Alternatives to WinLaunch
An open-source Windows launcher that shows your apps in a full-screen grid like the macOS Launchpad. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.
The original
WinLaunch
An open-source Windows launcher that shows your apps in a full-screen grid like the macOS Launchpad.
Replacements
Listings that take over the same core job as WinLaunch.
Flow Launcher
Press a hotkey, type a few letters, and open an app, a file, a bookmark or a web search on Windows.
Flow Launcher replaces the grid with an MIT-licensed keyboard search box for apps, files, bookmarks and web searches, with a plugin store.
Fluent Search
A Windows search launcher for files, apps, browser tabs, open windows and on-screen elements.
Fluent Search is a keyboard search launcher for apps, files, tabs and windows on Windows, but its source code is not published.
Listary
Instant file search and app launching on Windows, with a search box that appears inside file dialogs as well as on its own.
Listary is a keyboard-first launcher and file search for Windows that is closed source, with some features in a paid Pro version.
Ueli
A keystroke launcher that works the same on Windows, macOS and Linux, which most launchers do not.
Ueli is an MIT-licensed keystroke launcher that also runs on macOS and Linux, trading the icon grid for keyboard search.
Wox
A fully native keyboard launcher for Windows, macOS and Linux, with GPU rendering and a plugin system, as an open Raycast alternative.
Wox is a GPL-3.0 native keyboard launcher for Windows, macOS and Linux with a plugin store, rather than a visual grid.
Keypirinha
A very fast keystroke launcher for Windows, entirely portable, with packages written in Python.
Keypirinha is a fast portable keystroke launcher for Windows with Python packages, but it is closed source and unreleased since 2020.
Executor
A keyword-based launcher for Windows that opens programs, files, websites and web searches.
Executor is a closed-source keyword launcher for Windows with custom keywords, clipboard history and skins instead of an icon grid.
Similar software
Related functionality, not a direct replacement.
Nexus Dock
Launch applications and files from a customizable Windows desktop dock.
RocketDock
Classic lightweight application launcher dock for Windows with skins.
ObjectDock
Keep Windows shortcuts in an animated desktop dock.
MyDockFinder
Paid Windows dock and menu bar customization tool inspired by macOS.
nwg-drawer
A searchable full-screen application drawer for sway, Hyprland and other wlroots Wayland compositors.
