Alternatives to Nexus Dock
Launch applications and files from a customizable Windows desktop dock. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.
The original
Nexus Dock
Launch applications and files from a customizable Windows desktop dock.
Replacements
Listings that take over the same core job as Nexus Dock.
ObjectDock
Keep Windows shortcuts in an animated desktop dock.
ObjectDock is a similar animated Windows dock with appearance customisation, but it requires a paid license after the trial instead of a free tier.
RocketDock
Classic lightweight application launcher dock for Windows with skins.
RocketDock is free, portable so it runs without installation, and very lightweight, though its development has been largely dormant for years.
MyDockFinder
Paid Windows dock and menu bar customization tool inspired by macOS.
MyDockFinder is paid software that recreates macOS dock and menu bar behaviour on Windows in detail, including window previews and drag-and-drop file handling.
Similar software
Related functionality, not a direct replacement.
Flow Launcher
Press a hotkey, type a few letters, and open an app, a file, a bookmark or a web search on Windows.
Listary
Instant file search and app launching on Windows, with a search box that appears inside file dialogs as well as on its own.
Plank
Simple, lightweight dock for Linux styled after macOS-style launchers.
Latte Dock
Highly customizable dock replacement for the KDE Plasma desktop.
DockbarX
Linux taskbar with window previews and Unity-style app grouping.
