Wox

Desktop & Productivity

Open applications, find local files and use everyday tools from a keyboard-driven launcher for Windows, macOS and Linux.

Use with conditions

Official website Repository

Last updatedRelease 2026-09-23

Open source licenseGPL-3.0

PlatformsWindows · macOS · Linux

DeploymentDesktop

About this project

Wox is a desktop launcher for Windows, macOS and Linux. Its keyboard-driven input opens applications, searches local files and runs actions from one interface. Built-in tools include clipboard history, a calculator, converters, notes and screenshots. Users can add community plugins when the built-ins do not cover a particular task.

The current stable release provides Windows, Intel and Apple Silicon macOS, and Linux downloads. The installation guide also documents package-manager options and Linux packages. Wox uses the stable update channel by default; beta releases require an explicit channel change. User settings and plugin data live outside the application folder.

Search results depend on the configured readable locations. macOS may request access to protected folders, and some plugins need Node.js or Python. On Wayland, special double-modifier or CapsLock shortcuts need more permissions than regular shortcuts. These platform and plugin conditions should be checked before adding more advanced functionality.

Wox official product website Wox official installation guide Wox official FAQ

Decision guide

Why it is worth a look

Combines app and file access in a single keyboard-driven interface
Provides current ready-made Windows, macOS and Linux packages
Includes useful built-in tools before adding plugins

Before you use it

File search covers configured readable locations; protected macOS folders may need permission
Some plugins require separate Node.js or Python runtimes
Settings, plugins, cache and logs persist in the Wox data directory outside the application folder
Advanced Wayland hotkeys can require additional input-device permissions; ordinary shortcuts have a different path

Manual setupLow

With an AI agentModerate

DeploymentDesktop

Additional requirementsNot verified

A supported Windows, macOS or Linux desktop; Permission to install or launch a local application; Read access to the locations chosen for file search; Some requirements have not been verified. Check the official setup instructions.

What it can do

Application launching and window switching
Local file and folder search
Clipboard history, calculator and unit conversion
Built-in screenshot and notes tools
Optional community plugin installation

Who it fits

Good for

Frequent keyboard-based application and file access; People who want a configurable desktop launcher with built-in utilities

Not a fit

Expecting every plugin to work without dependencies; Enabling advanced keyboard permissions without understanding the platform setup

Getting started

Download the latest stable official package matching the platform and architecture
Install the package or launch the downloaded executable using the official guide
Start Wox once and configure the launcher hotkey and desired search locations
Use the built-in application and file tools before enabling optional plugins
Review any plugin runtime or platform permission requirements before adding them

What it takes

Getting startedLow

Ongoing maintenanceModerate

Failure impactModerate

Knowledge neededModerate

Not selected for comparison.

Get help from an AI agent

DeploymentDesktop

Additional requirementsNot verified

With an AI agentModerate

{
  "project": "Wox",
  "decision": "Use with conditions",
  "purpose": "Open applications, find local files and use everyday tools from a keyboard-driven launcher for Windows, macOS and Linux.",
  "repository": "https://github.com/Wox-launcher/Wox",
  "official_site": "https://www.woxlauncher.com/",
  "deploy_shape": "Desktop",
  "additional_dependencies": "A supported Windows, macOS or Linux desktop; Permission to install or launch a local application; Read access to the locations chosen for file search; Some requirements have not been verified. Check the official setup instructions.",
  "direct_setup": "Easy for basic packaged use: launch the official application and set a hotkey",
  "ai_assisted_setup": "Medium: AI can explain platform choices and plugin prerequisites; advanced permissions need human review",
  "operational_burden": "Medium: update the launcher and chosen plugins, and back up the persistent data directory",
  "operational_risk": "Medium: file access, clipboard tools and optional keyboard-device permissions need review",
  "knowledge_requirement": "Low to Medium: app installation and hotkeys; plugins and advanced Wayland options need more knowledge",
  "license": "GPL-3.0",
  "install_steps": [
    "Download the latest stable official package matching the platform and architecture",
    "Install the package or launch the downloaded executable using the official guide",
    "Start Wox once and configure the launcher hotkey and desired search locations",
    "Use the built-in application and file tools before enabling optional plugins",
    "Review any plugin runtime or platform permission requirements before adding them"
  ],
  "good_for": "Frequent keyboard-based application and file access; People who want a configurable desktop launcher with built-in utilities",
  "avoid_if": "Expecting every plugin to work without dependencies; Enabling advanced keyboard permissions without understanding the platform setup"
}

Wox

About this project

Why it is worth a look

Before you use it

What it can do

Who it fits

Getting started

Alternatives to consider