There are multiple ways in which you can launch an app on Windows. You can use desktop shortcuts, the Start menu, or even navigate to where the app is installed using File Explorer. However, none of these are as effective as using an app launcher that can quickly fire up any app from just about any screen. With desktop shortcuts, you'll have to first navigate to the desktop before double-clicking on an app. Moreover, you can't flood your desktop with too many apps since it would ruin the aesthetic. Indexing is slow on the Start menu, so that's ruled out too. Due to these issues, I've observed that launching apps on my Windows PC takes more time than it does on my Mac.

That's when I figured I needed an app launcher for my PC that could replicate the functionality of either Spotlight Search or Launchpad on macOS. Apart from these two features, macOS makes it easier to launch apps with a persistent dock that is not only functional but also looks more appealing than the Windows 11 taskbar. Thankfully, I found several apps that bring all of this functionality plus more to Windows. After trying all of them, I can certainly say that my productivity has improved when using my PC as I can launch apps, search for documents, and find what I need quicker than ever before.

7 PowerToys Run

Spotlight Search for Windows

For those unaware, Microsoft PowerToys is an extremely powerful tool that lets you unlock some lesser-known features on your PC. There are shortcuts, modules, and add-ons that let you utilize the true potential of your PC. Among the plethora of modules available on PowerToys, there's one particular function that can take your productivity to the next level -- PowerToys Run. In simple terms, it replaces the default Run functionality on Windows with a version that feels like it's running on steroids!

Once you activate it, you need to assign a keyboard shortcut to launch PowerToys Run. Then, all you have to do is type in the name of the app you want to launch. Let's say I want to launch Microsoft Word. All I have to do is hit the key combo, start typing the name of the app, and hit the Enter key as and when it shows you the suggestion. It's pretty much like Spotlight Search on a Mac -- both in terms of visuals and functionality.

6 Curiosity

Use AI for smart interpretation

If you think PowerToys Run is smart, Curiosity takes it up a level by integrating AI into your app launcher. Well, AI is the buzzword currently so everyone and their grandma is using it to describe their products. However, Curiosity isn't joking around with the usage of the term. The app collates all your data in one place, so when you look for a keyword, it not only shows you apps related to it but also digs into your computer's storage to find files and folders connected to it.

For instance, if you search for 'Chrome', Curiosity will show you results that include the Chrome browser, any folder with that text in its name, any document that has the word in its contents, and any other file related to it. Moreover, the app also links to online services. So, you can type an email ID and Curiosity will suggest options like emailing them, scheduling an online meeting, etc. It's truly a smart launcher that makes your life a lot easier when using your PC. I would definitely recommend trying it out if you want the contents of your computer to be more organized.

5 Keypirinha

For keyboard ninjas

Keypirinha has been around for a long time and is widely regarded as one of the best app launchers on Windows that is both lightweight and nimble. While it may not have the bells and whistles of AI found on the Curiosity app, it works just as intended and gets the job done without any frills. The functionality includes searching for installed apps, searching for apps online if they aren't installed, looking up the web for relevant results, and the ability to perform quick calculations and conversions. Technically, it also behaves like a translator app.

One feature that stood out to me about Keypirinha is its ability to search for a certain term inside a specific website, app, or dictionary. This helps in narrowing down your search to a specific set of online portals -- something that's hard to do when using a search engine like Google. A few other small but useful additions that improve your productivity are launching a URL that's copied, translating typed text into a preset language, and listing all your bookmarks in one place. If you're not keen on the AI features of Curiosity, Keypirinha should be your choice. Just assign keyboard shortcuts for frequently searched apps or terms and you're good to go.

4 Executor

For those who ace keywords

Just like Keypirinha, Executor also doesn't have any fancy AI features. But boy, does it have a massive repository of features that can take your computing experience and productivity to the next level! Launching apps is a basic task for Executor. The app can carry it out without breaking a sweat. Trigger the search box, type in the name of the app, and hit the Enter key. But, this is common for all the apps mentioned on this list. Then, what makes Executor stand out? It's the configurable keywords on the app.

You can set certain keywords to launch apps or perform specific tasks. For instance, you can set 'browse' to launch Google Chrome or any other browser of your choice. Similarly, you can set 'watch' to launch YouTube or Netflix. You can also go into extreme specifics, like using a keyword to paste the second item on your clipboard or opening a certain website inside a browser. The possibilities are endless. Executor is an absolute powerhouse that would make any enthusiast smile with glee! If you're looking for the ultimate tool to improve your workflow, you simply can't go wrong with Executor. Ser your favorite keywords and off you go!

3 Winstep Nexus

macOS dock on Windows

I may trigger a few readers, but several UI elements on macOS look a lot better than those on Windows. One of them is the dock. I have an absolutely packed dock on my MacBook because I like having as many frequently used apps as possible at my disposal. It just makes it extremely simple to launch an app since my muscle memory remembers the position of every app icon on the dock. While you can technically use the Windows 11 taskbar in a similar fashion by pinning apps, it doesn't look that appealing, plus the space is quite limited.

Enter, Winstep Nexus. The app aims to port the dock from macOS to Windows machines, in an attempt to make it easier for Windows users to launch apps. Once you install the app on your PC, it stays persistent so no matter which app you launch, the dock will float on the screen as an overlay. If you opt for the premium version, you can even have multiple docks, nested folders, reminders, and the ability to categorize apps into different shelves. It's one step towards making your PC look more similar to macOS. If you're not into keyboard shortcuts and rely on a mouse pointer instead, Winstep Nexus should make your life a lot easier.

2 WinLaunch

A better version of Launchpad for Windows

Another feature of macOS that I would have liked to see on Windows natively is the Launchpad. For those unaware, Launchpad is like the app drawer on an Android smartphone. It's essentially a list of all your installed apps in one place, so it's easy to launch the desired app from a grid. WinLaunch brings the functionality to Windows along with a few additions and improvements. For starters, you can pin apps to the first screen so all your frequently used apps are present right at your fingertips.

Then, there's the ability to create folders inside the launcher. So, you can have folders for games, productivity apps, media players, etc. There are custom themes too, ranging from a bookshelf to a cyborg-like background that makes it seem like you're in the future. WinLaunch is an open-source app and is completely free to download. The combination of Winstop Nexus and WinLaunch seems like the perfect starter pack to enter the world of macOS on your Windows PC!

1 Flow

Fast and effective

flow

Flow Launcher is among the most popular productivity apps on Windows, primarily because of how fast and reliable it is. Set your hotkey trigger to launch the overlay on any app. Then, type away to launch an app or search your computer for files. In fact, you can even search the web using Flow. Type a query and select the search engine you wish to use to scour the web.

Apart from these features, what I really liked about Flow is the ability to run commands like shut down, restart, etc. This is extremely handy since you can technically operate most aspects of your computer just by typing commands using your keyboard. It's also beneficial for new Windows users who may not know where to find a particular setting. They can use natural language to modify something, like typing in 'reduce the brightness' instead of looking for the specific option in the Settings app or Control Panel.

Change the way you launch apps

Don't rely on the Start menu to launch your favorite apps anymore. Use any of the quick launchers, create workflows, or put your keyboard skills to good use by hitting key combos to launch the most commonly used apps on your PC.