Transitioning from a Windows 11 PC to a Mac was a significant shift for me, especially after discovering the utility of Flow Launcher on my Windows machine. Upon embracing macOS, I encountered Raycast, a launcher that elevates the user experience to new heights. With the recent announcement of its beta version for Windows, my anticipation was palpable.
Thanks to my colleague Adam, I had the opportunity to explore Raycast for Windows, and it has quickly become my preferred launcher, surpassing Flow Launcher. Although still in beta, my enthusiasm for its capabilities is already evident.
The power of launchers
Forget about the Start menu
Before delving into my favorite features of Raycast for Windows, it’s important to understand the role of launchers in enhancing productivity. Both Windows and macOS have default methods for launching applications that often fall short. While macOS has improved its launcher with the removal of the old Launchpad in macOS 26 Tahoe, the Windows Start menu remains cumbersome, with a search bar that can be slow and prone to accidental web searches.
Launchers like Flow Launcher and Raycast streamline access to applications, providing instantaneous search results and a responsive interface. By simply pressing customizable access shortcuts, users can summon the search bar without delay. Beyond launching apps, these tools offer extensive functionality through extensions and plugins, allowing users to search files, browse the web, and even control smart home devices, resulting in a significant productivity boost.
Raycast wins on built-in features
I love the emoji selector and clipboard history
While both Raycast and Flow Launcher boast extensibility, Raycast stands out for its impressive built-in features, particularly the emoji selector and clipboard history. Flow Launcher lacks comparable functionality unless users resort to plugins, which are often less effective.
Raycast’s clipboard management is exemplary, retaining everything copied—text, links, and images—along with contextual information such as the source and a preview of linked content. This history can be maintained for up to three months, persists through reboots, and is easily searchable. The emoji selector, too, is a delightful addition, offering a more reliable and keyboard-friendly experience than the built-in option in Windows 11, making it a handy tool for casual conversations.
Although both launchers feature file search capabilities, Raycast’s performance is superior. Flow Launcher relies on the Windows search indexer, which can be inconsistent, while Raycast provides swift and accurate results right out of the box.
So many extensions
Even with a lot of them missing
Raycast’s extension ecosystem is notably expansive, although the Windows beta version currently offers fewer options compared to its macOS counterpart. Nevertheless, users can already enjoy a variety of functionalities, including extensions for searching and downloading YouTube videos. While Flow Launcher provides similar features, Raycast’s user interface feels more intuitive, enhancing the overall experience.
Among the many extensions available for Raycast on Windows are integrations with popular platforms like Slack, Notion, GitHub, Obsidian, Asana, Todoist, and Google Calendar. From counting words in text selections to conducting internet speed tests, the possibilities are vast. However, it’s worth noting that some niche extensions, such as a Pokédex and a timer, are still absent in the Windows beta, though they are available on macOS. As the platform evolves, I anticipate more extensions will be ported to Windows, further enriching the user experience.
I just wish the Pro version was cheaper
No need for AI
Raycast’s Pro version, priced at per month, emphasizes integration with various large language models (LLMs) for AI-related tasks. While this feature may appeal to some, I find myself uninterested in AI functionalities. My desire is for a more affordable version that excludes these features, allowing access to benefits like device synchronization, appearance customization, and extended clipboard history without the premium price tag.
A reduced fee of or per month, or a one-time payment of to for the non-AI benefits, would be much more appealing. The Pro version also includes a translator feature and unlimited Raycast Notes, but for those who don’t require AI capabilities, the cost feels disproportionate.
Next-level productivity
My enthusiasm for Raycast has only grown since I first experienced it on macOS, and the introduction of a Windows version is a welcome development. While it may not compel me to return to Windows full-time, I wholeheartedly recommend it to Windows users seeking to enhance their productivity. Once accustomed to its features, I am confident it will facilitate a more efficient workflow.
