LaunchMenu
LaunchMenu: A flexible free launcher for searchable menus, but not a full Start menu replacement. Ranked #31 of 39 in Start Menu Customization Software by our editors (5.8/10); pricing: Free plan; best for cross-platform users needing a searchable menu.
At a glance
- Editor score5.8 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forCross-platform users needing a searchable menu
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Founded2017
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free and open source on Windows and macOS
- Recursive, fuzzy search with filters and prioritized results
- Applets, themes, shortcuts, and portable settings support
Where it doesn't
- Beta release with limited functionality
- Launcher mode does not provide Start button or taskbar controls
- Linux support is planned rather than supported
Our verdict on LaunchMenu
LaunchMenu is a free, open-source desktop launcher for users who want keyboard-driven access to utilities and searchable menus on Windows or macOS. Its design centers on modular applets rather than replacing the operating system's full Start menu experience. Search covers menus recursively and supports fuzzy matching, filters, and prioritized results, making it suited to people who prefer keyboard navigation and a compact command surface.
The feature set goes beyond basic application launching. Context menus can expose multiple actions, while multi-select enables batch actions. Users can customize keyboard shortcuts and controls, change themes, manage applets, and adjust window positioning, sizing, visibility, and startup behavior. Portable settings import and export also support moving a configuration between installations. These options make LaunchMenu a stronger fit for users who want to shape a launcher around utilities and repeatable workflows than for anyone seeking simple visual Start menu customization.
Platform fit is useful but bounded. The project provides downloads for Windows and macOS, while Linux support is described as planned. The official release page identifies version 0.1.4 as a beta with limited functionality, and the product's launcher positioning does not include Start button or taskbar controls. Choose LaunchMenu if free, open-source software with searchable menus, applets, shortcuts, and themes matches your workflow. Choose another category tool if you need a conventional Start menu replacement, taskbar customization, or a mature release rather than a beta.
Your product? Our editors can test LaunchMenu in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
LaunchMenu pricing
LaunchMenu fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported Windows | Not verified |
| Replacement mode | Launcher |
| Start button controls | Not verified |
| Custom search | Yes |
| Taskbar controls | Not verified |
| Saved profiles | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | launchmenu.github.io |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to LaunchMenu
- Start11A paid Windows customization tool for detailed Start menu, taskbar, search, and deployment control.9.3
- Seelen UIA broad, free Windows shell replacement for users who want more than Start menu tweaks.9.1
- Open-Shell MenuA flexible classic Start menu replacement with useful search and shortcut controls.8.9
See all LaunchMenu alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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