Search Windows Easily with Launchy | TechnoEnclave

If you are using Windows Vista or Windows 7 then you will most likely use Windows Start menu to find programs. You have to scan through the list of programs to find the one you are looking for. Even though there is a search box available, it will be interesting to find programs using third party freeware such as Launchy.

The installation package is around 4 MB in size and I managed to install the tool within a minute. The program automatically starts when you complete the installation and subsequent launches are activated with Alt + Space key combination.

Figure 1 – Launchy User Interface

In order to start the tool, you need to hit Alt + Space key. I liked this feature as both the keys are next to each other and will be easy for users. You can then provide the required program name which will be displayed as a list below the tool.

A unique feature of the tool is that if you provide the first alphabet of the program, it shows a list of items from which you can pick your choice as shown in the screenshot below.

Figure 2 – Launchy in Action

There is no need for you to hunt through the Start menu to find the desired program. You can simply enter the required name without any capitalization or punctuation marks.

If you double click the name from the list the program opens up. You can also press enter to open the desired program. You can close the tool either by pressing Escape key or hitting ALT+Space key combination.

You should make sure that the mouse cursor focus is inside the tool to close. The tool ships with few skins which you can select from the Skins tab inside the Options dialog. The vendor provides a comprehensive read me file which explains all the aspects involved with the usage of the tool.

From my point of view, Launchy is the most best and efficient way to open files, folders, websites, and programs on your computer. The software is compatible with all programs be it Notepad or Visual Studio 2010.