After years of user feedback regarding the limited customization options of the Windows Start menu, Microsoft is set to introduce a significant overhaul in its upcoming 26H2 update. However, this update seems to merely align with what an open-source application has been offering for years. Enter Flow Launcher, a keyboard-centric app launcher that outshines the traditional Start menu in various aspects.
Trying Flow Launcher for the first time
The productivity boost felt like cheating
To experience this acclaimed tool firsthand, I navigated to the official Flow Launcher website and found multiple download options, including a portable version, an EXE file, and installation via package managers like WinGet. Opting for the portable version allowed for a swift setup, albeit requiring me to create a shortcut manually.
The installation process was straightforward, with onboarding pages guiding me through essential features, including shortcut keys, hotkeys, and action keywords. Upon launching the application for the first time, I was greeted by a sleek search bar accompanied by a list of commands. The user interface seamlessly integrated with Windows 11, enhanced by a satisfying click sound each time I accessed it using Alt+Space. The primary function of the launcher revolves around searching, particularly for apps.
While I typically pin frequently used applications to my Taskbar and Start menu, this method necessitates mouse interaction. With Flow Launcher, I could simply start typing the app’s name and hit Enter. The speed of the search was impressive; results appeared almost instantaneously, often before I finished typing the full name. Beyond applications, the launcher also allows for file searches, opening them directly in their default applications. This feature proved invaluable, eliminating the need to recall the location of elusive files or endure the sluggishness of Windows File Explorer’s search capabilities. For those frustrated by Windows search, Flow Launcher could be a game-changer.
Flow Launcher itself is highly customizable
You’ll get lost playing around its settings
Customization is at the heart of Flow Launcher. The settings are divided into General and Appearance categories. The General settings allow users to dictate the launcher’s behavior, such as whether it should start with the system, hide its tray icon, or remain on top of other windows.
A standout feature is the Always Preview option, which opens a side panel displaying the icon and details of the searched app. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also provides quick access to essential information about the app or file.
The Appearance tab offers nearly 20 themes, with the default set to Windows 11, giving it a native feel. I opted for the Rider theme, which added a polished touch. Additional customization options include animations, sound effects, icons, badges, window size, and color schemes. However, enabling Always Preview may limit some visual changes due to space constraints in the launcher window. Users can also adjust the display of the clock and date, although I found that enabling both caused them to overlap, prompting me to disable the date.
The plugin ecosystem is where it really pulls ahead
Turning a launcher into a control center
Flow Launcher’s capabilities expand significantly through its Plugins and Plugin Store. The Plugins section displays those already installed, while the store offers a plethora of additional options, allowing users to enhance the launcher’s functionality.
In the Plugins section, users can enable or disable plugins, with each featuring a dropdown menu for specific settings. For instance, the Browser Bookmarks plugin lets you select which browser(s) to load from, and each plugin can be assigned a unique action keyword.
Exploring the Plugin Store was an engaging experience, revealing a vast array of plugins across categories such as productivity, study, gaming, and development. Users can search for, update, and install plugins, including those from local paths. The installation process is user-friendly; simply select the desired plugin and click Install. A restart of Flow Launcher is required to activate the newly installed plugin.
Among the plugins I found particularly useful were Speed Test, File Folder Opener, Google Translate, and various math tools. However, I wished for a dedicated page for each plugin within the Plugin Store to provide more intuitive access to details, as currently, users must navigate to the GitHub page for additional information.
Microsoft still has some catching up to do
While Microsoft’s PowerToys Run and Command Palette share similar functionalities, the Start menu appears to lag behind. Flow Launcher offers a distinct advantage for users who prioritize customization and aspire to elevate their productivity to new heights.
