I Switched to This Open-Source Launcher and Replaced the Windows Start Menu

In an effort to enhance user experience, Microsoft revamped the Start menu in Windows 11, aiming for a cleaner, more search-efficient design reminiscent of smartphone interfaces. However, many users, including myself, have found it to be somewhat cumbersome, exhibiting slight delays during launch and lacking customization options to suit more advanced needs.

After experimenting with various adjustments to the Start menu, I ultimately opted for Flow Launcher, an open-source application launcher that significantly improved my navigation efficiency in Windows. This tool provides a seamless way to locate files, launch applications, execute system commands, and even play my Spotify playlist directly, all without having to launch the corresponding applications. This functionality is precisely what I needed to enhance my keyboard-first workflow.

Launch and Search Everything

From Apps to Files, It Can Find Anything

Flow Launcher revolutionizes the way you access applications and files, making the process exceptionally straightforward.

Launching an application is as simple as typing its name and pressing Enter. However, this tool goes beyond basic functionality by integrating with my preferred Windows searching utility, Everything, allowing for instantaneous file retrieval. Just type a fragment of a filename, and relevant files appear almost immediately, whether they are hidden within deep folder structures, configuration files, or even those elusive System32 files that Windows Search often overlooks.

Moreover, Flow Launcher facilitates web searches directly without needing to open a browser. By inputting a query, it defaults to Google; for targeted YouTube searches, the YT plugin from the Plugin Store allows you to prefix your search with “YT“to find videos or search within specific channels. System settings can also be accessed by prefixing with S. All of these searches are executed seamlessly from one interface, eliminating the need to shuffle between various applications and windows.

Perfect for a Keyboard-Driven Workflow

You Can Do a Lot Without Reaching for Your Mouse

Flow Launcher YouTube plugin search results for sleep

If you thrive on a keyboard-centric approach, Flow Launcher is tailored for you. This tool ensures that your hands stay on the keyboard, enhancing speed and proficiency.

By simply pressing Alt + Space, the launcher appears instantly. The fuzzy search means that even if I type something like sare for ShareX or obsi for Obsidian, Flow Launcher quickly identifies my intended application. Even poor spelling attempts yield accurate results, and if multiple options pop up, I can effortlessly select the desired one using Alt + Number keys without reaching for my mouse.

Beyond app launching, Flow Launcher manages everything from solving math problems to executing web searches, fetching YouTube videos, and running system commands such as shutdown and restart — all from a single search box. I no longer need to navigate between different apps or memorize intricate commands; instead, I can express my queries in plain language and typically receive the correct results.

Plugins Add a Ton More Functionality

It’s More Than Just an App Launcher

Flow Launcher settings window displaying plugin tab

In addition to its core functionalities, Flow Launcher comes equipped with pre-installed plugins such as Browser Bookmark, Calculator, and Explorer, along with the Everything Search plugin mentioned earlier. Users also have the option to enhance their setup by adding additional plugins from the Plugin Store.

For instance, a currency converter is available for quick conversions, and you can integrate Todoist to create to-do tasks without the need to open the app. The Spotify Premium plugin enables you to manage music play and control playlists entirely via keyboard shortcuts. You can search for tracks, pause, or skip songs without ever launching Spotify itself.

Gamers will appreciate the Steam Search plugin, which facilitates immediate game launches from the library. Additionally, integration with file explorer enhancements like QuickLook allows you to preview any file in the search results by simply pressing Space, saving you from the hassle of opening the full application.

Tons of Customization Options

Custom Hotkeys and Personalization

Flow Launcher settings window showing the Appearance tab with theme options and a preview of the launcher interface

Flow Launcher offers extensive customization capabilities. Users can specify their default file manager for opening folders and tailor settings for whether web searches open in new tabs, windows, or in private mode. Choose from various pre-defined themes, such as Dracula or Sublime, to ensure the launcher blends seamlessly with your desktop setup. Transparency levels, animation speeds, and even the date format displayed in the launcher can all be adjusted.

The Hotkey section allows users to assign shortcuts for specific plugins or actions. Personally, I’ve configured it to replace the Windows key entirely, opening Flow Launcher instead of the traditional Start menu. You can also set hotkeys for calculator mode, file searches, or any specific plugin.

Each plugin features its own settings, enabling you to modify prefix keywords, adjust search parameters, and optimize functionality to align with your workflow preferences.

Flow Launcher Fits My Workflow

As someone who manages multiple applications, conducts numerous web searches, watches YouTube videos, and frequently modifies system settings, Flow Launcher has become an invaluable tool in my routine.

With its rapid response time, precise search capabilities, and the ability to handle multiple functions from a single interface, it exemplifies modern software accessibility. While the Start menu has its merits, Flow Launcher distinctly represents the future of application launching — quick, expansive, and fundamentally keyboard-focused.

The learning curve is gentle, as the basic functions are user-friendly. With continued exploration of its features and plugins that cater to my workflow, Flow Launcher has become utterly indispensable.

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