How many times have you forgotten where a specific file resides on your computer? Sometimes  you just need to run a software by just a few keystroke instead of searching for it from the search-box in the start menu. Launchy is a freeware utility that indexes start menu programs, desktop icons, your favorite folders and even your bookmarks to allow you to open nearly anything you want in a split second.

Launchy

After installing Launchy, it will run in the background, all you have to do is to click “alt+space” and a small box pops up and by typing just a few keys it will start searching its list of indexed programs and files and displays a list of the closest matches. Select the desired program or file and launch it by pressing Enter.

Launchy drop-down list

Various built-in plugins are available inside Launchy, like “calcy” that enables its user to utilize it as a simple calculator  or “weby” that lets you browse your favorite websites, for example write “google Tripotec” and it will automatically display the google search results inside your default web browser.

Launchy Calulcator

If you get used to Launchy, you may totally forget about windows explorer or your start menu. From the options menu, you can choose what folder to index or enable/disable the plugins and several other options for you to configure.  It has even various skins available to fit smoothly with your own theme.

Launchy Website Launcher

This freeware is a cross-platform utility compatible with Windows, Mac OS and Linux. You get it from here