Flow Launcher
Flow Launcher 2.1.3 is a Windows application, file and web launcher with search indexing, system commands, calculator, bookmarks and community plugins.
What Flow Launcher provides
Flow Launcher opens with a global shortcut and searches applications, files, file contents, bookmarks, web queries and Windows settings. It also offers a calculator, path actions, previews and community plugins. File search can use Windows Index or Everything, so scope, indexing state and privacy settings affect the result.
Plugin and command boundaries
Add plugins only after built-in application and file search works. Plugins may read local content, use networks or run scripts; check source, maintenance, command prefixes and permissions, and keep a clear disable or uninstall path. Administrator execution and shutdown or recycle-bin commands should require deliberate confirmation.
Search privacy
A broad index can reveal sensitive filenames, paths and query history in the launcher or a shared screen. Restrict indexed folders and clear the search box before screen sharing. Review date: 2026-08-23.
Save to your cloud drive
Open the cloud drive to get the file directly, or save it for convenient access on another device.
Quark Cloud Drive
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Baidu Netdisk
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Flow Launcher 2.1.3 installation and first-search guide
Verify application, file and Windows-setting search first, then add web search and one trusted plugin so shortcut, index and plugin issues remain easy to isolate.
Before you start
- Use Windows 10 or later and free Alt+Space from another launcher or plan a different shortcut.
- Review Windows Search or Everything index scope and avoid indexing folders that should not appear in quick results.
- Begin without third-party plugins to establish a built-in baseline.
Installation steps
- 01
Run the installer
Check the package source and version, install Flow Launcher and enable startup only if needed; investigate a signature warning instead of ignoring it.
- 02
Set language and shortcut
Choose the interface language, test Alt+Space and change the shortcut if it conflicts with PowerToys, an input method or another tool.
- 03
Choose the file-search backend
Configure Windows Index or Everything and limit the indexed directories to the folders that genuinely need quick search.
Quick start
- 01
Search and launch an application
Open the launcher, type an application name, select a result and verify that duplicates, stale entries and ordering behave as expected.
- 02
Find a file or setting
Search a filename, directory or Windows setting, then test open-folder, copy-path and preview actions without exposing private paths.
- 03
Add one maintained plugin
Choose a trusted, actively maintained plugin, read its command prefix and permissions, test it and record how to disable or remove it.
Usage tips
- Administrator execution can affect protected files; use it only when the target and command are explicitly understood.
- Shutdown, restart and recycle-bin commands deserve confirmation and should not be bound to ambiguous short queries.
- Game mode can pause the shortcut in full-screen scenes and reduce accidental overlays.
Troubleshooting and uninstall
Why does Alt+Space do nothing?
Check that the tray process is running, find conflicts with PowerToys or other launchers and choose an unused shortcut in settings.
Why did a plugin slow search or show errors?
Disable the newest plugin, reload its data and inspect logs, then re-enable plugins one at a time rather than updating several together.
- Record settings and pluginsSave the shortcut, search backend and required plugin list, exit the tray process and uninstall Flow Launcher through Windows.
- Clear user data selectivelyRemove plugin cache and user data only after confirming that no search configuration or index needed by another workflow should be kept.
Frequently asked questions
What is Flow Launcher's default shortcut?
Alt+Space opens the launcher. It can conflict with PowerToys, input methods or other launchers, so select a different combination when needed.
Why are file results incomplete?
Check whether Windows Index or Everything has finished indexing the target disks and extensions, and confirm that the folders were not excluded.
Can community plugins be installed without review?
Review publisher, maintenance and requested permissions first. A plugin that runs scripts or accesses accounts should be treated as executable code.