What is launcher software?
Registering frequently used software allows you to quickly launch it , which not only helps organize and tidy up your desktop by eliminating unnecessary shortcut icons, but also makes it extremely convenient to use Windows desktop software.
Launchers come in a variety of types: dock-style launchers designed for Macs, mouse-based types like Quick Launchers, and types that can be operated using only the keyboard. Some launchers list software together or allow you to use them in groups.
Launchers that support hotkeys (shortcut keys) allow you to easily launch software using only without using , improving work efficiency.
Free launcher software
- Easy-to-use launcher software that can be launched in various ways
Double-clicking an empty spot on the desktop or moving the mouse cursor to the edge of the screenCtrl+Alt+spaceThis is a launcher software that allows you to call up a window and launch software using a key. You can register applications such as
and , as well as special items such as the registry editor, shutdown, logoff, and control panel, allowing you to quickly access the functions you need.Supported OS: Windows 10Version: 18.0509 (2018/01/03)Provided by: GO - A stylish launcher software that can recreate the Dock used in Mac OS.
Although it is made overseas, it supports Japanese by default. You can add shortcuts to the Dock by . You can freely set the display position to either the top, bottom, left, or right of the screen, and you can also freely set multiple skins to be displayed.
Supported OS: Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7Version: 1.3.5 (2007/09/03)Provided by: PunkLabs - A launcher software with functions such as clock display, command launcher, sticky notes, calendar, clipboard extension, etc.
, an improved launcher software compatible with Windows 10/11.
While displaying it as a clock widget, it also offers a wide range of functions, including launcher, command launcher, sticky notes, calendar, and PC volume control.
The design is also appealing, as it can be customized to your liking, with options such as the clock font, second display, translucency, button icon size, and theme color.Supported OS: Windows 10/11Version: 1.59 (2025/07/06)Provided by: mikimaru - Utility software that allows you to set shortcut key buttons on your desktop
This software allows you to place shortcut keys such as Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V on your desktop as buttons.
You can drag and move the created buttons freely, group them and move them all at once, and customize their size and color as you like. You can
also assign files, folders, and applications to the button actions and use them like a launcher.Supported OS: Windows 7 or laterVersion: 3.4.1 (2016/04/27)Provided by: trifoliumStudio - A mouse wheel click launcher with a group function that allows you to open multiple folders with one click.
This is a launcher tool that adds a "launcher menu" function that allows quick access to folders, files, and websites with a mouse wheel click (middle button click). By setting frequently accessed folders and frequently used files in the launcher menu, you can conveniently open folders and files quickly when you need them. You can also register groups to open multiple folders at once. You can also display the launcher menu in dialog windows that appear when using "open" or "save" in other software, allowing you to easily access the folders you want to open or save.
Compatible OS: Windows XP/Vista/7/8/8.1/10Version: 5.2.3 (2016/05/08)Provided by: Jean Lalonde - A launcher software that makes it easy to open files with the software you want to open them with.
This launcher software makes PC operation more convenient by associating file extensions with the default software.
For example, if you set it as the default software for image files, this software will launch when you open an image file. You can open
files with the software you want by selecting the viewer software if you want to view them, or the editing software if you want to edit them.
Even if you don't set it as the default software, you can add it to the "Send To" menu in the right-click menu and have the file open with the software you want.Supported OS: Windows 10Version: 2.3 (2024/11/04)Provided by: KrK (Knuth for Kludge) - Software that replaces "Run" and allows you to run as administrator or execute commands added to favorites
This software extends the "Run" command, allowing you to run commands as an administrator or execute commands registered as "favorites."Win+RThis software will launch with a key (this can be changed in the options). There are also icons to launch Task Manager, Registry Editor, Command Prompt, and Device Manager with one click.
Supported OS: Windows 7/8.1/10/11, Windows Server 2012-2025Version: 6.26 (2025/06/12)Provided by: Nenad Hrg - A digital clock-style desktop accessory packed with a variety of functions, including sticky notes, a calendar, and a media player.
This software comes with standard features such as software launching, music playback, , display, memory monitoring, and . Other features include regular email checks, double-clicking the desktop, left-clicking and right-clicking, and right-clicking to run software or minimize the window, as well as alarm settings that play WAV files or display messages at a specified time on a specified date, day of the week, or date.
Numerous skins are available, allowing you to customize the design to your liking.Supported OS: Windows Vista/7Version: 2.20 Beta 3 (2010/05/14)Provided by: miki*Development of this software has been discontinued. The successor software is . - Software that can launch multiple software or files in sequence
This software allows you to launch multiple software, files, and folders in the order you registered them.
Its unique feature is that you can adjust the delay time for each software or file to prevent software or files registered later from overtaking software or files launched earlier.
It is also possible to set registered software or files to launch when Windows starts or when this software is run.Supported OS: Windows 7/10Version: 1.1 (2021/02/07)Provided by: Mirumi - A launcher software that allows you to quickly open applications, files, and folders with hotkeys.
This is launcher software that allows you to open any software, file, or folder with a specified hotkey. Simply
drag and drop the software or file you want to run or open onto the software, then register and use it by specifying the Alt/Ctrl/Shift/Windows key combination.
Clicking the task tray icon displays a list of registered items, allowing you to launch them by clicking them without using a hotkey.
Another feature is that when the software is launched, the name of the software or file to be launched is displayed in the upper right corner of the desktop screen (this can be hidden in the settings).Supported OS: Windows XP/VistaVersion: 1.6 (2011/07/30)Provided by: TAD - A hotkey-activated search box that searches the web as well as desktop files and apps
A search box tool that allows you to search apps, files, bookmarks, Google, YouTube, and Twitter.
Alt+SpaceThe key can bring up a search box to search and open apps or search the web
, open Windows Settings, or perform system commands such as power options commands like sleep, shut down, and restart.Supported OS: Windows 7 or laterVersion: 1.20.2 (2025/07/13)Provided by: The Flow Launcher Team - A launcher that allows you to launch software using the four edges of the window screen.
It only takes up a narrow strip of space of about 1-10px, so it's completely unnoticeable in normal use. Its features include alarm activation, notepad, , clipboard , and Windows logoff, shutdown, and restart. It's a highly functional software that also supports wheel launchers and
Supported OS: Windows 95/98/Me/XPVersion: 2.03 (2005/12/30)Provided by: Still Green - A Mac Dock-style launcher software that lets you choose the design that suits your taste from a wide variety of themes.
This Mac OS Dock-style launcher software enlarges icons when you hover the mouse cursor over them and vibrates when you click them. It comes standard with a CPU meter, weather forecast, RAM meter, and desktop capture tool. You can register or remove frequently used software by dragging and dropping. The launcher can be positioned up, down, left, or right, and you can choose your favorite design from a wide variety of themes.
Compatible OS: Windows 7/8/8.1/10/11Version: 25.7 (2025/07/30)Provided by: Winstep Software Technologies*Available free of charge for personal use only. - An application toolbar that can be placed on the edge of the desktop to quickly launch software, files, and folders
This toolbar can be placed anywhere on the top, bottom, left, or right of your desktop screen, allowing you to quickly launch or open frequently used software or folders. It can be hidden when not in use, so it won't get in the way under normal circumstances. You can also customize the icon size, the spacing between icons, whether to show or hide text, the background color, and more to create an easy-to-use desktop environment.
Compatible OS: Windows Vista/7/8/8.1/10Version: 1.6.9 / 1.7.0 beta (July 11, 2021)Provided by: aserteam - Software that allows you to launch and shut down frequently used files and software all at once
This software allows you to launch your frequently used files and software all at once when you need them, and then close them all at once when you're done. It also supports minimizing and bringing them to the foreground all at once. You can register them in groups according to their purpose, so you can open only the files and software in the group you want to use. You can also launch only the files and software you need individually, so it can be used like a little launcher.
Compatible OS: Windows XP/7/8/8.1/10Version: 2.1.0 (2015/03/13)Provided by: Nanao - A simple and lightweight launcher tool that can be carried around on a USB memory stick.
It features a wide range of customization features, including the ability to change skins, icon size, and transparency, as well as the ability to call up programs using hotkeys, launch multiple programs simultaneously, and add functions using plug-ins.
Compatible OS: Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7/8/8.1Version: 1.4.7.508 (2010/03/02)Provided by: Laurent Cozic - Software that uses Explorer as a drawer
This software allows you to display Explorer by simply moving the mouse cursor to the left edge of the screen.Win+EIt can display Explorer as quickly as using the hotkey. It also has other features, such as being used as a launcher from the menu displayed on the edge of the screen, or monitoring folders to launch specified software.
Compatible OS: Windows 98/Me/2000/XP/Vista/7/8/8.1/10Version: 0.70 (2015/07/31)Provided by: Nobuhisa Yamazaki - A set of Microsoft utilities designed to improve performance when using Windows
This is a collection of over 20 Microsoft utility tools designed to tune and streamline your Windows experience and increase your productivity, including :- Pin the selected window to the front
- Set it so that it won't go to sleep or turn off the screen even if you leave it alone
- You can now move or delete a file by terminating the process that is using it.
- Bulk resize images
- Remap keyboard layouts and shortcut keys
- Prominent mouse focus
- Share a mouse and keyboard with multiple PCs
- Bulk rename file names
- Copy text on the screen that cannot be copied
Supported OS: Windows 10/11 (64-bit)Version: 0.92.1 (2025/07/08)Provided by: Microsoft - Software that can display the contents of a specified folder as a launcher
This software opens a menu similar to the classic Start menu in the bottom right corner of your desktop, displaying the contents of a specified folder.
You can display the menu by clicking the icon in the task tray or from a shortcut icon placed on your desktop.
It's also convenient to pin it to the taskbar so you can quickly display the menu.
The default display position is the bottom right corner of the desktop, but you can also change it to the bottom left corner.Supported OS: Windows 8.1/10/11Version: 1.4.29 (2024/11/15)Provided by: Software DIY*The software name SMTh is an abbreviation for SDIY (software DIY) Menu On Tasktray by Hardcodet.Wpf.TaskbarNotification. - Software that runs multiple applications in succession
This software allows you to set multiple software programs to run consecutively.
You can set not only software programs but also files and folders to run consecutively, so you can use it to launch all the software programs and folders you need to perform a series of tasks at once.
By creating shortcuts, you can run the registered software programs consecutively just by running the shortcuts.Compatible OS: Windows 95/98/Me/XP/Vista/7/8/8.1/10Version: 1.03 (2019/02/27)Provided by: Hedazou - Software that allows you to quickly open frequently used folders
This software allows you to quickly open folders from a pop-up menu similar to a right-click menu by clicking the mouse wheel (clicking the middle button) or pressing a hotkey.
You can register and use folders you frequently use, or quickly open recently used folders and files.
The hotkeys are set toWin+ZThe key isCtrl+QIt can be changed to any key, such as the key.Supported OS: Windows XP/Vista/7/8/8.1, Windows Server 2003Version: 2.0.10.400 (2013/07/09)Provided by: Evgeni Shmakov* In Windows 10, the hotkey [Win] + [Z] overlaps with the standard Windows hotkey and cannot be used, but you can use it by changing the hotkey. - Launcher software that allows you to launch software by entering commands
This is a launcher tool that allows you to launch various software by entering a command. To register a command, drag and drop the software's shortcut icon and set a command name of your choice. From then on, entering the command name you set will launch the software. The input completion function supports quick command input. It also integrates with Google Search by default, so you can search for "Christmas" on Google by entering "google;Christmas".
Supported OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)Version: 3.40 (2020/12/27)Provided by: craftware - A launcher software that allows you to call standard Windows functions using only the keyboard, as well as mouse clicks and double clicks.
This software allows you to easily register commands such as shutdown, window resizing, web page capture, and right-clicking on the software keyboard "One Touch Keyboard." Pressing a key executes the registered command. Hotkeys can also be registered, allowing you to execute commands directly without going through the "One Touch Keyboard." Another
feature is that mouse clicks, double-clicks, and right-clicks can be accessed from the keyboard, allowing you to operate the mouse using only the keyboard.Compatible OS: Windows XP/Vista/7Version: 1.13 (2013/02/06)Provided by: Youryella - A launcher software that allows you to use an iOS-style desktop screen
This is a launcher software that allows you to use the iOS-style desktop screen of iPhone/iPad. Double-click the desktop / click the icon in the task tray /F12Press a key or move the mouse cursor to the top left corner of the screen to display a desktop with iOS-style icons.←/→You can switch screens with the keys, and click the icon to launch the software. When you stack icons, it changes to a folder display, allowing you to place multiple icons. It can be displayed not only as a launcher, but also as a permanent desktop screen (fixed display).
Supported OS: Windows 7/8/8.1/10Version: 1.1.8 (2018/08/22)Provided by: XWidget Studio*Free for home use only. - A circular dock launcher that allows you to arrange application icons by dragging and dropping
You can rotate the icon by rotating the mouse wheel and launch it by clicking it. In addition to being able to create folders within the launcher using the unique folder function, it also has customization features such as changing the icon and background, specifying circle or oval, and adjusting the icon size and display position.
Compatible OS: Windows XP/Vista/7/8/8.1/10Version: 0.9.2 Alpha 8 (2008/10/13)Provided by: Wikidot Inc. - A launcher software that allows you to activate the software by clicking on the launcher and pressing a key you assign to it.
The launcher can not only register files, folders, and software, but also display web pages, compose emails, shut down/restart Windows, write to , and more. It is a highly functional launcher that makes working on your computer more convenient.
Compatible OS: Windows XP/7/8/8.1Provided by: TockMS - Software that quickly opens special folders such as the Startup folder and AppData folder
This software allows you to double-click over 40 special folders in Windows OS, such as the Start Menu folder, the AppData folder, the SendTo folder in the right-click menu, and the Quick Launch folder.
This software also displays a list of each folder's folder name, folder path, environment variables, etc., and can output the information to TXT, CSV, HTML, etc.Supported OS: Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7/8/8.1/10, Windows Server 2003/2008Version: 1.26 (2016/01/16)Provided by: Nir Sofer - A support tool that makes window operations and browsing more convenient with hotkeys
Maximize/minimize windows, PageUp/PageDown/Home/End/BackSpace etc.CtrlKeys andShiftThis software allows you to operate the keyboard with a combination of other keys, such as the [ ] key. In addition to changing the window size to a preset value, you can also register operations such as launching a software program or opening a file.
Compatible OS: Windows XP/Vista/7/8/8.1Version: 2.6.3 (2012/04/24)Provided by: Shiroma Nano - A multi-functional launcher that can be launched with [Ctrl] + [Alt] keys and can access files, folders, and software with a single click.
You can assign specific keys to software registered in the launcher, so you can call up the software using only the keyboard without using , so you can launch the launcher using only the mouse.
Compatible OS: Windows 98/Me/NT/2000/XP/Vista/7Version: 1.46b12 (2010/06/26)Provided by: YS - Shareware
- Trial version ○
Software that can install Dock launchersThis desktop launcher software hides the taskbar, creating a Mac-like environment. The launcher can be placed up, down, left, or right, and detailed settings are available, such as changing icon size and skin, enlarging icons when hovering over them, swinging them, or selecting no effect.
Although it is a foreign-made software, it can be used in Japanese by applying a Japanese language patch.Supported OS: Windows 7/8/8.1Provided by: Stardock Corporation.*From version 2.0 onwards, it has become- A launcher software that allows you to quickly call up software using only the keyboard
You can launch software without using a mouse, which greatly improves work efficiency. You can register any key combination as a launcher and launch software including parameters.
Compatible OS: Windows 98/Me/NT/2000/XP/Vista/7/8Version: 160r1 (2003/02/13)Provided by: con, @obake_* In Windows Vista/7/8, the software call key is used by the system, so it must be changed.
* In Windows 8.1, the launcher call key cannot be changed. - A launcher that can be placed at the top or bottom of your desktop
, use multiple tabs to separate them by genre, and customize skins and fonts to your liking. You can also add a Music tab as an option to use it as a simple music player.
Compatible OS: Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7/8/8.1/10Version: 2.2.3.2 (2016/06/28)Provided by: Sergio Santos*Distribution on the provider's website has ended.
