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 is for
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.
What is good
- Searches apps, files, browser data, and more
- Screen Search supports keyboard navigation of clickable elements
- Optional semantic search and summaries run locally
- Community plugins add sources, actions, and workflows
- Free for Windows 10 or 11
What to know first
- Available only for Windows
- Some settings, diagnostics, suggestions, or plugins may communicate externally
- The maker describes ARM64 as newer and not yet battle-tested
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.
Fluent Search plans and pricing
All plansCompared on desktop search software
- Free plan
- Yes
