PerformanceMetricKind? metric)
-    {
-        return metric switch
-        {
-            PerformanceMetricKind.Cpu => Icons.CpuIcon,
-            PerformanceMetricKind.Memory => Icons.MemoryIcon,
-            PerformanceMetricKind.Network => Icons.NetworkIcon,
-            PerformanceMetricKind.Gpu => Icons.GpuIcon,
-            PerformanceMetricKind.Battery => Icons.BatteryIcon,
-            _ => Icons.PerformanceMonitorIcon,
-        };
-    }
-
     private void SetEnabledState()
     {
         DisposeActivePages();

src/modules/cmdpal/ext/Microsoft.CmdPal.Ext.PerformanceMonitor/PerformanceMonitorDisabledPage.cs

@@ -12,9 +12,9 @@ internal sealed partial class PerformanceMonitorDisabledPage : ContentPage
 {
     private readonly MarkdownContent _content;
 
-    public PerformanceMonitorDisabledPage(PerformanceMonitorCommandsProvider provider, string? id = null)
+    public PerformanceMonitorDisabledPage(PerformanceMonitorCommandsProvider provider)
     {
-        Id = id ?? PerformanceMonitorCommandsProvider.PageIdValue;
+        Id = PerformanceMonitorCommandsProvider.PageIdValue;
         Name = Resources.GetResource("Performance_Monitor_Disabled_Title");
         Title = Resources.GetResource("Performance_Monitor_Title");
         Icon = Icons.PerformanceMonitorIcon;

src/modules/cmdpal/ext/Microsoft.CmdPal.Ext.PerformanceMonitor/PerformanceWidgetsPage.cs

@@ -93,7 +93,7 @@ internal sealed partial class PerformanceWidgetsPage : OnLoadStaticListPage, IDi
     {
         _isBandPage = isBandPage;
         _singleMetric = singleMetric;
-        _id = GetBandId(singleMetric);
+        _id = singleMetric is null ? BaseId : $"{BaseId}.{GetMetricSuffix(singleMetric.Value)}";
 
         if (IncludesMetric(PerformanceMetricKind.Cpu))
         {
@@ -287,11 +287,6 @@ internal sealed partial class PerformanceWidgetsPage : OnLoadStaticListPage, IDi
         _batteryPage?.Dispose();
     }
 
-    internal static string GetBandId(PerformanceMetricKind? metric)
-    {
-        return metric is null ? BaseId : $"{BaseId}.{GetMetricSuffix(metric.Value)}";
-    }
-
     private bool IncludesMetric(PerformanceMetricKind metric)
     {
         return _singleMetric is null || _singleMetric == metric;

src/modules/cmdpal/ext/Microsoft.CmdPal.Ext.PerformanceMonitor/Strings/en-US/Resources.resw

@@ -199,7 +199,7 @@
     <value>Temporarily disabled after repeated startup crashes</value>
   </data>
   <data name="Performance_Monitor_Disabled_Band_Title" xml:space="preserve">
-    <value>Disabled</value>
+    <value>Perf disabled</value>
   </data>
   <data name="Performance_Monitor_Disabled_Body" xml:space="preserve">
     <value>Performance monitor was temporarily disabled after repeated crashes while initializing or reading performance counters.

src/modules/cmdpal/ext/Microsoft.CmdPal.Ext.Shell/Helpers/ShellListPageHelpers.cs

@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 // The Microsoft Corporation licenses this file to you under the MIT license.
 // See the LICENSE file in the project root for more information.
 
-using Microsoft.CmdPal.Common.Helpers;
+using System.Text;
 using Microsoft.CommandPalette.Extensions.Toolkit;
 
 namespace Microsoft.CmdPal.Ext.Shell.Helpers;
@@ -42,7 +42,98 @@ public class ShellListPageHelpers
         executable = segments[0];
         if (segments.Length > 1)
         {
-            arguments = ShellArgumentBuilder.BuildArguments(segments[1..]);
+            arguments = ArgumentBuilder.BuildArguments(segments[1..]);
+        }
+    }
+
+    private static class ArgumentBuilder
+    {
+        internal static string BuildArguments(string[] arguments)
+        {
+            if (arguments.Length <= 0)
+            {
+                return string.Empty;
+            }
+
+            var stringBuilder = new StringBuilder();
+            foreach (var argument in arguments)
+            {
+                AppendArgument(stringBuilder, argument);
+            }
+
+            return stringBuilder.ToString();
+        }
+
+        private static void AppendArgument(StringBuilder stringBuilder, string argument)
+        {
+            if (stringBuilder.Length > 0)
+            {
+                stringBuilder.Append(' ');
+            }
+
+            if (argument.Length == 0 || ShouldBeQuoted(argument))
+            {
+                stringBuilder.Append('\"');
+                var index = 0;
+                while (index < argument.Length)
+                {
+                    var c = argument[index++];
+                    if (c == '\\')
+                    {
+                        var numBackSlash = 1;
+                        while (index < argument.Length && argument[index] == '\\')
+                        {
+                            index++;
+                            numBackSlash++;
+                        }
+
+                        if (index == argument.Length)
+                        {
+                            stringBuilder.Append('\\', numBackSlash * 2);
+                        }
+                        else if (argument[index] == '\"')
+                        {
+                            stringBuilder.Append('\\', (numBackSlash * 2) + 1);
+                            stringBuilder.Append('\"');
+                            index++;
+                        }
+                        else
+                        {
+                            stringBuilder.Append('\\', numBackSlash);
+                        }
+
+                        continue;
+                    }
+
+                    if (c == '\"')
+                    {
+                        stringBuilder.Append('\\');
+                        stringBuilder.Append('\"');
+                        continue;
+                    }
+
+                    stringBuilder.Append(c);
+                }
+
+                stringBuilder.Append('\"');
+            }
+            else
+            {
+                stringBuilder.Append(argument);
+            }
+        }
+
+        private static bool ShouldBeQuoted(string s)
+        {
+            foreach (var c in s)
+            {
+                if (char.IsWhiteSpace(c) || c == '\"')
+                {
+                    return true;
+                }
+            }
+
+            return false;
         }
     }
 }

src/modules/cmdpal/ext/SamplePagesExtension/Pages/SampleLiveDetailsPage.cs

@@ -1,103 +0,0 @@
-// Copyright (c) Microsoft Corporation
-// The Microsoft Corporation licenses this file to you under the MIT license.
-// See the LICENSE file in the project root for more information.
-
-using System;
-using System.Globalization;
-using System.Timers;
-using Microsoft.CommandPalette.Extensions;
-using Microsoft.CommandPalette.Extensions.Toolkit;
-
-#nullable enable
-
-namespace SamplePagesExtension;
-
-internal sealed partial class SampleLiveDetailsPage : ListPage, IDisposable
-{
-    private readonly Details _clockDetails = new()
-    {
-        Title = "Current Time",
-        Body = "Loading...",
-    };
-
-    private readonly Details _counterDetails = new()
-    {
-        Title = "Count: 0",
-        Body = "Elapsed: 0 seconds",
-    };
-
-    private readonly Details _staticDetails = new()
-    {
-        Title = "Static Details",
-        Body = "This item does not update. Select the items above to see live updates in the details pane.",
-    };
-
-    private readonly ListItem[] _items;
-    private Timer? _timer;
-    private int _counter;
-    private bool _disposed;
-
-    public SampleLiveDetailsPage()
-    {
-        Icon = new IconInfo("\uE916"); // Refresh
-        Name = Title = "Live Updating Details";
-        ShowDetails = true;
-
-        _items = [
-            new ListItem(new NoOpCommand())
-            {
-                Title = "Live Clock",
-                Subtitle = "Details pane shows current time, updating every second",
-                Details = _clockDetails,
-            },
-            new ListItem(new NoOpCommand())
-            {
-                Title = "Counter",
-                Subtitle = "Details pane increments a counter every second",
-                Details = _counterDetails,
-            },
-            new ListItem(new NoOpCommand())
-            {
-                Title = "Static Item",
-                Subtitle = "This item's details do not change",
-                Details = _staticDetails,
-            },
-        ];
-    }
-
-    public override IListItem[] GetItems()
-    {
-        if (_timer is null)
-        {
-            _timer = new Timer(1000);
-            _timer.Elapsed += Timer_Elapsed;
-            _timer.AutoReset = true;
-            _timer.Enabled = true;
-        }
-
-        return _items;
-    }
-
-    private void Timer_Elapsed(object? sender, ElapsedEventArgs e)
-    {
-        _counter++;
-
-        // Updating Details properties fires INotifyPropChanged automatically
-        // (Details extends BaseObservable). DetailsViewModel picks up the change
-        // live without requiring the user to reselect the item.
-        _clockDetails.Body = DateTime.Now.ToString("HH:mm:ss", CultureInfo.CurrentCulture);
-
-        _counterDetails.Title = $"Count: {_counter}";
-        _counterDetails.Body = $"Elapsed: {_counter} second{(_counter == 1 ? string.Empty : "s")}";
-    }
-
-    public void Dispose()
-    {
-        if (!_disposed)
-        {
-            _timer?.Dispose();
-            _timer = null;
-            _disposed = true;
-        }
-    }
-}

src/modules/cmdpal/ext/SamplePagesExtension/SamplesListPage.cs

@@ -29,11 +29,6 @@ public partial class SamplesListPage : ListPage
             Title = "List Page With Details",
             Subtitle = "A list of items, each with additional details to display",
         },
-        new ListItem(new SampleLiveDetailsPage())
-        {
-            Title = "Live Updating Details",
-            Subtitle = "Details pane updates in real time without reselecting",
-        },
         new ListItem(new SectionsIndexPage())
         {
             Title = "List Pages With Sections",