LaunchMenu review
A flexible free launcher for searchable menus, but not a full Start menu replacement.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
LaunchMenu pros and cons
- 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
LaunchMenu fact sheet, pricing and score →
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