Browse Folders from Flow Launcher’s Search Bar

File search · Published October 30, 2026 · Publisher: flowlauncher.app

At a glance

Explorer can browse a typed directory path as well as query an index. The Enter behavior depends on its configuration: it may browse the folder or open it in your default file manager. Learn that distinction before changing search engines to solve a navigation problem.

Steps to follow

Enter a known accessible directory path in Flow using Explorer’s configured search action.
Inspect the current result and use its context menu to confirm the location.
Use Ctrl+Enter to open a folder directly, as described in the usage documentation. Review the setting that makes ordinary Enter open folders in the default file manager.
While browsing within a directory, use Ctrl+Backspace to move up a level. Test with a harmless working directory before navigating protected locations.

C:\Users\Public
Ctrl+Enter: open folder
Ctrl+Backspace: parent directory

Check the result

The parent-directory action moves to the expected path, and opening the folder launches your intended file manager. No files need to be changed for this test.

Limits and common pitfalls

Directories on disconnected drives or unavailable network shares can fail even when the launcher itself is working. Verify access outside Flow.

Make the check repeatable

Index search answers which names exist within an index; path navigation answers what is in a particular directory. Keeping those two tasks separate prevents unnecessary index rebuilds. A known local path is also a useful control when a remote or synced directory appears unreliable.

Questions and answers

Why does Enter browse instead of opening File Explorer?

Explorer has a configurable Enter action. Use the explicit open shortcut or change that option to match your preferred workflow.

Sources and scope

Documentation-based guidance, with source review on October 30, 2026. What was and was not tested.

Related guides

File search