Launchy
Launchy is a free open source utility for Windows that allows you to quickly launch applications and files. It provides a fast searchable interface to access anything on your computer with just a few keystrokes.
launcher
search
keyboard
shortcut
productivity
Launchy: Free Open Source Utility for Quick App & File Launch
Launchy is a free open source utility for Windows that allows you to quickly launch applications and files. It provides a fast searchable interface to access anything on your computer with just a few keystrokes.
What is Launchy?
Launchy is a free and open source application launcher and file search utility for Windows. It provides a simple yet powerful interface to quickly access any application or file on your computer.
Some key features of Launchy include:
- Quick fuzzy search to instantly locate apps, documents, folders, settings, etc.
- Keyboard-focused design allows you to efficiently launch items without reaching for the mouse
- Indexing of common file types for nearly instant search results
- Plugin architecture to extend functionality via scripts and plugins
- Lightweight and fast even on older computers
- Completely customizable search categories, skins, keyboard shortcuts, and more
Launchy sets itself apart from similar tools like Windows search or app launchers with its speed, flexibility, and keyboard-centric workflow. Once configured to your liking, Launchy fits seamlessly into your productivity arsenal. If you find yourself wasting time navigating through menus and file dialogue boxes to open apps or find documents, give Launchy a try.
Launchy Features
Features
- Quick launch applications by typing a few characters
- Search local drives and network shares
- Plugin architecture allows extensibility
- Lightweight and fast
- Keyboard driven interface
- Customizable hotkeys and skins
- Indexing for fast searches
- Supports wildcards and regular expressions in searches
Pricing
- Free
- Open Source
Pros
Very fast application launcher
Highly customizable and extensible
Keyboard centric for power users
Lightweight resource usage
Active development and support
Cons
Limited to Windows only
Steep learning curve for advanced features
Potential stability issues with some plugins
No mobile or web interface
Official Links
The Best Launchy Alternatives
Top Os & Utilities and Application Launchers and other similar apps like Launchy
Here are some alternatives to Launchy:
Suggest an alternative ❐
Alfred
Alfred is a productivity application for macOS that helps users save time and boost efficiency. It allows you to launch applications, search files, lookup definitions, calculate expressions, and automate workflows with just a few keystrokes.Some of the key features of Alfred include:Custom hotkeys and keywords to open files, websites, applications...
Microsoft PowerToys
Microsoft PowerToys is a set of free utilities originally created by Windows developers to customize and optimize the Windows operating system for power users and developers. The project was revived in 2019 by Microsoft to develop new power user tools for Windows 10.Some of the utilities included in PowerToys are:FancyZones...
Quicksilver
Quicksilver is a fast and intuitive utility application for macOS. Originally developed in 2002, it aims to enhance productivity by giving quick access to files, applications, contacts and other system functionality.Some key features of Quicksilver include:Typing abbreviations or keywords to quickly launch applicationsBrowsing the filesystem and opening files rapidlyLookup and...
Ulauncher
Ulauncher is an open-source application launcher and productivity booster for Linux desktop environments. It provides a quick and convenient way to launch applications and search for files, browser history, online videos, Wikipedia articles and more using fuzzy finding.Some of the key features of Ulauncher include:Fast application launching with fuzzy searchPlugin...
Albert
Albert is an open-source software application designed to serve as an artificial intelligence-powered personal assistant. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows platforms and can understand natural language voice or text queries to provide relevant information or automate simple tasks.Some key features of Albert include:Responding to basic factual questions by...
Find And Run Robot
Find And Run Robot is a desktop automation utility that enhances your productivity by allowing you to quickly launch applications, files, folders, websites, and perform custom actions using an intelligent hotkey-driven interface. It serves as an alternative to macOS Spotlight or Windows Search, while providing more powerful functionality.Some key features...
Wox
Wox is a free, open-source application launcher and productivity tool for Windows. It provides a quick and convenient way to launch applications and search the web directly from your desktop, without needing to navigate start menus or have multiple windows open.Some key features of Wox include:Typing keyword shortcuts to instantly...
Flow Launcher
Flow Launcher is a free, open-source application launcher and productivity tool for Windows. It provides a powerful yet simple way to search and access files, apps, folders, settings, and web information directly from an always-available input box.Some of the key features of Flow Launcher include:Instant access to files, apps, folders...
FastKeys
FastKeys is a lightweight yet powerful keyboard shortcut utility for Windows. It allows users to create custom keyboard shortcuts to automate repetitive tasks, launch applications or documents, insert frequently used text snippets, open websites, and more.With FastKeys, you can set global shortcuts that work across all applications as well as...
Keypirinha
Keypirinha is a lightweight and fast application launcher and productivity booster for Windows. It allows you to quickly launch installed applications, open files and search the web simply by typing keywords, without needing to use the mouse. Keypirinha works by monitoring your keystrokes and providing suggestions based on keyword matches....
Executor
Executor is an open-source job scheduling and automation software. It allows you to easily schedule scripts, jobs, and tasks to run on set intervals or specific times and dates. Some key features of Executor include:Web-based user interface for easy management and monitoringSchedule and run scripts in Python, PowerShell, Bash, etc.Trigger...
Direct Folders
Direct Folders is a free program for Windows that offers an alternative way to organize your files and folders. Instead of relying on the traditional folder hierarchy, Direct Folders lets you categorize and tag your files so you can find them more easily.Some key features of Direct Folders:Tag-based organization -...
SyMenu
SyMenu is an open-source system utility application for macOS that allows users to customize and organize the macOS menu bar. It was created by Anson Kao and is distributed free of charge.Some of the key features of SyMenu include:Adding folders, separators, and spaces to the menu bar to keep it...
Kupfer
Kupfer is an open source launcher and productivity tool designed for the GNOME desktop environment. It provides a flexible and convenient way to quickly access applications, documents, folders, bookmarks, contacts, and other computer resources.Some key features and capabilities of Kupfer include:Keyboard-focused interface allowing you to efficiently launch apps and open...
Molimentum Quick
Molimentum Quick is a popular software tool used for diagramming, wireframing, and prototyping. It provides a fast, intuitive, and lightweight solution for planning and designing anything from basic flowcharts to complex system architectures.With an easy-to-use drag and drop interface, Molimentum Quick makes it simple to construct a wide range of...
