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[Guide] How to fix WinHotkey / Hotkeys not working when using Tiling Window Managers (GlazeWM) #4144
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Hi everyone,
I wanted to share a fix for a common conflict when using Flow Launcher alongside Tiling Window Managers like GlazeWM.
The Problem
If you use the WinHotkey Plugin (to open Flow with the Windows Key) or use Alt+Space as your hotkey, Flow Launcher often fails to open when GlazeWM is running. You might also see "Current hotkey is unavailable" in the settings.
The Technical Root Cause
This conflict happens because of how Tiling WMs handle modifier keys:
- The WM Hook: GlazeWM (and others) installs a low-level keyboard hook to manage windows. If configured to use
Altas the modifier key, it aggressively "consumes"Altkey events. - The WinHotkey Plugin: This plugin captures the
Winkey and then simulates the keystrokes of your main configured hotkey. If your main hotkey isAlt+Space, the plugin sends a syntheticAltpress. - The Block: GlazeWM detects this synthetic
Altpress and blocks it, preventing Flow Launcher from receiving the signal.
The Solution
To bypass the WM hook, you must set Flow Launcher to use a modifier key that the WM is not blocking (usually Ctrl).
Step-by-Step Fix:
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In Flow Launcher Settings:
- Change the main hotkey to
Ctrl+Space. - Why? Most Tiling WMs do not block
Ctrl.
- Change the main hotkey to
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If you use the WinHotkey Plugin:
- Keep the plugin enabled.
- It will now simulate
Ctrl+Spacewhen you press the Windows key. - The WM will allow this signal to pass, and Flow Launcher will open instantly.
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In your WM Config:
- Ensure you have an exclusion rule for
Flow.Launcherso it doesn't get tiled.
- Ensure you have an exclusion rule for
Confirmed working with GlazeWM v3. Hope this helps!
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Replies: 1 comment
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Thanks for your solution!
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