Launchy vs Start Menu X

Launchy is a free utility for opening programs, files, folders, and websites with a few keystrokes. It indexes start-menu programs and can search directories and file types that users add. It stays in the background until the hotkey is pressed: Alt+Space by default, or Control+Space on Linux. Users can customize its appearance with skins and extend it through plugins for web searches, calculations, custom commands, and bookmark access. Other listed plugin examples include PuTTY sessions, task switching, and system power controls; these are made by other developers, and Launchy does not guarantee their functionality or behavior. Portable mode stores configuration files in the directory where Launchy runs, so it can be used from a USB stick. The bundled Calcy calculator supports addition, division, subtraction, multiplication, and parentheses. The listed platforms are Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows. Launchy is free to download with no fixed price; the listed recommended value is $10 USD, and the plan notes suggest considering a $3 contribution.

Start Menu X is a Windows overlay that replaces the system Start menu, with controls for the Start button and custom search. It is described as a solution for professionals and power users. Programs can be arranged into virtual groups by purpose without being moved on disk, and groups can be folded or unfolded. Users can change the menu structure, add tabs, and create a folder list from 25 system folders plus folders or applications they choose. Opening a folder can display its applications across the full screen. The PRO version lets users assign a primary program to a folder for single-click launch. The menu can also set a delayed shutdown or sleep timer. The installer includes Group Manager for organizing virtual groups. The maker describes compatibility from Windows 7 through Windows 11 and offers 32-bit and 64-bit versions. The free version limits virtual groups to five. Start Menu X PRO costs $14.99, paid once, with no subscription.