sxhkd as a Linux alternative to Microsoft PowerToys
Updated
Our verdict
sxhkd is a good replacement for Microsoft PowerToys only if your primary need is keyboard-driven window management and custom shortcuts, especially under a tiling window manager like bspwm. It excels at lightweight, scriptable hotkeys defined in a config file, making it ideal for advanced users comfortable with manual setup. However, it lacks GUI tools, screenshot annotation, and system-wide automation features PowerToys provides. You’ll need additional tools for full functionality, so it’s best suited for minimalists who rely on keyboard control and already use or are willing to adopt a tiling WM.
- License
- MIT
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 0.6.3
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both allow custom keyboard shortcuts for system control
- Support window management through hotkeys
- Enable automation of desktop workflows
- Allow real-time config reloading without restart
- Run quietly in the background
What is different
- sxhkd has no GUI or system tray; PowerToys offers interactive tools
- No built-in screenshot or annotation in sxhkd
- sxhkd doesn't support keyboard remapping at the hardware level
- PowerToys includes file explorers, color pickers, and text extractors; sxhkd does none
- sxhkd requires a tiling WM for full utility, PowerToys works with standard desktops
Opening your Microsoft PowerToys files
sxhkd does not support importing Microsoft PowerToys configuration files. PowerToys settings are stored in JSON or system-specific formats, while sxhkd uses a plain-text config file with its own syntax. There is no direct conversion tool, and mapping equivalent functionality must be done manually. Users must rewrite shortcuts and workflows based on behavior, not file compatibility.
Switching from Microsoft PowerToys to sxhkd, step by step
- Install sxhkd via your distro’s package manager (e.g., apt install sxhkd)
- Choose or set up a compatible window manager like bspwm
- Copy default sxhkdrc to ~/.config/sxhkd/sxhkdrc
- Replace PowerToys shortcuts with equivalent sxhkd key commands
- Start sxhkd manually or add to your desktop session startup
Key features of sxhkd
- Define custom keyboard shortcuts in a plain-text config file
- Supports modifier keys (Ctrl, Alt, Super) and combinations
- Reloads config without restarting
- Lightweight and fast, minimal resource use
- Designed to work with tiling window managers like bspwm
- Supports complex key sequences and chained commands
- Runs as a background daemon (no system tray or GUI)
How to install sxhkd on Linux
sudo apt install sxhkdsudo apt install sxhkdsudo dnf install sxhkdsudo pacman -S sxhkdsudo zypper install sxhkdFrequently asked questions
Can sxhkd remap keys like PowerToys Keyboard Manager?
No, sxhkd does not remap physical keys. For that, you need tools like xmodmap or hwdb. sxhkd only binds key combinations to commands after the system registers them.
Does sxhkd work with GNOME or KDE?
It can run, but its value is limited. sxhkd shines with tiling WMs like bspwm or i3. On GNOME or KDE, window control is better handled by built-in shortcuts or extensions.
How do I reload sxhkd after changing the config?
Run pkill -USR1 -x sxhkd or bind a key combo to sxhkd -c ~/.config/sxhkd/sxhkdrc & to reload without reboot.