Key Takeaways
1. Raycast is a powerful productivity tool for macOS that is now being released for Windows 11 users in public preview.
2. The Windows beta includes features like a file search launcher, clipboard history manager, and a natural language calculator.
3. Raycast supports third-party extensions, but some features will not be available due to dependency on Apple-specific APIs.
4. Future plans for Raycast on Windows include advanced AI search, cloud sync, and additional productivity tools.
5. Windows users currently have alternatives like Flow Launcher and PowerToys Run, which are popular for similar functionalities.
Raycast, known as a leading alternative to Spotlight for macOS, refers to itself as a “shortcut to everything.” It goes beyond just launching applications, allowing users to carry out various tasks without needing to switch between different apps. Additionally, it offers features like clipboard history and tools for managing windows.
Windows Version Announcement
Although Raycast has built a strong user base on macOS and has an app for iOS, Windows users have been left waiting for a version. This is about to change, as Raycast has now officially announced that it will be available for Windows 11 users shortly.
Currently, Raycast for Windows is in a public preview, but access is limited to those who receive an invite. From what is available in the preview, it seems that the application utilizes Windows 11’s WinUI 3 Fluent design, giving it a native appearance.
Features of the Windows Beta
The beta version of Raycast for Windows includes many productivity-enhancing features that are present in the macOS version. For example, pressing Alt + Space opens a launcher where users can search for files and folders, with the option to filter results by file type. Once users have narrowed down their search, they can execute contextual actions on a file, like revealing its location in File Explorer or copying it.
Moreover, the Windows beta comes with a built-in clipboard history manager and a calculator that understands natural language. Users can ask questions like “days until July 12,” “time in Vienna,” or “distance between Los Angeles and New York.” During the beta phase, users can also access the Quick AI feature for free, which employs GPT-4o mini to handle conversational queries and follow-up questions.
Extension Support and Future Plans
One of the standout features of Raycast is its compatibility with third-party extensions, including a variety of JavaScript-based add-ons for platforms like YouTube, Slack, and GIPHY. Although the Windows version will support most Raycast extensions, those that depend on Apple-specific features and APIs won’t be accessible on Windows.
However, not all features are currently available in the beta. For instance, the Cloud Sync feature, which would allow users to sync preferences and extensions across devices, is not yet ready but is on the development roadmap. Additional features like more advanced AI-driven context-aware search, Raycast Notes, snippet expansion, calendar integration, expanded extension support, scripting and developer tools, and window management capabilities are also planned for the future.
At the moment, there is no direct download link for the Raycast Windows beta. Users interested in trying it out can join a waitlist for an invite. Those who are already part of the beta can share invites with three additional users, thereby extending the testing group.
Existing Alternatives for Windows Users
That being said, Windows users have a number of Spotlight alternatives to choose from, with Flow Launcher and PowerToys Run being the most widely used. PowerToys recently introduced a new Command Palette tool, which currently lacks some features found in Run but is expected to eventually replace it with improved functionality.
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