Fluent Search

What Fluent Search is

Fluent Search is a free, keyboard-driven search and productivity tool for Windows. It can find installed apps, files, browser history and bookmarks, commands, web results, open windows, settings, calculations, and on-screen interface elements. Screen Search places character labels over clickable screen items so users can navigate and interact with them using the keyboard. Its built-in file indexer is designed to scan quickly while keeping CPU use low. By default, the index contains file metadata rather than file contents; content indexing can be enabled for selected paths. Optional semantic search and summarization run locally and can be disabled in Settings. Community plugins can add search sources, previews, actions, and YAML-based task workflows. Search engines including Google, Bing, and DuckDuckGo can be configured, and web search supports inline previews and sending prompts to ChatGPT. The maker says most search data and interactions are processed locally, though some diagnostics, suggestions, sync settings, or third-party plugins may communicate externally. Windows 10 and 11 builds are available for x64 and ARM64; the maker describes ARM64 as newer and not yet battle-tested.

Who it suits

Fluent Search may suit Windows users who want keyboard-driven access to apps, files, browser data, and screen controls. It may also fit users seeking local semantic search or extensible search workflows, with external communication depending on settings and plugins.

Limits

The plan is free and supports Windows 10 or 11 on x64 and ARM64. By default, the file index stores metadata rather than file contents; content indexing must be explicitly enabled for selected paths.

Getting started

1. Choose a Windows 10 or 11 build for x64 or ARM64.
2. Install using an installer, APPX, portable build, or Microsoft Store.
3. Configure search apps and web search engines as needed.
4. Enable content indexing for selected paths only if you want file contents indexed.
5. Add community plugins or disable optional semantic features in Settings as needed.

Verdict

Fluent Search combines broad Windows search with keyboard navigation, local optional AI features, and community extensions. Review its indexing and external-communication settings, and note the maker’s caution about the ARM64 build.