MaxLauncher vs PExplorer
MaxLauncher
maxlauncher.sourceforge.ioPExplorer
github.comSide by side
| Figure | MaxLauncher | PExplorer |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Start Menu Customization Software | 8.1 (#7) | 7.8 (#15) |
| Architecture | The maker says the application runs on 32-bit and 64-bit versions. | The listed improvements include support for x64 environments and tray icons for both x86 and x64 software. |
| License | The product page identifies the license as Microsoft Reciprocal License (MS-RL). | The repository lists the GNU Lesser General Public License version 2.1 (LGPL-2.1). |
| Purpose | MaxLauncher is a tabbed launcher designed to reduce the time needed to find and run programs. | PExplorer is a portable shell program intended to replace Windows Explorer for Windows PE. |
Plans
In their own words
MaxLauncher
MaxLauncher is a free, open-source tabbed launcher for Windows that opens programs, folders, or commands with two or three keystrokes. Each .mld data file can hold up to ten tabs, with 30 configurable buttons on each, for a maximum of 300 buttons. A favorites bar adds ten configurable buttons assigned to F1–F10. Separate XML-format text files can keep shortcut groups, such as work and home, apart. The launcher supports drag and drop, configurable activation hotkeys, custom themes, multi-launch, multiple instances, and basic multi-monitor use. Users can install it with an executable or choose a portable ZIP version, which the maker says can run from a USB stick or external hard drive. Portable settings can be made read-only to prevent changes to selected launcher data and cache files. The listed requirements are Windows Vista or newer, or Windows XP with Microsoft .NET 3.5 or higher; it runs on 32-bit and 64-bit versions. The downloads page lists version 1.31.0.0, dated October 29, 2021, as the latest release shown.
PExplorer
PExplorer is the shell component of WinXShell, intended as a freely available replacement for Windows Explorer in Windows PE. The portable shell includes desktop, Start menu, taskbar and notification area components, and the project says it is based on ROS Explorer. It is available for Windows and WinPE, with the repository listing Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10, plus Windows Server 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2019.
Listed capabilities include support for x64 environments, desktop wallpaper on Windows Vista and later, desktop icon drag and drop, and tray icons for x86 and x64 software. Users can bind a third-party file explorer, change Start menu actions, and adjust taskbar color and height. PExplorer also supports ClassicShell and includes a file explorer styled for the host Windows system, with automatic refresh when files change. The project is licensed under LGPL-2.1 and welcomes contributions, feedback and bug reports. The repository's master branch page lists August 4, 2019 as its update date.