LaunchMenu

Overview

LaunchMenu is an open-source launcher that brings small utilities, or applets, into a keyboard-driven interface. It is best suited to Windows users who want configurable search and a collection of tools in one place. Its extensible design is appealing, though support is less mature on Mac and Linux is not yet supported.

Key features

Search combines recursive fuzzy matching with pattern filters and prioritizes frequently used items. That should help people reach tools and results without navigating menus, while pattern filters offer more control than a basic text match.

Keyboard navigation is central: arrow keys move through results, Enter activates primary actions, and Tab opens context menus. Customizable controls let users adapt the workflow, and multi-select can apply compatible actions to several items at once.

The included applets cover a broad mix of everyday tasks: dictionary, notes, file management, internet search, calculator, translation, snippets, time tracking, and calendar. Applet settings and themes can be customized, and settings can be imported or exported. The applet manager also supports installing and removing official and third-party additions, making the launcher more flexible than a fixed utility bundle.

Developers can build applets with TypeScript and React using a build utility that packages them for LaunchMenu. Completed applets can be uploaded to npm with the keyword launchmenu-applet for loading into the ecosystem. That is a practical route for technically inclined users to extend the app, but it does not make the built-in selection a substitute for a dedicated specialist tool.

The project marks some capabilities as supported, coming soon, or long term; some features are only partially supported. Buyers who depend on a particular workflow should check its support status before making LaunchMenu central to it.

Pricing

LaunchMenu is free and open source. The Free plan costs nothing, with no plan limits stated. That makes it easy to try without a subscription or paid tier to weigh against the included applets.

Platforms

LaunchMenu supports Windows and Mac. Windows is the primary development and test platform, described as having the smallest chance of bugs. Mac has had most features tested and adjusted, but testing is less extensive. Linux support is planned and has not yet been worked on, so Linux users should choose another launcher for now.

Who it's for

Choose LaunchMenu if you use Windows, prefer keyboard-first navigation, and value combining search, utilities, and third-party applets in a free launcher. It is also a strong fit for developers who want to build applets in TypeScript and React. Mac users may find it useful, but should be comfortable with less extensive testing; users who need Linux support or a fully supported feature set should look elsewhere.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Fuzzy search, pattern filters, and frequency-based prioritization make a varied applet collection easier to navigate.
• Pros: Customizable keyboard controls, multi-select, themes, and settings import/export support a more tailored workflow.
• Pros: The free open-source app can be extended with official or third-party applets.
• Cons: Windows is the most thoroughly tested platform; Mac has less extensive testing, and Linux support remains planned.
• Cons: Some features are only partial or are still planned, which may rule it out for workflows that need dependable support now.

Alternatives

Starling is another free, open-source choice if Linux support matters: it runs on Linux, Mac, web, and Windows.

Launchy is worth considering if broader platform coverage, including Android and Linux, is more important; it is free to download, with a recommended value of $10 USD and a suggestion to consider paying $3.

Flow Launcher is a free, open-source alternative for Windows. Fluent Search is another Windows option, with builds for Windows 10 or 11 on x64 and ARM64.

Dawn Launcher is an alternative for Windows 10 or later, 64-bit; its free edition is available, alongside a Pro edition priced at 34 CNY, paid once.

Cairo Desktop Environment is a free Windows desktop environment rather than a direct launcher comparison. IObit Uninstaller is for Windows users whose priority is batch app removal and leftover cleanup, not a keyboard-centric utility launcher. Parkdale is a free-to-use option for Android, Mac, and Windows.

Browse more options in Start Menu Customization Software.

Verdict

LaunchMenu is a good choice for Windows users who want a free, extensible launcher with keyboard-driven search and a useful set of applets. Its customization and developer pathway give it room to grow beyond the built-in tools. Look elsewhere if you need Linux support today, or if your work depends on features that are still partial or planned.