If you’ve ever used a Mac, you probably know how handy the Quick View feature is. Just select a file and press the Spacebar, and a preview pops up instantly. No need to open an app, wait for it to load, or dig through menus.
Now, imagine having that same seamless experience on your Windows PC. Good news — you can. Say hello to QuickLook.
What Is QuickLook?
QuickLook is a free app available in the Microsoft Store that brings macOS-style Quick View functionality to Windows. Once installed, you simply:
- Highlight a file in File Explorer
- Press the Spacebar
- Instantly preview the file — just like on a Mac
It works with common file types like:
- Images (JPG, PNG, GIF)
- PDFs
- Text and code files
- Microsoft Office documents
- Audio and video files
Need support for even more formats? QuickLook supports plugins that let you preview things like Photoshop files (PSD), eBooks (EPUB), and Markdown.
QuickLook vs. Quick View on macOS
| Feature | QuickLook (Windows) | Quick View (macOS) |
|---|---|---|
| Preview Shortcut | Spacebar | Spacebar |
| Supported File Types | Many (extendable via plugins) | Many (native support only) |
| Plugin Support | Yes | No |
| Integration | File Explorer | Finder |
| Performance | Fast, depends on system/plugins | Smooth, optimized |
| Cost | Free | Free (built-in) |
macOS Quick View is deeply integrated into the system and delivers a very polished experience. QuickLook, on the other hand, does an excellent job of replicating that on Windows — with the added bonus of plugin support for more file types.
Why You Should Try QuickLook
- Save time by previewing files instantly
- Avoid unnecessary app launches
- Customize preview capabilities with plugins
- Lightweight and unobtrusive
How to Get It
To install QuickLook:
- Visit the Microsoft Store page
- Click “Get”
- Open File Explorer, highlight any file, and press Spacebar
That’s it — you’re ready to preview like a pro.
Final Thoughts
QuickLook brings one of macOS’s most useful features to Windows in a fast, simple, and free package. Whether you’re managing documents, browsing through media, or sorting files, this tool helps you work smarter and faster.
Give it a try and bring a touch of Mac convenience to your Windows workflow.