Flow Launcher Keyboard Shortcuts: Everyday Actions

Daily use · Published October 30, 2026 · Publisher: flowlauncher.app

At a glance

Flow Launcher’s default activation shortcut is Alt+Space, and the activation key can be customized. Result navigation and plugin actions use their own shortcuts. Learn a small set first: open the launcher, inspect a result’s context menu, reload plugin data, and navigate Explorer folders.

Steps to follow

  1. Open Settings and check your actual activation shortcut; it may differ from the default after importing a profile.
  2. Use the arrow keys to select a harmless result and right-arrow to inspect its context menu.
  3. Test F5 in the query window when you need to refresh plugin data. This is different from changing the activation hotkey.
  4. For Explorer results, try Ctrl+Enter to open a folder and Ctrl+Backspace while browsing to move up a directory.
Alt+Space — default activation
Right Arrow — result context menu
F5 — reload plugin data
Ctrl+Enter — open an Explorer folder
Ctrl+Backspace — parent directory while browsing

Check the result

The shortcut performs the expected action in its intended context. Test with a normal desktop window first, then with the applications you commonly use.

Limits and common pitfalls

A shortcut that works on the desktop can be intercepted by another program, an elevated window, or a remote session. Do not assume every application shares the same keyboard context.

Make the check repeatable

Write your personal shortcut reference from the settings on your own machine. Imported profiles and plugin-specific actions can differ from examples online. A reliable small shortcut set is more useful than memorizing combinations that apply to a different version or plugin.

Questions and answers

Can I keep Alt+Space for another launcher?

Yes. Assign Flow a different activation shortcut and test that each launcher opens independently.

Sources and scope

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

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