Flow.Launcher

Flow.Launcher is an open-source web app and server that provides a quick file search and application launcher for Windows. It allows users to find apps, files, and web bookmarks through a central search interface, reducing the need to navigate through menus or the desktop. The software is available as a standard installer or a portable version and can be installed via Winget, Scoop, or Chocolatey for ease of deployment.

Users can execute system commands, perform mathematical calculations, and run shell commands directly from the search bar. The tool integrates with Windows Index and Everything to speed up file discovery across the system. It also includes a preview panel to view media files and folder contents without opening them in a separate window, which helps in verifying files before execution.

Key features

• Search for applications, files, and file contents using Windows Index or Everything
• Execute batch and PowerShell commands with an option to run as Administrator
• Integrated calculator that copies results directly to the clipboard
• Preview panel for media files and folder paths toggled via F1
• Dialog Jump to quickly move the Open/Save As window to a specific path
• Drag and drop functionality to move files from the launcher to other applications
• Game Mode to pause hotkey activation during gameplay
• Built-in plugin store for installing community-made extensions
• Support for multiple languages and Pinyin search

Flow.Launcher is designed for Windows 10 and newer. It uses a plugin-based architecture, allowing users to extend functionality for services like Spotify, Steam, GitHub, and Home Assistant. The application supports extensive visual customization, including dark mode and custom themes, and allows users to prioritize the result order of specific plugins to refine their search experience. Users can also manage their settings and logs through a dedicated user data folder, which is particularly useful for those using the portable version of the software.

This tool serves as a productivity layer for Windows users who prefer keyboard-driven navigation over a mouse-based interface, providing a centralized hub for system control and file management.