ProtonSearch review
A broad, free Windows search and launcher for power users who work locally.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
ProtonSearch is a native Windows launcher for people who want one keyboard-driven entry point for applications, files, folders, utilities, and local content. Opened with Alt + Space, it searches supported documents, PDFs, source files, notes, configurations, screenshots, copied images, browser history, bookmarks, Git repositories, Windows settings, commands, open windows, games, and AI chats. Windows power users are the clearest audience, especially those who want search, quick actions, and launcher utilities in one application.
Its standout strength is breadth. Full-text and OCR search extend beyond filenames, while clipboard history adds pinning, editing, multiselect, and image support. Git search covers repositories, commits, branches, and TODO/FIXME comments. Calculator functions, unit conversion, quicklinks, reusable text snippets, and a configurable shortcut make ProtonSearch useful for recurring desktop tasks as well as retrieval. Hermes agent integration adds approved local tasks and PC-control workflows, giving the launcher an automation angle without moving its focus away from the Windows desktop.
The ecosystem fit is centered on Windows and familiar local applications: ProtonSearch integrates with Google Lens, Chromium-based browsers, Firefox, Steam, and ChatGPT. It is distributed under the MIT License and available as a Windows installer from GitHub releases. The trade-off is scope: users needing macOS or Linux support, or search across network sources, should choose another tool. ProtonSearch is a strong match for Windows users who value a wide local search index and launcher functions; people seeking a minimal file-search utility may find its wider toolkit unnecessary.
ProtonSearch pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Searches documents, PDFs, source files, images, clipboard data, and Git content
- Combines launcher, calculator, snippets, settings, and Windows utility search
- Free, open-source Windows app with OCR and approved local-task workflows
- Where it doesn't
- Windows-only, with no support for other desktop platforms
- Focuses on local sources rather than network-source search
- Its broad feature set may be more than users seeking simple file search need
ProtonSearch fact sheet, pricing and score →
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