FindAlternative
Back to Home
Flow Launcher

Flow Launcher

A free, open-source quick launcher and search bar for Windows, triggered with a hotkey.

softwareLaunchers & Docksapp-launcherwindows-searchproductivity-tool
Visit Website
Our Verdict

Best for

Windows users who want a free, plugin-extensible, keyboard-driven launcher similar to Alfred or Raycast.

Skip if

You need a Mac/Linux launcher, since Flow Launcher is Windows-only.

What is Flow Launcher?

Flow Launcher is a free, open-source keystroke launcher for Windows that opens with a customizable hotkey (Alt+Space by default) and lets users search for and open apps, files, and folders instantly instead of digging through the Start menu. It also runs web searches through favorite search engines, searches browser bookmarks, executes shell commands, performs quick calculations, and can trigger system commands like restart, sleep, or shutdown. The app is extensible through a plugin store, with community plugins covering services like Spotify, Steam, Obsidian, and GitHub, and developers can build their own plugins in C#, F#, Python, JavaScript, or TypeScript. Because it is fully open source, users can customize themes, animations, and sounds, and the project accepts community sponsorship to support ongoing development.

SpecificationsAI-estimated

deploymentDesktop App
open source✅ Yes
api available❌ No

Key Features of Flow Launcher

Opens instantly via a customizable global hotkey to search apps, files, and folders.
Runs web searches directly from the launcher using preferred search engines.
Searches browser bookmarks and history without switching to the browser first.
Executes shell commands and system actions like restart, sleep, or shutdown from the search bar.
Extends functionality through a plugin store with community plugins for Spotify, Steam, GitHub, and more.
Supports plugin development in C#, F#, Python, JavaScript, or TypeScript.
Offers customizable themes, animations, and sounds since the project is fully open source.

Use Cases for Flow Launcher

1

Launching apps without the mouse

Hit a hotkey and type a few letters to open any installed application instantly.

2

Quick web and bookmark search

Search the web or browser bookmarks directly from the launcher bar without opening a browser first.

3

Running shell commands fast

Execute a shell command or script without opening a separate terminal window.

4

Extending workflow with plugins

Install plugins to control Spotify, search GitHub repos, or query other tools straight from the launcher.

Pros & Cons of Flow Launcher

Pros

  • Completely free and open source with an active GitHub community
  • Fast, keyboard-driven workflow that reduces reliance on the Start menu
  • Extensible plugin ecosystem covering many common apps and services
  • Regularly updated with new releases

Cons

  • Windows 10 and newer only, no Mac or Linux version
  • Plugin quality and maintenance varies since many are community-built
  • Initial setup of custom plugins/hotkeys has a learning curve for non-technical users

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Flow Launcher free?

Yes, Flow Launcher is completely free and open source.

Does Flow Launcher work on Mac?

No, Flow Launcher is built for Windows 10 and newer only.

Can I write my own plugins?

Yes, Flow Launcher supports plugin development in C#, F#, Python, JavaScript, or TypeScript.

What is the default hotkey?

The default hotkey to open Flow Launcher is Alt+Space, and it can be customized in settings.

Pricing Overview

View full pricing →
Free

Detailed plans are not listed. Visit the official website for pricing information.

Reviews & Ratings0.0

Write a ReviewSee all reviews →

No reviews yet. Be the first to write one!

Top Alternatives & Similar Software

View all alternatives & similar software→
Wox

Wox

AI-suggested

Wox is a lightweight, open-source launcher that allows users to quickly access their favorite applications, files, and web searches. With its simple and intuitive interface, Wox provides a seamless user experience across multiple platforms.

Compare with Flow Launcher
Listary

Listary

AI-suggested

Listary is a Windows utility that combines instant file search with an application launcher, letting users search an entire drive or launch a program just by typing a few characters. Results are ranked using fuzzy matching and the user's own habits, so frequently used files and apps surface faster over time. It also integrates with native Windows Open/Save dialogs through a Quick Switch feature for faster in-app file navigation, and supports filtering by file type or date, direct file actions like copy or copy-path, and searching across network and cloud drives. The base app is free, with a Pro upgrade unlocking commercial use and extra features.

Compare with Flow Launcher
Microsoft PowerToys

Microsoft PowerToys

AI-suggested

Microsoft PowerToys is a collection of free, open-source utilities that extend Windows with productivity tools such as window layout management, a quick launcher, bulk file renaming, keyboard remapping, and a system-wide color picker. It is built and maintained by Microsoft with an active open-source community on GitHub.

Compare with Flow Launcher

People also viewed

Raycast
RaycastA blazingly fast and highly extensible launcher for macOS
Alfred
AlfredA macOS launcher for search, automation, and keyboard-driven workflows.
SOL
SOLFree open-source macOS launcher combining app search, clipboard, and calculator

Best For

💻Developers🔧Makers & Hobbyist Engineers

Related searches

Flow Launcher alternativesFree Flow Launcher alternativesOpen-source Flow Launcher alternativesBest Launchers & Docks

About the Product

Unclaimed Listing
Platforms
Windows
Target AudienceWindows power users who want a fast, keyboard-driven app and file launcher

Is this your tool?

Claim this page to update details, reply to user reviews, and drive more traffic to your product.

Claim this Product →

Show you’re listed

Flow Launcher on FindAlternative

Add this badge to your website. It links back to this page.

Get your badge →

Tags

app-launcherwindows-searchproductivity-toolopen-sourcehotkey-launcher

Explore Related Topics

Open Source

Keep up with Flow Launcher alternatives

New alternatives, pricing changes and the week's biggest movers - one email every Tuesday.

Weekly, free, unsubscribe in one click.