Back Up and Restore Flow Launcher Settings

Appearance and settings · Published October 30, 2026 · Publisher: flowlauncher.app

At a glance

Back up the active UserData folder after closing Flow Launcher. That folder contains the configuration and plugin data associated with the instance you are using. Restoring it requires attention to version compatibility and machine-specific paths; it is not just a matter of copying the application executable.

Steps to follow

  1. Search for flow launcher userdata and record the actual folder used by the running instance.
  2. Exit Flow completely, then copy the folder to a dated backup. Keep the Flow version alongside the backup name.
  3. To restore, close the target instance and rename its current data folder as a temporary recovery copy rather than deleting it immediately.
  4. Place the saved data in the intended active location, start Flow, and test hotkeys, theme, plugins, and Quick Access targets.
flow launcher userdata

Check the result

Your key preferences return and the saved paths work on the target machine. Retain the temporary recovery copy until you have confirmed the restore.

Limits and common pitfalls

Plugin settings may contain private paths, account identifiers, or tokens. Store backups securely and do not upload the entire folder to a public bug report.

Make the check repeatable

A useful backup has a clear restore point: app version, date, install method, and the active data path. Restoring a profile created by a newer app into an older release can introduce incompatibilities. Keep the original backup unchanged while trying migrations.

Questions and answers

Will a backup work on a different Windows account?

Many preferences can transfer, but paths, runtime locations, and credentials may need adjustment. Test them instead of assuming a complete match.

Sources and scope

Documentation-based guidance, with source review on October 30, 2026. What was and was not tested.

Related guides

Package information and verification