Alfred for Windows: launchers vs automation with KeyRoutines
Alfred is Mac-only. If what you miss is the search bar for launching apps and finding files, a Windows launcher such as PowerToys Run or PowerToys Command Palette is the better fit, not KeyRoutines. If what you miss is Alfred's Workflows, the hotkeys that chain actions together, KeyRoutines covers that side: hotkeys, typed snippets (Pro), file actions, web searches and scripts (Pro).
Alfred → KeyRoutines
| In Alfred | In KeyRoutines |
|---|---|
| Hotkey trigger in a Workflow | Hotkey trigger starting a routine.Hotkey |
| Keyword input | No search bar. The Run-by-name palette runs routines by name, and Typed text (Pro) starts a routine from an abbreviation you type anywhere.Run manuallyTyped text |
| Snippets | Typed text (Pro) replaces an abbreviation with text.Typed text |
| Web searches and Open URL | Web search and Open URLs, with text from earlier steps.Web searchOpen URLsEncode for a web address |
| Launch apps | Open app, Run as administrator, Restart app.Open appRun as administratorRestart app |
| File actions | Open file or folder, Move or copy file, Rename file, Delete to Recycle Bin, Zip files.Open file or folderMove or copy fileRename fileDelete to Recycle BinZip files |
| System commands (lock, sleep, restart) | Lock the PC, Sleep, Restart, Shut down.Lock the PCSleepRestartShut down |
| Copy to Clipboard and Post Notification outputs | Set clipboard, Show notification.Set clipboardShow notification |
| Run Script action | Run PowerShell, Run command and Run JavaScript (Pro).Run PowerShellRun commandRun JavaScript |
| Conditional and argument utilities | If container with Compare values; Replace text, Find with a pattern, Change case.Compare valuesReplace textFind with a patternChange case |
What's different
- Alfred is a launcher first: one search bar for apps, files, calculations and web searches. KeyRoutines has no such bar and doesn't search your files. For that, use PowerToys Run, PowerToys Command Palette or Windows Search.
- Alfred's clipboard history has no equivalent in KeyRoutines 1.0. Windows' built-in Win+V clipboard history covers the basics.
- Alfred Workflows can show lists of results as you type; KeyRoutines can ask with Choose from a list, but it doesn't filter live results from a script.
- Alfred is free with a paid Powerpack that unlocks Workflows and snippets. KeyRoutines is free, with Typed text, scripts and HTTP in the optional one-time Pro upgrade.
- KeyRoutines can't import Alfred workflows.
Moving over
- 1
Split launching from automating
Set up PowerToys Run or Command Palette for finding and opening things. Bring only your Workflows into KeyRoutines.
- 2
Rebuild hotkey workflows
Each hotkey workflow becomes a routine with a Hotkey trigger and the same chain of actions as steps.
- 3
Move snippets to Typed text
With Pro, add a Typed text trigger per snippet: the abbreviation, then the replacement text.
- 4
Use Ask for input for keyword arguments
Where a workflow took text after a keyword, start the routine by hotkey and use Ask for input to get the text.
Questions
- Is there an Alfred for Windows?
- No. Alfred is Mac-only. PowerToys Run and PowerToys Command Palette are free Microsoft launchers for Windows, and there are other third-party launchers too.
- Is KeyRoutines a launcher?
- No. It's an automation app: routines start from hotkeys, events and schedules. It has a Run-by-name palette for your own routines, not for searching the PC.
- Can I use KeyRoutines with PowerToys?
- Yes. They do different jobs and run side by side. If both claim the same shortcut, change one.
- Can KeyRoutines import my Alfred workflows?
- No. You rebuild the ones you use as routines.
Alfred is a trademark of Running with Crayons Ltd; KeyRoutines is not affiliated with or endorsed by Running with Crayons.
Coming from somewhere else?
Try KeyRoutines instead of Alfred
Free from the Microsoft Store for Windows 11 and 10. Pro is a one-time upgrade.