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Google App for desktop

Free#46 of 57 in Desktop Search Software

Google App for desktop: A free Windows search app for local files, installed apps, Google Drive, and the web. Ranked #46 of 57 in Desktop Search Software by our editors (4.1/10); pricing: Free plan; best for windows users seeking local and Google Drive search.

4.1/10Editor score

Visit Google

Google App for desktop4.1 Visit Google

At a glance

Editor score
4.1 / 10
Pricing
Free plan
Best for
Windows users seeking local and Google Drive search
Free plan
Yes
Paid from
Free
Facts checked
23 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Searches computer files, installed apps, Google Drive, and the web
- Google says its local file index stays on the device
- Lens can select screen content, with AI Mode for contextual queries
Where it doesn't
- Available for Windows only
- Google Drive is the only listed integration
- File-content search is not verified

Our verdict on Google App for desktop

Google App for desktop brings Google Search together with search for computer files, installed apps, and Google Drive on Windows. It is aimed at people who want a single desktop entry point for those destinations, particularly solo users and small teams already working with Google Drive. A configurable keyboard shortcut opens the app, and Google Lens can select screen content to search. AI Mode supports questions and follow-ups, including queries informed by sharing a window or screen.

The app is free, with a free plan, so there are no paid tiers to weigh against its search scope. It can search files in Google Drive as well as files on the computer, and users can import or drag and drop files into the app. Google says the local file index is stored on the device and is not sent to its servers. That statement concerns the index; it does not establish how every other feature handles information. For buyers who prioritize local indexing alongside Drive search, this is a relevant distinction.

Its fit is narrow in platform and ecosystem: it is available for Windows, and Google Drive is the listed integration. The web search and Lens selection extend beyond basic file lookup, while AI Mode adds contextual queries through screen sharing. However, file-content search is not verified, so people who need dependable search inside document contents should compare alternatives that explicitly describe that capability. Choose this app for free Windows searching across local files, apps, Drive, and Google Search; look elsewhere if broader platform support or confirmed content indexing is essential.

Your product? Our editors can test Google App for desktop in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

Google App for desktop pricing

Plans Free planFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.

See plans on search.google

Google App for desktop fact sheet

Free plan	Yes
Paid from	Free
Supported platforms	Windows
Index locations	Local computer files; Google Drive
Content search	Not verified
Email search	Not verified
Message search	Not verified
OCR search	Not verified
Indexed-item limit	Not verified
Deployment	Desktop
Platforms	Windows
Support	Docs, Community
Built for	Solo, Small business (editorial estimate)
Integrations	1 integrations: Google Drive
Pricing	Free plan
Website	search.google
Facts checked	23 Sep 2026

Google App for desktop integrations

Google App for desktop lists 1 integrations on its own site.

Google Drive

Alternatives to Google App for desktop

See all Google App for desktop alternatives →

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Featured on iTechGuides

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update