Flow Launcher

Free and open-source file search and application launcher for Windows.

Overview

Flow Launcher is a free and open-source file search and application launcher for Windows. It provides instant access to apps, files, web searches, and system commands through a customizable hotkey (default Alt+Space), allowing you to search and launch applications without leaving your keyboard.

The tool supports multiple search capabilities including file content search via Everything or Windows Search, browser bookmarks, system settings, shell commands, and calculations. Users can extend functionality through a plugin store with community-made plugins written in C#, F#, Python, JavaScript, or TypeScript.

Flow Launcher offers extensive customization options including different themes, animations, sounds, and the ability to build custom themes. It's actively maintained and supported by a community of contributors.

Key features

Quick app and file search
Customizable hotkey trigger
Plugin system with community plugins
Multiple search types (files, web, bookmarks, settings)
Shell and batch command execution
Built-in calculator
Theme customization and builder
Support for C#, F#, Python, JavaScript, TypeScript plugins

Pros

Free and open-source
Lightweight and fast
Highly extensible plugin architecture
Multiple search capabilities built-in
Active community with pre-made plugins
Customizable themes and animations
Cross-language plugin support

Cons

Windows-only (no macOS or Linux support)
Requires Windows 10 or later
Plugin quality varies by community contributor
Learning curve for custom plugin development

Use this if

You need a fast, keyboard-driven way to search files and launch applications on Windows, or want to extend functionality with custom plugins.

Skip this if

You use macOS or Linux, prefer graphical interfaces over keyboard shortcuts, or need commercial support and guarantees.

Best for

Windows users seeking quick app and file accessDevelopers who want keyboard-driven workflowsPower users wanting to extend functionality with pluginsTeams needing customizable search and automation

Alternatives

Alfred (macOS)Raycast (macOS)Everything (Windows file search only)Windows SearchLaunchy

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