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Getting Started

What is applanch?

applanch is a lightweight Windows launcher for quickly starting apps, files, and folders. It focuses on fast launch workflows with category-based organization, quick-add suggestions, and built-in update checks.

Requirements

  • Windows 10 or Windows 11

Install

See the Install Guide for full instructions. After installing, run applanch.exe to open the main window.

Quick UI Tour

Use these screenshots as a map while following the steps below.

Main window (sidebar pinned):

Main window (sidebar pinned)

What to look for: - Top quick-add input: type a path or app name here to add items. - Left category sidebar: switch between categories or create new ones. - Header controls (top-right): open settings and switch display mode quickly.

Main window (sidebar unpinned):

Main window (sidebar unpinned)

What this shows: - Sidebar can be collapsed to keep focus on the item list. - You can toggle pinned/unpinned behavior from the header pin control.

Settings window:

Settings window

What to do here: - Change theme, language, startup, and launch behavior in one place. - See Settings Reference for full option details.

Add Your First Item

  1. Type a file path, folder path, or application name into the quick-add input at the top of the window.
  2. Select a suggestion or press Enter / click Add to add the item to your list.

You can also drag a file or folder from File Explorer and drop it onto the applanch window.

Launch an Item

Click any item in the list to launch it.

Next Steps