9 Best Launchers for Windows PCs [Updated 2024]

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 does the app launcher allow you to do?

An app launcher helps you organize and quickly access your desktop icons and settings. It lets you find and manage applications efficiently, whether through local programs or remote cloud services.

App launchers enhance productivity by allowing you to search for and open apps instantly, customize shortcuts, and streamline your workflow.

Let’s check them out:

What is the best launcher for PC?

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

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.

Firstly, using this software can exponentially improve your workflow. You have all your web apps, documents, file, or links in one place, so you only need to search on the platform to launch them.

More than this, you have the resources to manage your files efficiently and find anything with one click.

There is also a smart functionality of app integrations that enable you to install helpful web applications that you’re using often.

For example, you can search Google Drive, Slack, or YouTube and integrate them right into your dashboard. Thus, you benefit from ultra-fast installation and customizable views.

This effective desktop app will boost your productivity and help you resolve daily tasks better and better.

Here are some of its key features:

• Cloud-based dashboard
• Extensive organizing features
• App integrations
• Simple to use

⇒ Get Desktop.com

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.

This program can also serve as a solid replacement for Windows 10’s built-in Search.

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

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 to click on it, type the name of the app you want to open, and it will be opened immediately.

It also allows you to assign a specific keyword to a program, so you don’t have to type the full name.

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

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.

As soon as WinLaunch opens, desktop icons are hidden, and the background gets blurred, which is a nice touch in design.

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.

To add icons to WinLaunch, press F on your keyboard, the launcher will then be reduced to a smaller, movable window, where you can add icons by drag and drop.

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

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

Keypirinha – Good for bookmark organizing

Keypirinha is an efficient and quick launcher app for Windows that opens any file or website immediately.

Basically, you can utilize this application for regular tasks on your Windows system, managing multiple files and processes at the same time.

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.

In addition to that, you should know about the small memory usage on your system and battery-saving advantages.

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

Read more about this topic

• Paint 3D for Windows 11: How to Download, Install & Use
• Disk Drill Installs Dokan Library: What’s it Used For?
• StartAllBack vs. Start11: Which is the Best Start Menu Customization Tool?
• Be My Eyes AI app is now available for Windows 10/11 PCs; but with limited features
• Beeper chat app that brings together up to 14 chat services in one place is now available

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.

You have many more features to discover with Listary, so you should not hesitate regarding this light on resources 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.

There is no better way to say it than it can find anything in a few seconds. If you want to search specific folders or need to see maps and translation quickly, you have it.

In addition, Cerebro includes a plugin manager that is ideal if you want to install various plugins for Gifs. You can even build your own plugins using API support.

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.

How do I install the Windows 10 launcher?

1. Select the desired product from the list and visit the website.
2. Download the software.
3. Follow the instructions and install it on your 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.