A faster way to find anything on Windows.
A lightweight desktop search launcher for applications, files, folders, Windows settings, and web searches — all from one compact interface.
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Finder is a Windows search launcher designed to make everyday desktop navigation faster. Open it with a global keyboard shortcut, enter what you're looking for, and launch the matching result without navigating through multiple menus.
Built with C# and WPF, Finder combines application launching, file discovery, Windows Settings shortcuts, and web search in one keyboard-driven interface.
Find installed applications and launch them directly from Finder.
Search common user directories or perform a web search from the same interface.
- Global keyboard shortcut — Open Finder using
Alt + Space, withCtrl + Alt + Spaceas a fallback when the preferred shortcut is unavailable. - Application launcher — Find applications through Windows Start Menu shortcuts.
- File and folder discovery — Search your user profile and common folders, including Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Music, and Videos.
- Windows Settings search — Quickly locate supported system settings for display, sound, networking, Bluetooth, updates, storage, and more.
- Integrated web search — Search Google from your browser or open a web address.
- Keyboard-first navigation — Move through results using the arrow keys and launch a selection with Enter.
- Light and dark themes — Follow your Windows app theme preference.
- System tray integration — Keep Finder available in the notification area and reopen it when needed.
- Automatic startup — Start Finder when you sign in to Windows, enabled by default in the installer.
- Per-user installation — Install without requiring administrator access.
The easiest way to get started is to download the Windows installer.
Download FinderSetup.msi from GitHub Releases
- Download
FinderSetup.msifrom the release assets. - Run the installer.
- Review and accept the included license agreement.
- Follow the installation prompts.
Finder installs for your Windows user under:
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Programs\Finder
The installer creates a Start Menu shortcut and enables automatic startup by default.
To install Finder without enabling automatic startup, run this command from the directory containing the installer:
msiexec /i FinderSetup.msi AUTOSTART=0You can also manage startup behavior through Windows Settings → Apps → Startup.
Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps, find Finder, and select Uninstall.
- Press
Alt + Spaceto open Finder. If that shortcut is unavailable, try the fallback shortcut,Ctrl + Alt + Space. - Type the name of an application, file, folder, or supported Windows setting.
- Use
↑and↓to navigate the search results. - Press
Enterto launch the selected result, or use the mouse. - Press
Escto hide Finder.
You can also open Finder from its notification-area icon. The active keyboard shortcut is shown in the tray menu.
Finder is designed for quick discovery, not as a complete desktop indexing engine.
- Applications: Searches Windows Start Menu shortcuts available to your account and all users.
- Files and folders: Searches common user directories using a bounded, best-effort scan. It does not currently provide a complete indexed search of every drive.
- Windows Settings: Supports a set of recognized system-setting queries.
- Web: Opens web addresses or sends selected search queries to Google through your browser.
Search results may vary depending on your Windows configuration, installed applications, available folders, and scan limits.
- Windows 10 or later, 64-bit.
- No separate .NET runtime installation is required when using the packaged release.
| Technology | Purpose |
|---|---|
| C# | Application logic |
| .NET 10 | Runtime and application platform |
| Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) | Desktop user interface |
| WiX Toolset 7 | Windows MSI installer |
| xUnit | Automated tests |
Finder/
├── src/
│ ├── Finder.App/ # WPF application and user interface
│ ├── Finder.Core/ # Core search abstractions and services
│ ├── Finder.Platform.Windows/ # Windows integration and launching
│ ├── Finder.Search.Apps/ # Application search
│ ├── Finder.Search.Files/ # File and folder search
│ ├── Finder.Search.Settings/ # Windows Settings search
│ └── Finder.Search.Web/ # Web search
├── tests/
│ └── Finder.Tests/ # Automated tests
├── installer/ # WiX installer project and license
├── scripts/ # Build and packaging scripts
├── assets/
│ └── readme/ # README screenshots and visuals
├── Finder.slnx
└── README.md
- Windows 10 or later, 64-bit.
- .NET 10 SDK.
- WiX Toolset 7 and its required extensions to build the MSI installer.
git clone https://github.com/Shreongit/Finder.git
cd Finderdotnet build Finder.slnx -c Releasedotnet test Finder.slnx -c ReleaseFrom Windows PowerShell, run:
.\scripts\build-installer.ps1Review the script's prerequisites and parameters if your local development environment differs. Build and installer outputs are generated locally and are not intended to be committed to the source repository.
Contributions, bug reports, and practical feature suggestions are welcome.
- Check the existing issues before opening a duplicate.
- Open an issue to discuss a substantial change.
- Create a focused branch for your changes.
- Build the solution and run the automated tests.
- Submit a pull request with a clear description of the change.
Please avoid committing generated build outputs, local IDE state, or machine-specific configuration.
Finder is distributed under the End-User License Agreement included with the installer. Review the applicable terms before using or redistributing the application. Third-party dependencies may have separate license terms.
Found a bug or have an idea for improving Finder?
Built to make finding things on Windows simpler.
