Is there a launcher for Windows 10?
by Rachel Jones|2025-01-09 |
4 min read
If you struggle with too many icons on the Desktop and have trouble organizing them, we have a solution for you — Windows 10 launcher.
Using a windows launcher can take your computer experience to a whole new level. Unlike using the traditional time taking process of finding an app, it can let you access your favorite apps or folders within seconds.
Not to forget, having too many icons on your PC can also down your computer. Windows launchers let you keep your desktop quite clean and enhance your overall productivity and experience.
Why do I need a Windows 10 launcher?
Windows 10 is one of the most revolutionary Windows upgrades of all time. Its unprecedented features such as multiple desktops, high customization, and desktop management allow users to have an extraordinary experience. However, the presence of too many icons and the pain of organizing them creates problems for lots of users.
This is precisely where the computer launcher comes into the game and makes the whole environment more productive.
- These launchers free up your desktop space.
- They bring you a whole new user experience.
- They let you find anything in your system with a few clicks.
- Efficiently manage all your files, folders, apps, and links for you
Is there a launcher for Windows 10?
Windows launchers are designed to make your computing environment more effective by making things more accessible to you. It can provide you with a quick link for everything in your system, such as a file, folder, or your favorite app that you open every time you open your systems.
Now to let you choose the best launcher from the market, we have assembled the top 9 windows app launchers for you. Let’s have a look at them all.
- 1. PDNob Shortcuts
- 2. Launchy
- 3. Executor
- 4. KeyBreeze
- 5. WoX
- 6. XWindows Dock
- 7. RocketDock
- 8. ObjectDock
- 9. Circle Dock
1. PDNob Shortcuts
PDNob Shortcuts comes with a plethora of outstanding features that make every operation smoother than before and lets you easily access your favorite apps, software, folders, files, etc.
The best part about PDNob is that it allows you to create shortcuts for any application, a folder, a file, a URL, but also assists you in text sending, keystroke stimulating, and command running. Apart from that, it has some incredible features that you won’t find anywhere else, such as Optical Character Recognition, QR Code Generator/Identifier, Screenshot, Pin, Auto Shutdown, Uninstall Software.
Here is how you can add a shortcut for an application on PDNob Shortcuts Windows 10 launcher.
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Launch PDNob Shortcuts. Press the middle mouse button to open the panel.
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If you want to add a shortcut to another app, simply click on “Add” and you can select “Launch Software”.
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Once you click on your desired application’s icon, its shortcut will be created on the action page, and you can access it without going to your Windows search menu.
For more information, you can click here.
While you can find tons of launcher options on the internet, PDNob offers you several advantages that make it the best and most reliable Windows 10 launcher. Here are some of them.
- One-click perform actions: You don’t need to go to the search menu, type the name of an app, wait for results and open the target. PDNob Windows 10 Launcher allows you access a software, a url, a file, a folder, etc. within just a click.
- Free up your desktop space: You can create any shortcuts over this panel and free up your desktop space. Besides, PDNob Windows Shortcuts will automatically hide in the tray area and when needed, you simply press the middle mouse button or use hotkey to bring up the panel.
- Highly Customisable: You can create your own shortcuts for applications, files, folders, urls. What’s more, it’s able to sending custom texts, stimulating keystrokes and even running commands as required.
Now, we will discuss some other easy-to-use Windows 10 Launchers. We have divided the launchers into two parts according to how they launch things on PC.
So, here are the first ones where you have to find a program or a file on your computer by entering the name of the respective things.
2. Launchy
Launchy is an uncomplicated windows app launcher that allows you to launch programs, websites, or open files and folders on your computer. The best part about Launchy is that it is really easy to open. All you have to do is press the key combination ALt + Space, and the search window will open. Now type the file’s name or the folder you wish to open. Simple!
3. Executor
Executor is another simple launcher that you can place on the Windows taskbar. It works a bit differently than Launchy but lets you start all the installed applications on Windows 10 PC.
Once installed, Executor will index all installed applications on your computer along with the recently used apps and files. Now, open it by pressing Shift+Win+Z, type the name of the program you wish to open, and it will start the app for you.
Apart from opening files and folders, it also lets you access several other critical system functions such as shut down, logging off, etc. Also, if you find the opening key combination a bit inconvenient, you can change it in the settings.
4. KeyBreeze
KeyBreeze comes with a lot more features than Launchy or Executor and is a highly versatile alternative for such basic launcher freeware. You can bring it up by pressing Shift + Space and can even change this combination later.
5. WoX
Just like the above-mentioned Windows launcher freeware, WoX is an easy-to-install launcher. It lets you quickly launch apps, open files, folders, etc.
The best part about WoX is that it sorts the results based on usage, and just a bit like Google search results, it makes finding things relatively easier than others. It supports various themes and lets you create your own backgrounds by letting you select fonts or colors of your choice.
It also lets you search the web using prefixes such as g or wiki. Plus, you can set up your own prefixes and web searches in the settings. Furthermore, you can extend its functionality by installing plugins written in CSharp or Golang.
These are the launchers that allowed you to open the file or folder by typing the name of the destination. In this next section, we will share with you the launchers where you can start an application, file, folder, and others by adding icon shortcuts in the panel.
6. XWindows Dock
If you want to have a Mac-like launcher for your Windows 10 pc, then XWindows Dock can help you with that.
This app launcher emulates the Mac launcher and allows you to make complete customization of graphics, shadow, blur, etc. You can add your most commonly used applications, software, or programs to it and also add plugins for its custom interface.
7. RocketDock
RocketDock is one of the oldest app launchers for Windows 10. It is designed after the Mac OS X launcher and lets you easily launch the shortcuts of your favorite apps and files. Simply drag and drop the shortcuts and add them to your toolbar.
By default, it appears at the top of the screen as the Windows taskbar is at the bottom. You can obviously change the positions of both the taskbar and the rocket dock.
The only problem with RocketDock, according to us and users, is that the default icons look a bit old-fashioned. However, you can change them by downloading icons from the internet. Likewise, you can change or customize the theme or the dock background according to your preferences.
8. ObjectDock
ObjectDock is another commonly used computer launcher for Windows 10 that helps you quickly open your favorite apps or files. It lets you add the app’s shortcuts or widgets like clock, weather, battery, and calendar to the dock.
Also, you can personalize the experience by changing the skin and background of the dock. Unlike other dock launchers like RocketDock, it allows you to have as many docks all over the desktop as you like. For example, you can add a dock for gaming apps, another for something else, and so on.
The only problem is that it is free for only 30 days, and if you want to continue using it, you need to buy the paid version.
The only problem is that it is free for only 30 days, and if you want to continue using it, you need to buy the paid version.
9. Circle Dock
As the name suggests, Circle Dock is a circular app launcher that lets you pin folders, links, or shortcuts to it.
The most useful part is you can find it next to your cursor, and once it is open, you can see all the programs in a circular arrangement. You can also rotate the dock using the mouse wheel. Plus, it is a highly customizable launcher, and you can easily modify the background, icons, and even the shape of the dock.
Furthermore, it works quite differently than other docks. Unlike other docks that stay on your desktop all the while, Circle Dock immediately disappears when not in use and does not take up any space on your desktop.
Conclusion
From the above-given points, it is evident that using a window launcher can provide you with lots of speed, accessibility, and ease in your operations.
However, among the list of windows launcher tools, PDNob is apparently the one that can absolutely change your speed, upgrade your productivity and support you in your computer operations. Its unparalleled features, ease of usage, and simple navigation will help you immediately access everything on your computer. Hence, we recommend that if you haven’t tried PDNob yet, you should click here and try it today.
PDNob Windows Shortcuts
Discover how PDNob can improve your productivity.
Are you being bogged down with innumerable apps and files on your desktop screen? Get a program launcher for Windows 10 to ease up your life a bit. Wondering how an app launcher better your life of the blues?
Well, people who love to keep their life and things organized and tidy, for them a cluttered desktop is as worse as a messed up room. So, if you get an application launcher for your Windows 10 PC, then the app can sort the desktop icons, along with making many more significant and useful modifications.
So, what is it that the desktop app launchers do for your Windows 10 machine?
- An app launcher can provide quick access to a wide variety of applications stored on your Windows 10 PC.
- You can search and find all your important files conveniently from the sea of files you keep creating everyday.
- It also helps in freeing up desktop space.
- Some Windows app launchers can even facilitate web browsing with the help of a floating browser shortcut.
- Some app launchers also help in creating a task list to keep track of your priorities.
- You can also create keyboard shortcuts and customize commands.
Therefore, to help you avail such an application, we have listed down the best app launcher program for your Windows 10 PC in this blog.
What are the Best App Launchers For Windows?
Get a glance of the 12 best program launchers for Windows 10 and systematically organize your desktop.
1. Launchy
Launching an app is made easy with this best free app launcher and you will never again face any difficulty with your Windows 10 system. The system performs optimally and smoothly with this program launcher and doesn’t need you to set up anything as it’s ready-to-use after installation.
Once you open this tool it opens as a search bar along with a small control panel icon. You can easily launch programs and files with this easy-to-use app. This program is customizable with many skins and plugins.
2. RocketDock
Price: Free
Being on top of the screen, this free app launcher for Windows 10 is quite similar in its design to the macOS X launch toolbar. With readily available shortcuts to launch apps, files, it makes using the computer extremely fast and easy.
Adding shortcuts to the toolbar is easy with a simple drag and drop process. It saves a lot of space on the desktop. It’s undoubtedly the best solution to get rid of multiple icons from your desktop and reduce the clutter.
Read More: Best Disk Space Analyzer Software for Windows
3. SlickRun
Price: Free
A floating command line utility for your Windows PC, SlickRun is a promising app launcher that facilitates instant access to all programs, websites, and files.
You can customize commands and run multiple programs with the help of just a few keystrokes. Interact with your computer smoothly with the help of SlickRun, search the web just by entering the URL, and do a lot more unlimited action with this wonderful app.
4. Executor
Price: Free
Another best free app launcher is Executor, you can customize it as per your wish and access all types of apps installed on your Windows 10 computer easily with its help.
You get several features like lock your PC, shutdown shortcut, etc. with the Executor app.
Upon installation it indexes all the installed apps on your system and then all you need to do is open it and type the name of the program you wish to launch.
5. ObjectDock
Price: $4.99
With ObjectDock you can add all your frequently used favourite programs, so that you can access them simply with their shortcuts.
This app launcher comes with a 30 day trial period and offers a premium version with plenty of exciting features.
This app launcher offers several widgets like clock, weather, battery, calendar, etc. to make the dock look interesting and attractive. It also comes with customizable skins and various background changing options.
Read More: Best Free Spyware Removal Tools For Windows PC
6. WinLaunch
Price: Free
This free application launcher for Windows 10 is your way to consolidate all your apps in one place. You no longer need to search for your apps now. It remains minimized in the background and upon activation the launcher bar opens up and shows the list of all applications that have been pinned.
Create groups easily and customize it as you wish. Club the shortcuts in groups by simply dragging and dropping. The Jiggle Mode facilitates moving icons from one to another group.
You also get touchscreen icons with this app to access files and apps with ease.
7. Wox
Price: Free
Wox is a Windows app launcher that encourages you to access programs and web substance as you type. Create a theme that matches your desktop. Customize your themes based on selected colors, fonts, sizes, etc.
Its significant features include fast program launches, quick finding of local files and applications without stopping your keyboard. Additionally it sorts files automatically dependent on the rate of use.
Look through the web with preset keywords like, wiki, and so on. You can likewise include your own web searches through the settings pane of the application to assist you with your everyday life.
Not limited to this alone, you can also create a plugin with Wox. Supported plugins are Golang, CSharp, etc.
8. Keypirinha
Price: Free
Keypirinha is the best app launcher program for your Windows 10 PC that quickly finds and launches a multitude of items such as, files, bookmarks, applications, registry keys, URLs, sessions, etc.
Significant features include initiating a search on any configured website or online dictionary, language translations, searching the environment variables, initiating a copied URL directly, and much more.
Additionally, this tool also performs actions like searching web queries, evaluating mathematical expressions just with the keyboard.
Read More: Best Free Monitor Calibration Software
9. Winstep Nexus Dock
Price: Free
Winstep Nexus Dock is essentially the most feature packed app launcher with dazzling looks. With regards to ease of use, Nexus Dock is really a very straightforward tool to utilize.
This application launcher is extraordinary compared to other tools in the business as it accompanies a bunch of customization options. One of the customization choices available is to set custom symbols to your dock items.
You can entirely replace the taskbar with Nexus dock. The dock supports live icons, animated ones, background blur, widgets, custom icons, etc. It can work across multiple monitors.
Other than programs, Nexus Dock also supports documents and folders. All you need to do is just drag and drop the apps to pin them. Winstep Nexus Dock is accessible free of cost but the premium version unlocks many more features.
10. Listary
Price: $19.95
Another desktop app launcher for Windows 10 is Listary that does much more than launching an application or program.
With a lightweight interface, this app conveniently blends with heavy tools like WinRAR, Total Commander, Xplorer2, Directory Opus, etc. Browse through folders, search for the correct file names, or glance through the Windows restricted menus with this app.
It additionally applies a smart search technology to continue working without navigating through the Windows route to go to a specific location.
11. Keybreeze
Price: Trail for 60 days then $10
Keybreeze performs keyword based tasks efficiently. It is the best app launcher for Windows 10 that can permit you to set custom keyphrases for the most loved applications or URLs.
Keybreeze is an extraordinary app for emails. You can make sticky notes and do fundamental content extension which permits you to duplicate long chunks of text in a clipboard.
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12. Find and Run Robot
Price: Free
Find and Run Robot is one of the most powerful applications in the class of best app launchers for Windows 10. With adaptive search features you can quickly locate apps.
Customize the app as you wish for simpler and speedier search activity of applications. Taking into account that it is exceptionally fast, has plenty of plugins and several more incredible features and settings.
Summarizing
Thus, you now are fully aware of what each of the 12 app launchers is capable of doing. So, get a Windows 10 app launcher for yourself today and increase the productivity of your system.
If you like being organized, you need to try these Windows app launchers.
Whether you have too many icons, use dual screens, or are a dedicated multi-tasker, the tools below will improve and simplify your workflow.
Find below the best options, but first, let’s clear some things out:
What is the best launcher for PC?
1. RocketDock – Good for favorites management
RocketDock is a program launcher/dock that sits on top of your screen.
When you install RocketDock, it will feature some default shortcuts, but you can easily modify it, and add whatever program or app you want.
The best thing about RocketDock is that it can save a lot of space on the Desktop, so if you have many icons, this can be a lifesaver.
Here are a few of its best features:
- Sits conveniently on top of your screen
- Customize style and appearance
- Keeps your favorite apps in one place
- Easy to install and use
⇒ Get RocketDock
2. Desktop.com – Great for organizing your apps
Desktop.com is the ideal cloud-based tool for organizing and accessing desktop apps rapidly, in a centralized space for all your tasks.
You have all your web apps, documents, files, or links in one place, so you only need to search on the platform to launch them.
It integrates apps like Google Drive, Slack, and YouTube.
Here are some of its key features:
- Cloud-based dashboard
- Extensive organizing features
- App integrations
- Simple to use
⇒ Get Desktop.com
3. Launchy – Most simple launcher
Launchy is ready to use as soon as you install it, as you don’t have to set up a single thing.
When you open the program, it shows just a search bar, along with a small Control Panel icon. So, just type in the name of the program you want to open, and suggestions will appear in no time.
Launchy doesn’t only open regular programs or apps, it also can search for old files stored in multiple folders, which can be more than useful.
You will benefit from the following key features:
- Free app launcher for Windows
- Customize skins and plugins
- Great search functions
- Seamless integration on your desktop
- Great Windows Search alternative
⇒ Get Launchy
4. Executor – Great Taskbar addition
Executor is a very simple program/app launcher for Windows 10 & 11, that allows you to access any installed program on an app on your computer, simply by entering its name.
It is placed in the taskbar, so all you need to do is click on it, type the name of the app you want to open, and it will be opened immediately.
Besides programs and apps, Executor also works well with URLs, so if you need to access a certain website quickly, just enter its address in Executor.
Here are some of its perks:
- Incredibly small size (1MB)
- Cool appearance
- Simple to customize to your needs
- Assign specific keywords to programs
⇒ Get Executor
5. WinLaunch – Most mobile-like launcher
WinLaunch is based on the launcher from Mac OS X Lion. It starts minimized, in the background, and you activate it by pressing the Shift + Tab keyboard shortcut.
You can group shortcuts by groups, similarly to how it’s done in iOS; simply drag and drop one icon into another one to create a group.
You can create as many groups as you want, and make further customizations, like adding the name of the group.
Take a look at its key features:
- Move icons from one group to another
- Save shortcuts like you would have them on your mobile device
- Create as many groups as you need
- Cool design
⇒ Get WinLaunch
6. Winstep Nexus Dock – Great app customization
Even though functionality is probably the most important thing, Winstep Nexus Dock actually wants to charm you with its stunning looks.
It gives you the ability to set custom icons for your dock items. When it comes to usability, Nexus Dock is actually a quite simple tool to use.
It works on the drag and drop principle, so all you need to do to pin your favorite program or app is to simply move it on the dock with your mouse cursor.
Besides regular programs, Nexus Dock also supports files, folders, and other features. Everything has its own icon in the dock, so you won’t have a problem recognizing what’s what.
Let’s see a few of its best features:
- Drag and drop functionality
- Can replace the Windows taskbar completely
- Supports files and folders
- A lot of customization options
⇒ Get Winstep Nexus Dock
7. Keypirinha – Good for bookmark organizing
Keypirinha is an efficient and quick launcher app for Windows that opens any file or website immediately.
You can launch any applications, files, or URLs right from your desktop without any effort. The software can find every item in your system, plus launch a search for configured websites or dictionaries.
It’s also possible to do different mathematical operations or search environment variables, plus launch copied URLs directly from your desktop.
Let’s review some of its key features below:
- Performs different mathematical operations
- Search environment variables
- Launch copied URLs directly from your desktop
- Low memory usage
⇒ Get Keypirinha
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Listary – Quick searching
Listary is a helpful Windows utility created to find and launch any apps or files on your computer extremely fast.
You will find any files among millions of other ones using only a few keystrokes and Enter. The desired files are found and instantly shown on your screen.
Additionally, you can copy and move your files to any folder with context menu commands. Plus, it’s possible to open a file with a specific program.
Take a look at a few of its best features:
- Great search feature
- Copy and move your files to any folder with simple commands
- Open files with specific software
- Consumes very few resources
⇒ Get Listary
Cerebro – Great for advanced users
Cerebro is an open-source tool designed to boost Windows efficiency for searching or launching apps on desktops.
With this searching utility software, you can find and open literally everything from your computer much faster and more efficiently.
You can launch files in default programs or copy essential information on the clipboard for further steps.
Let’s go through some of its key features:
- Find files extremely fast
- Extensive preview functions
- Plugin support
- Copy data onto your clipboard fast
⇒ Get Cerebro
That’s about it for our list of the best app and program launchers for Windows 10. All these launchers have something unique to offer, and each one of them can replace a certain Windows 10 feature.
We advise you to try some or all of them in order to determine which is the most suited for your Windows device.
So, if you’re not satisfied with how Microsoft did its job with some of the features, or you simply want to try some new solutions, the programs from this article are just a perfect fit for that.
We also recommend reading our list of the best shortcut software for Windows 10/11 because they might offer additional help.
If you have tried any of the tools from our list above, share your experience in the comments section below.
Оригинальная программа запуска компьютера в стиле окна с более чем 30 функциями, которая сэкономит вам время и усилия в 5 раз, установите сейчас, и вы не будете противиться использованию все время.
Получите компьютер в стиле настольного ПК Win 10 Launcher на своем Android. Зачем вам старомодный лаунчер, когда у вас в руке может быть лаунчер win 10. Ознакомьтесь с новым лаунчером для компьютеров на Android-смартфонах.
Ваши друзья будут завидовать этому новому стилю запуска Computer Window 10 Launcher.
Сделайте свой телефон Android похожим на пользовательский интерфейс Computer Metro, точно так же, как ПК с Windows 10 на вашем Android. Этот лаунчер точно даст вам ощущение лаунчера рабочего стола для Windows 10 с пользовательскими настройками настольного компьютера.
Дизайн запуска настольного компьютера:
Computer Win 10 Launcher — самый быстрый лаунчер в магазине игр.
Получите диспетчер файлов в оконном стиле, где вы можете искать и просматривать все свои приложения, контакты, поиск Google, карты Google и многое другое.
Основные характеристики:
— Меню «Пуск» как у компьютера
— Внешний вид плитки Window 10
— Создание ярлыков на рабочем столе
— Создание контактов на рабочем столе
— Размещайте приложения на рабочем столе
— Перетащите
— Список наиболее часто используемых приложений
— 18 категорий приложений с данными о 2 миллионах приложений
— Легкий доступ и поиск в приложениях
— Получите подробную информацию обо всех ваших дисках, SD-карте, хранилище, аудио- и видеофайлах и изображениях в стиле ПК
— Точный вид панели задач запуска компьютера
— Получайте уведомления, когда приходит уведомление, используя средство уведомления о запуске компьютера со счетчиком чисел.
— Размещайте виджеты на рабочем столе, изменяйте их размер, перетаскивайте
— Добавить домашнюю страницу
— Перетащите для всех действий
— Виджет часов на рабочем столе и панели задач
— Виджет погоды
— Виджет новостей
— Виджет информации об оперативной памяти и Ram Clean
— Переименовать папки на рабочем столе
— Живые Премиум Обои и Темы
— Добавлены плитки с погодой, календарем и фотографиями.
— Неограниченное количество тем
— Функция блокировки экрана
— Скрыть функцию приложения
— Поддержка нескольких цветов для рабочего стола, меню «Пуск» и панели задач.
— Темы и набор иконок
— Изменение приложений на панели задач (перетаскивание)
launcher
start-menu
taskbar
ui-customization
A free, open source program allowing customization of the Windows 10 desktop with alternative start menu, taskbar, and UI elements.
What is Windows 10 Desktop Launcher?
Windows 10 Desktop Launcher is a free, open source desktop customization program for Windows 10. It provides an alternative start menu, taskbar, system tray, and other user interface elements to allow customization and personalization options beyond what the default Windows 10 interface offers.
Some of the key features of Windows 10 Desktop Launcher include:
- A customizable start menu with transparent backgrounds, icon sizes, pinned apps, and more
- An alternative taskbar with options for auto-hide, position, size, and multiple taskbars
- Custom system trays and notification areas
- Support for skins, themes, icon packs to change visual styles
- Enhanced desktop functionality like sticky notes, widgets, quick shortcuts, and window previews
- Options for configuring hidden icons, notifications, jump lists
- Complete portable program that doesn’t require installation
Windows 10 Desktop Launcher aims to provide a fast, flexible way for Windows 10 users to adapt the desktop to their personal needs and preferences. It is open source software provided completely free of charge.
Windows 10 Desktop Launcher Features
Features
- Customizable start menu
- Support for themes and icon packs
- Additional desktop widgets
- Enhanced taskbar with extra functionality
- Keyboard shortcuts and hotkeys
- Plugin architecture for extensibility
Pros
Very customizable and flexible
Lightweight and fast
Open source with active development
Supports latest Windows 10 features
Helps improve productivity
Free with no ads or unwanted bundles
Cons
Can take time to fully customize
Not officially supported by Microsoft
Some features may be less stable
Limited native integration with Windows
Requires technical knowledge to use advanced features
Official Links
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