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Flow Launcher
What it is
Flow Launcher is free, open-source software for Windows 10 and later that searches files and launches applications. A customizable hotkey opens the search window, with Alt+Space as the default. It can find files and file contents through Everything or Windows Search, search bookmarks from different browsers, and open web searches with a preferred engine. Built-in tools include system commands, shell commands, a calculator, and searches for Windows and Control Panel settings. A plugin store adds capabilities, with listings for Spotify, Steam, Obsidian, and GitHub notifications. Community plugins can be written in C#, F#, Python, JavaScript, or TypeScript. Users can select themes, animation, and sound or create a theme. Downloads include an installer EXE, portable ZIP, winget, Scoop, and Chocolatey options. The project uses the MIT License, and submitted plugins are scanned and rescanned with VirusTotal.
For and against
For
- Searches apps, files, and file contents
- Includes system and shell commands
- Supports browser bookmark searches
- Offers customizable themes and hotkeys
- Provides multiple Windows installation methods
Against
- Supports Windows 10 and later only
- Plugin quality depends on submitted extensions
- No free trial is offered
The verdict
Flow Launcher combines launcher, search, command, and plugin functions in a free Windows application. Its customization and installation choices make it adaptable for users who prefer keyboard-led access.
Who it suits
It suits Windows users wanting one keyboard-driven place for app, file, bookmark, command, and web searches. Developers can also use its stated plugin languages and community plugin system.
Plans and prices
Flow Launcher
Free and open-source software
Read 9 Oct 2026 · flowlauncher.com
On the record
- App and file search
- It searches and launches apps and can find files and file contents using Everything or Windows Search.flowlauncher.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Bookmarks
- It can search bookmarks from different browsers.flowlauncher.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Customization
- Users can choose themes, animation, and sound or build their own theme.flowlauncher.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Downloads
- The maker offers an installer EXE, a portable ZIP, and installation through winget, Scoop, or Chocolatey.flowlauncher.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Hotkey
- A customizable hotkey opens the search window; the default is Alt+Space.flowlauncher.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Open source license
- The project repository publishes the software under the MIT License.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Platform requirement
- The maker says Flow Launcher supports Windows 10 and later.flowlauncher.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Plugin development
- The maker says users can write community plugins in C#, F#, Python, JavaScript, or TypeScript.flowlauncher.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Plugins
- The plugin store adds search capabilities, and its listings include integrations such as Spotify, Steam, Obsidian, and GitHub notifications.flowlauncher.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Plugin security
- The plugin manifest repository says submitted plugins are scanned and regularly rescanned with VirusTotal, while its policy excludes malicious code and other prohibited content.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Flow Launcher is a quick file search and app launcher for Windows.flowlauncher.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Support and community
- The maker links to project documentation, GitHub, and community-made plugins from its site.flowlauncher.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- System tools
- Built-in features include system commands, shell commands, a calculator, and search for Windows and Control Panel settings.flowlauncher.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Web search
- It lets users browse the Internet with their favorite search engine.flowlauncher.com · read 9 Oct 2026
