Windows is finally getting the best productivity tool from Macs

Everyone uses their computers for different purposes, but if your focus is productivity, there are certain tools that you should try to learn to use to get things done faster. However, this isn't as simple as it sounds because many of those apps are limited to a specific platform. Such was the case with Raycast, which many, including João Carrasqueira, our Lead Windows Editor, consider one of the best productivity apps, as it was limited to macOS.

The good news is that limitation is now a thing of the past. You can now download and install Raycast on your Windows PC to supercharge your productivity. However, this isn't a surprise because the company announced last year that it'd launch Raycast for Windows sometime in the future. Well, the day has finally arrived, but it isn't as good as its macOS counterpart.

Raycast has finally started rolling out to Windows users

But there is a catch

Raycast for Windows has arrived as beta software, and as is the case with most of them, you won't find everything that its macOS client offers. Some of the notable Pro features are currently missing from the beta version of the app. For example, one of those that didn't make the beta cut is Cloud Sync, which lets you synchronize your entire Raycast setup to deliver you a consistent experience no matter what device you use.

However, it's not all bad news. Raycast for Windows has support for third-party extensions, and you can use them right after installing it on your PC. That said, it's worth noting that plugins built specifically for macOS won't work on your PC. Also, don't be surprised if you experience some performance issues while using it, as this is in the beta stage.

Raycast is mostly a free tool, but it also has a premium tier for those who want to access Pro features. For that, you'll need to pay a monthly fee of $8 a month (billed annually). However, if you don't have a Mac and use Windows, this isn't the right time to buy the subscription, as Pro features are currently not available for PCs. This will not be the case forever, though. On its YouTube channel, the company has confirmed that those missing premium features will be added to the Raycast's Windows client in the future.

How can you download Raycast on your Windows PC?

There is no direct download link for Raycast for Windows. You'll need to join a waitlist by signing up with your email, and then wait for the company to send you the download link. Interestingly, those who get the invite will also receive a few extra invites to share. So if you have a friend who got off the waitlist, don't forget to ask them out. You can also join the waitlist here from the official website.