Installation and downloads

This page explains the available Fluent Search builds and package types, and how to install or switch between them.

Choose your build

Stable builds are the default release channel.

  • Download from the official website: https://fluentsearch.net (use the Download button)
  • Or install from the Microsoft Store: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/fluent-search/9nk1hlwhnp8s

Nightly (previously called Alpha)

Nightly builds are updated frequently and are more likely to contain bugs. Use Nightly if you want early access to new features and you’re comfortable with occasional regressions.

Switch an existing install to Nightly

  • Go to Settings > System > Updates > Release feed and select Nightly.

Download Nightly directly (without switching from Stable)

These links are the same as in the repo README:

Package x64 ARM64
Windows Installer https://download.fluentsearch.net/fluent-search-daily/x64/Fluent-Search.exe https://download.fluentsearch.net/fluent-search-daily/arm64/Fluent-Search.exe
Windows APPX https://download.fluentsearch.net/fluent-search-daily/x64/FluentSearch.appx https://download.fluentsearch.net/fluent-search-daily/arm64/FluentSearch.appx
Portable https://download.fluentsearch.net/fluent-search-daily/x64/fluent-search-portable.zip https://download.fluentsearch.net/fluent-search-daily/arm64/fluent-search-portable.zip

Choose your package type

Windows Installer (.exe)

Best for most users.

  • Installs like a normal Windows app
  • Typically offers the smoothest integration and updating experience

Windows APPX

A packaged install (often used for Store-style installs). Useful if you prefer that deployment model.

Portable (.zip)

No install; runs from a folder.

  • Good for trying Fluent Search quickly
  • Settings/data live next to the executable (portable-style)

Updates

Update settings

Configure updates in Settings → System → Updates:

Setting Default Description
Release feed Stable Choose Stable (monthly) or Nightly (daily, may contain bugs)
Auto update Off Download and install updates silently on startup — no dialogs or prompts
Check for updates — Manually check for updates now

How updates work

  • Automatic check: On startup, Fluent Search checks for updates in the background. If an update is available, you'll see an OS notification. Click the notification to open the update dialog.
  • Auto update (silent): When enabled, updates download and install automatically with no user interaction. The installer runs with the /VERYSILENT flag.
  • Manual check: The "Check for updates" button in Settings forces an immediate check and shows the result.

Updates are verified with Ed25519 signatures for security.

Switching from Nightly to Stable

Downgrading from Nightly back to Stable isn't supported via the release feed toggle. To go back to Stable, reinstall a Stable build from https://fluentsearch.net.

Pinned results

You can pin frequently used search results so they always appear at the top of the search window and Quick Menu home screen.

Action How
Pin a result Select a result and press Ctrl+Alt+P, or right-click → Pin
Unpin a result Press Ctrl+Alt+P again on a pinned result, or right-click → Unpin
Reorder pinned results Drag and drop pinned results to change their order

Pinned results sync across devices when Settings Sync is enabled.

Notes

  • If you're not sure which to pick: use Stable + Installer.
  • Both x64 and ARM64 architectures are supported across all package types.