Windows PowerToys has once again introduced a new update that is sure to excite users.
The latest development will revolutionize how ChatGPT functions through the Windows 11 OS. According to Windows Central, the PowerToys widget is now introducing a new plugin that will allow for direct access to the Open AI-based application without having to run a browser first.
This is a significant milestone for ChatGPT as it makes the AI chatbot tool more accessible for Windows 11 users.
It also helps users bypass any aggressive browser promotion from Microsoft Edge, which has been a notable issue in recent years.
The ChatGPT plugin developer, Simone Franco, is responsible for the new plugin and has posted the process through the GitHub page for PowerToys.
The plugin is integrated through PowerToys Run, a search launcher for files, folders, and apps. While still in its early stages, the plugin has already shown promising results as it allows users to go straight from desktop to ChatGPT, making it more convenient to access.
One of the main reasons for the development of this new tool is the increasing aggressiveness of Microsoft Edge's browser promotion, which is often accompanied by the Bing AI application.
With the latest Windows 11 update, Microsoft has added an AI-powered search box in the taskbar that turns Bing into an advertisement, forcing people to use the Microsoft search engine by default.
However, with the new ChatGPT plugin, users can now bypass the forced advertisements and go straight to the application they need, completely avoiding any promotions for Microsoft Edge or Bing.
While there are still a few steps users need to follow to gain access to the ChatGPT plugin, such as having an OpenAI account and a randomly generated OpenAI API key, these steps only need to be completed once.
While users need an OpenAI account and a randomly generated OpenAI API key, both steps only need to be completed once before gaining near-instant access to the AI chatbot tool. Moreover, users only need a keyboard shortcut to summon it, making it even more convenient.
This isn't the first time that PowerToys has come to the rescue of Windows users. In February 2023, it introduced the much-needed "paste as plain text" option to both Windows 11 and Windows 10. The suite also introduced a mouse crosshair tool in February 2022 that lets users quickly find their mouse cursor using the keyboard shortcut (Ctrl + Alt + P).
Additionally, two new File Explorer add-ons bundled in the same update dramatically expanded the number of file types supported by the preview pane.
It's almost ironic that a widget that functions through the Microsoft OS would help users bypass Microsoft OS issues.
However, the fact that PowerToys is an open-source suite of tools rather than a browser or search engine makes it an excellent option for users who want to bypass forced advertisements and go straight for the applications they need. With this new update, ChatGPT has become even more accessible for Windows 11 users.
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