KeyRoutines

IFTTT for your PC: local "if this, then that" on Windows

IFTTT connects online services in the cloud, so it can't see what happens on your Windows PC, like an app opening or a headset connecting. KeyRoutines is "if this, then that" for the PC itself: triggers for apps, windows, devices, files, Wi-Fi, power and schedules start routines that change things on the same PC. The two can work together, since a Pro routine can send a message to an IFTTT webhook.

IFTTT → KeyRoutines

In IFTTTIn KeyRoutines
AppletRoutine: a trigger, then as many steps as you need, with conditions and branches.
If This (trigger)42 local triggers, such as App launched, Window opened, Device connected, Folder changed and PC unlocked.App launchedWindow openedDevice connectedFolder changedPC unlocked
Then That (action)Steps that act on the PC: open apps, arrange windows, switch audio, move files, show notifications.Open appApply layoutSet default audio deviceMove or copy fileShow notification
Date and Time triggersAt a time and Every …, with a choice to skip or catch up runs missed while the PC was off.At a timeEvery …
Filter code and queriesConditions such as Time and day, Compare values and On Wi-Fi network, in If containers. No code needed.Time and dayCompare valuesOn Wi-Fi network
Webhooks serviceSend webhook (Pro) has an IFTTT option, and HTTP request (Pro) calls any web address.Send webhookHTTP request
Smart home servicesSend webhook (Pro) can post to Home Assistant; other devices through their web APIs with HTTP request (Pro).Send webhookHTTP request
Notifications serviceShow notification and Show banner on the PC; there's no push to phone in 1.0.Show notificationShow banner
Wi-Fi and device triggers on your phoneWi-Fi network joined or left, VPN connected, Internet connected or lost, on the PC.Wi-Fi network joined or leftVPN connected or disconnectedInternet connected or lost
Weather and other data servicesHTTP request (Pro) to a weather or data API, then Read JSON value to use the result.HTTP requestRead JSON value

What's different

  • IFTTT runs in the cloud around the clock. KeyRoutines runs on your PC, only while it's on and you're signed in.
  • IFTTT connects to a long list of online services out of the box. KeyRoutines has built-in OBS, Discord, Elgato and Wallpaper Engine integrations; other services need HTTP requests or webhooks (Pro).
  • KeyRoutines' webhook trigger (Pro) only listens on the PC itself, so IFTTT can't start a routine directly over the internet.
  • IFTTT has phone features like location triggers. KeyRoutines has no phone app or location triggers.
  • IFTTT has a free plan with limits and paid plans. KeyRoutines is free, with an optional one-time Pro upgrade; there's no subscription.

Moving over

  1. 1

    Find the applets that are really about your PC

    Anything that reacts to your computer, like starting work, joining home Wi-Fi or plugging in a headset, belongs in KeyRoutines. Keep cloud-to-cloud applets in IFTTT.

  2. 2

    Pick a trigger

    Create a routine and choose the trigger: App launched, Device connected, Wi-Fi network joined, PC unlocked or a schedule.

  3. 3

    Add steps and conditions

    Add the actions, then guard them with conditions like Time and day so a routine only runs when it should.

  4. 4

    Connect back to IFTTT if you need to

    With Pro, add a Send webhook step with the IFTTT option to set off an applet from your PC. Check IFTTT's plans for its Webhooks service.

Questions

Is there an IFTTT app for Windows?
IFTTT is a web service with phone apps; it doesn't watch what happens on a Windows PC. For PC events you need a local app like KeyRoutines.
Can KeyRoutines trigger an IFTTT applet?
Yes, with Pro. Send webhook has an IFTTT option that posts to IFTTT's webhook address with up to three values.
Can IFTTT start a KeyRoutines routine?
Not directly. The webhook trigger only accepts calls from the PC itself, not from the internet.
Does KeyRoutines need an account or the cloud?
No. Routines run locally and stay on your PC.

IFTTT is a trademark of IFTTT Inc.; KeyRoutines is not affiliated with or endorsed by IFTTT.

Coming from somewhere else?

Try KeyRoutines instead of IFTTT

Free from the Microsoft Store for Windows 11 and 10. Pro is a one-time upgrade.

Get KeyRoutines freeFree vs Pro