Lertaro
Lertaro: A capable free Windows search tool for fast filename, folder, and configured document lookup. Ranked #42 of 57 in Desktop Search Software by our editors (4.5/10); pricing: Free plan; best for open-source Windows filename and local document search.
At a glance
- Editor score4.5 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forOpen-source Windows filename and local document search
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Content searchYes
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Fast fuzzy search with Boolean, prefix, suffix, exact, and exclusion operators
- Indexes local, network, WSL, NTFS, ReFS, FAT32, and exFAT locations
- Previews, shell actions, plugins, Flow Launcher support, and CLI access
Where it doesn't
- Windows-only coverage limits use across other desktop platforms
- Document full-text search applies to configured local documents
- No OCR capability for searching text inside scanned images
Our verdict on Lertaro
Lertaro is an open-source desktop search launcher for Windows users who need a fast way to find files, folders, and configured local documents. Its search supports fuzzy matching alongside Boolean, prefix, suffix, exact, and exclusion operators. Indexing covers NTFS and ReFS volumes through USN Journal and MFT data, as well as FAT32, exFAT, network drives, WSL distributions, and selected folders. Installer and portable builds are available for x64 and ARM64 Windows systems.
Its strongest distinction is the combination of broad local indexing and Windows workflow integration. Lertaro can dock into Windows file dialogs and supported file managers, show QuickLook previews, expose native Shell context actions, and provide real-time disk-space treemap analysis. It also integrates with Windows File Explorer, Total Commander, Directory Opus, OneCommander, QuickLook, LocalSend, and Flow Launcher. A native plugin SDK, Flow Launcher plugin compatibility, and a command-line companion that shares the in-memory index extend it beyond a standalone search box.
Lertaro is free and open source, with no paid tiers described. That makes it a practical choice for Windows users who value local control, flexible indexing, and an extensible search workflow without a subscription. The trade-off is focus: it is limited to Windows, and full-text search is aimed at configured local documents rather than a wider content-search system. OCR is not included, so users who need scanned-image text recognition or cross-platform coverage should choose a different desktop search product. Lertaro fits users who want a focused Windows filename and local document search tool with launcher and command-line options.
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Lertaro pricing
Lertaro fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported platforms | windows |
| Index locations | local, network |
| Content search | Yes |
| Email search | Not verified |
| Message search | Not verified |
| OCR search | Not verified |
| Indexed-item limit | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 7 integrations: Windows File Explorer, Total Commander, Directory Opus, OneCommander, QuickLook, LocalSend … |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | lertaro.github.io |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Lertaro integrations
Lertaro lists 7 integrations on its own site.
- Windows File Explorer
- Total Commander
- Directory Opus
- OneCommander
- QuickLook
- LocalSend
- Flow Launcher
Alternatives to Lertaro
- EverythingA free Windows search utility for instant filename and path discovery.9.3
- Copernic Desktop SearchA Windows search tool for broad local, network, email, and cloud indexing.9.2
- DocFetcherA free, portable full-text search tool for local files, archives, and PST email.9.0
See all Lertaro alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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