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Flow Launcher

Free, open-source app launcher and file search for Windows

FreeUtilitiesChecked Oct 6, 2026

What is Flow Launcher?

Flow Launcher is a free, open-source launcher for Windows. A hotkey, Alt+Space by default, opens a search window that launches apps, finds files through Everything or Windows Search, runs web searches, system commands and shell commands, and does calculations. Community-made plugins, installed from a built-in Plugin Store, add further search sources such as Spotify, Steam and Obsidian.

Flow Launcher is free to use. See every plan

Good for

  • Windows users who want a keyboard launcher at no cost
  • People who already use Everything or Windows Search and want it in a launcher
  • Tinkerers who install or write their own plugins

Worth knowing

  • Windows only; the download section says it supports Windows 10 and later.
  • On first install, Windows may raise a security warning because the code is not signed, according to the README.
  • Integrations such as Spotify, Steam and Obsidian come from community-made plugins and not from the core app.
  • Help comes through GitHub, Discord and Reddit, and the project is funded by sponsors.

Key features

App and file search
Search for and launch apps, and find files or file contents using Everything or the Windows index, from a window opened with a customizable hotkey.
Web searches and bookmarks
Run a web search with your chosen search engine, open URLs and find bookmarks from different browsers.
System and shell commands
Shut down, restart, sleep or lock the PC, search Windows and Control Panel settings, and run batch or PowerShell commands as Administrator or another user.
Plugin Store
Install community plugins from the Plugin Store in Settings or by typing pm install. Plugins can be written in C#, F#, Python, JavaScript or TypeScript.
Dialog Jump
Search for a file or folder and jump an Open or Save As dialog to its path. Alt+G points the dialog at the folder open in the active file manager.
Preview panel and themes
F1 toggles a preview panel that can show media files as large images. Themes, window size, animation and sound can be changed, or you can build your own theme.

Flow Launcher pricing

Starts at
Free
Free plan
The whole app and its plugins are free and open source under the MIT license. The project asks for support through sponsorship.
Free trial
None listed
Flow Launcher$0The complete launcher as an installer or portable ZIP, or through winget, Scoop or Chocolatey. Sponsorship is optional.

Read from flowlauncher.com on Oct 6, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with Flow Launcher before you buy.

Pricing in detail

Works with

Flow Launcher alternatives

Common questions

Is Flow Launcher free?

Yes. Flow Launcher is free to use. The whole app and its plugins are free and open source under the MIT license. The project asks for support through sponsorship.

How much does Flow Launcher cost?

Flow Launcher lists one plan. Flow Launcher: $0. Prices were read from flowlauncher.com on Oct 6, 2026.

What platforms does Flow Launcher work on?

Flow Launcher is available on Windows.

Does Flow Launcher have an Android app?

No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 6, 2026. Flow Launcher is listed for Windows.

Does Flow Launcher have an iPhone app?

No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 6, 2026. Flow Launcher is listed for Windows.

Is Flow Launcher open source?

Yes. Flow Launcher is open source, according to its own site.

What does Flow Launcher integrate with?

Flow Launcher's listing names Everything, Windows Search, Spotify, Steam, Obsidian, GitHub and Home Assistant. A listing names up to eight integrations, so it may connect to more.

Who makes Flow Launcher?

Flow Launcher is made by Flow Launcher Team.

What are the alternatives to Flow Launcher?

The closest alternatives to Flow Launcher in our directory are Microsoft PowerToys, Listary, Ueli, Raycast and Everything. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Flow Launcher.

Sources for this page

The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Oct 6, 2026.