Context Switching for Windows, solved.
Switchblade is a lightweight CLI tool written in Go that lets you snapshot your running applications and switch between different "work modes" (e.g., Coding, Gaming, Work) instantly.
- One-Click Installer: No more manual PATH editing. Just run
install.bat. - Delete Command: Finally, you can remove old profiles with
switchblade delete.
- Go to the Releases Page.
- Download
Switchblade-v1.4-Installer.zip. - Extract the folder.
- Double-click
install.bat. (If Windows asks, click "More Info" -> "Run Anyway". It's safe!)
That's it! Open a new terminal and type switchblade help to verify.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Do not run Switchblade fromC:\Windows\System32. If you open a terminal as Administrator, it often starts there by default. Windows prevents programs from writing files to System32, so your profiles won't save.Fix: simply type
cd $HOMEor move to a normal folder (like Desktop or Documents) before running commands.
Troubleshooting: "Command Not Found"
If the switchblade command doesn't work after running the installer:
- Search Windows for "Edit the system environment variables".
- Click Environment Variables > Path > Edit.
- Click New and paste:
C:\Program Files\Switchblade - Click OK and restart your terminal.
Before you start saving profiles, you must teach Switchblade what "Normal" looks like on your PC. 1. Calibrate (Do this once) Close all your heavy apps (Games, IDEs, Spotify). Leave only Windows running. Then run:
switchblade calibrateThis creates a Noise.json file so Switchblade knows which system processes to ignore.
Open the apps you want (e.g., VS Code + Chrome + Spotify).
switchblade save coding-
Launch Only: Opens the apps in the profile.
switchblade go coding
-
Interactive Switch: Asks to kill current apps before opening new ones.
switchblade go -k gaming -
Force Switch: Instantly kills current apps and opens the new profile.
switchblade go -fk work
-
List all saved profiles:
switchblade ls
-
Delete a profile:
switchblade delete coding
- v1.0: Core Logic (Save/Load)
- v1.3: Interactive Kill Mode (
-k) - v1.4: Installer Script & Delete Command
- v2.0: Window Layouts (Future)
⚠️ "Virus Detected" or Installation Blocked
Because Switchblade is a new open-source tool, Windows Defender acts cautiously.
- Go to Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.
- Click Protection history.
- Find the "Threat blocked" item (Switchblade), click Actions, and select Allow on device.
- Redownload the zip file.
🚫 "Command Not Found" (Manual Install)
If the installer script fails to set the path automatically:
- Create a folder at
C:\Program Files\Switchblade. - Manually move
switchblade.exeinto that folder. - Add
C:\Program Files\Switchbladeto your System Environment Variables (Path). - Restart your terminal.
📂 `ls` command shows too many files?
Switchblade scans the current directory for profile files. If you run it from your Desktop, it might see everything.
- Tip: Create a dedicated folder (e.g.,
Documents\Switchblade) and save your profiles there to keep yourlsoutput clean.
MIT License. Built with ❤️ in Go.