Side by side
Cairo Desktop Environment vs Flow Launcher
Both stand on start menu customization software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Windows
Cairo adds categorized app navigation, window organization, and folder access to a Windows desktop. Its unsigned installer warning is worth noting before downloading from GitHub Releases.
Visit Cairo Desktop Environment
Free plan Windows
Flow Launcher brings app, file, and web search together with built-in system tools and a plugin store. It is free and open source, but its listed platform support is limited to Windows 10 and later.
Visit Flow LauncherThe facts
| Cairo Desktop Environment | Flow Launcher | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Windows | Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | cairoshell.com | flowlauncher.com |
| On start menu customization software | #4 of 39 | #8 of 39 |
Cairo Desktop Environment: what it does well
- Free Windows desktop environment.
- Organizes open windows in the taskbar.
- Programs menu supports drag-and-drop categories.
- Folder stacks provide quick access to selected folders.
What to know first
- Available only for Windows.
- Installer is unsigned.
- Windows Defender may require an override to run the installer.
Flow Launcher: what it does well
- Customizable hotkey opens search; default is Alt+Space.
- Searches apps, files, file contents, and bookmarks.
- Includes shell commands, a calculator, and settings search.
- Offers installer, portable ZIP, and package-manager downloads.
- Published under the MIT License.
What to know first
- Supports Windows 10 and later only.
- Plugin submissions are subject to a policy excluding prohibited content.
Alternatives to Cairo Desktop Environment Alternatives to Flow Launcher The whole list