EverythingToolbar: Instant File Search in the Windows Taskbar
Everything integration for the Windows taskbar.
At a glance
- What is it?
- EverythingToolbar embeds the Everything search engine directly into the Windows 10 and 11 taskbar, replacing the default search box with one that finds files the moment you start typing. It is the right tool when Windows Search is too slow and you already rely on Everything.
- Who is it for?
- EverythingToolbar suits any Windows user who has already installed Everything and wants file search to live on the taskbar without opening a separate window. It does not work without Everything running in the background, the Lite edition of Everything is unsupported, and Windows 11 deskband support depends on ExplorerPatcher or StartAllBack.
- Can I use it commercially?
- Check first. The repository uses a licence we do not classify automatically, so read its LICENSE file before any commercial use.
- Is it still maintained?
- Yes. The repository last received commits 2 days ago.
- What is it written in?
- Mainly C, according to GitHub's language statistics.
Answers come from the project's GitHub data, last synced on September 27, 2026, and from our analysis. They are not legal advice.
Editorial analysis
What EverythingToolbar Solves
Windows Search indexes files incrementally and can take seconds to surface a result. Everything by voidtools, a separate free utility, builds its index by reading the NTFS master file table and returns results almost instantly. EverythingToolbar exists to close the gap between that speed and the taskbar: instead of switching to the Everything window, you type directly from the taskbar and get results in-place.
The project targets two audiences. One is Windows 10 users who want a persistent search control in the taskbar (called a deskband). The other is Windows 11 users who want the native taskbar search box to query Everything rather than Windows Search. In both cases the prerequisite is that Everything 1.4.1 or later is already installed and running.
Two Integration Modes: Launcher and Deskband
EverythingToolbar ships two separate packages under different winget IDs. The Launcher is the recommended path for unmodified Windows 11. After installation, a setup assistant starts automatically and offers two choices: a search box embedded in the taskbar itself (Windows 11 only) or a taskbar icon that opens the search window when clicked. Both options can be changed later under Settings, Taskbar integration.
The Deskband package is the recommended path for Windows 10 and for Windows 11 users who have replaced the default taskbar shell with ExplorerPatcher or StartAllBack. On Windows 10, right-clicking the taskbar and choosing EverythingToolbar from the Toolbars menu enables it; the taskbar must then be unlocked to resize and reposition the control. The README notes that the context menu may need to be opened twice before EverythingToolbar appears in the list.
Installation via winget uses two distinct identifiers:
winget install srwi.everythingtoolbar.launcheror
winget install srwi.everythingtoolbar.deskbandAn installer is also available directly from the GitHub Releases page.
Search Filters and Custom Actions
EverythingToolbar includes a set of built-in search filters out of the box. For users who have defined custom filters inside Everything itself, the option Use Everything filters (found under Settings, Filters) tells EverythingToolbar to pull those definitions in, giving the toolbar the same filter vocabulary as the standalone Everything window.
The search box accepts four quick-toggle flags: match case, whole word, match path, and regex. These are toggled directly from the search UI without opening a settings panel.
Custom file actions go beyond simple opening. Under Settings, Custom actions, you can define Open with commands that appear in the right-click context menu for any result. Enabling Automatically apply rules based on condition tells EverythingToolbar to run a command automatically when a file matches a given regular expression pattern. Leaving the regex field empty keeps the action in the context menu without any automatic trigger.
Keyboard Navigation and Third-Party Preview Integration
Keyboard shortcuts cover the full search workflow. The global shortcut Win+Alt+S (configurable) focuses the search box from anywhere. Inside the results list, the Up and Down arrow keys navigate rows. Ctrl+Up and Ctrl+Down step through previous search history when that feature is enabled. Enter opens the selected file; Ctrl+Enter opens its containing folder; Shift+Enter opens the result inside Everything itself.
Further shortcuts handle the most common secondary actions without reaching for the mouse: Ctrl+Shift+C copies the full path, Alt+Enter shows file properties, and Ctrl+Shift+Enter runs the file as administrator. Tab and Shift+Tab cycle through filters, and Ctrl+0 through Ctrl+9 select a filter by number.
The Space key triggers a QuickLook preview when the QuickLook application is installed. The Seer preview tool is also supported. Drag-and-drop from search results works directly, so files can be moved or attached to other applications without opening a file browser first.
EverythingToolbar also supports multiple Everything instances through Everything's named instance feature, which matters in environments where separate Everything processes index different drives or network locations.
Theme Behavior and Display Limitations
The toolbar reads the Windows system theme and switches between light and dark appearances automatically on both Windows 10 and 11. There is no manual theme toggle; the appearance follows the OS setting.
The deskband integration on Windows 11 is a notable constraint. Microsoft removed the deskband API from the default Windows 11 taskbar shell. EverythingToolbar's deskband package works on Windows 11 only when a third-party taskbar replacement such as ExplorerPatcher or StartAllBack has been installed. On unmodified Windows 11, the Launcher package is the only practical option. Users who prefer the deskband layout on Windows 11 must first install and configure one of those third-party tools.
The Lite edition of Everything is explicitly unsupported. The README lists Everything 1.4.1 or later (the full edition) as a hard requirement.
How EverythingToolbar Compares to Flow Launcher
Flow Launcher is a Windows application launcher that also accepts file search queries and can use Everything as a search provider. The difference in approach is scope: Flow Launcher is a general launcher covering web searches, application launch, calculator, clipboard history, and plugin extensions; it opens as a floating window triggered by a hotkey. EverythingToolbar is narrow by design, focused solely on file search and anchored permanently to the taskbar rather than appearing as a transient overlay.
For a user who only wants faster file search and already has Everything running, EverythingToolbar fits naturally into the taskbar without adding a new keyboard habit. For a user who wants a unified hotkey that also launches apps and runs calculations, Flow Launcher covers more ground.
Project Repository Layout and Maintenance
The repository is organized into several .NET projects under the EverythingToolbar.App, EverythingToolbar.Core, EverythingToolbar.Deskband, EverythingToolbar.Launcher, and EverythingToolbar.Platform directories. The EverythingSDK and EverythingSDK3 directories hold bindings to the Everything SDK. Build and contribution instructions are in CONTRIBUTING.md; the FAQ.md file covers troubleshooting and additional setup help.
The last push was on 2026-09-27, and release 3.5.0 was published the same day. The project requires .NET Desktop Runtime 8.0 or later, which must be present on the machine before installation. Translations are managed through Crowdin, and the project accepts bug reports, feature requests, and pull requests through GitHub.
Editorial conclusion
EverythingToolbar suits any Windows user who has already installed Everything and wants file search to live on the taskbar without opening a separate window. It does not work without Everything running in the background, the Lite edition of Everything is unsupported, and Windows 11 deskband support depends on ExplorerPatcher or StartAllBack. Verify that .NET Desktop Runtime 8.0 or later is installed before trying the installer.
Frequently asked questions
How do I install EverythingToolbar?
Run `winget install srwi.everythingtoolbar.launcher` for Windows 11, or `winget install srwi.everythingtoolbar.deskband` for Windows 10 and taskbar-replacement environments. An installer is also available on the GitHub Releases page. .NET Desktop Runtime 8.0 or later must be installed first, and Everything 1.4.1 or later must be running.
How do I use EverythingToolbar?
After installation and setup, press Win+Alt+S (or click the taskbar icon) to focus the search box, then type any part of a file name. Use the arrow keys to navigate results, Enter to open a file, and Ctrl+Enter to open its containing folder. Filters and quick-toggle flags appear in the toolbar itself.
What is EverythingToolbar?
EverythingToolbar is a Windows extension that integrates the voidtools Everything file search engine into the taskbar. It replaces or supplements the default Windows search box so that files can be found instantly without opening a separate window.
What is the difference between EverythingToolbar and Flow Launcher?
EverythingToolbar is a taskbar-embedded file search tool built on Everything. Flow Launcher is a general-purpose hotkey launcher that can also query Everything but additionally handles application launch, web search, and plugins. EverythingToolbar stays on the taskbar at all times; Flow Launcher appears as a floating window when summoned.
What is a good EverythingToolbar alternative?
Flow Launcher is a common alternative that also integrates with Everything and adds app launching, web search, and plugin extensions. The key difference is that Flow Launcher appears as a floating overlay triggered by a hotkey, while EverythingToolbar sits permanently in the taskbar.
Official sources
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