Ways to Quickly Launch Apps on Windows 11
Hey there, readers!
Are you tired of the endless clicking and searching just to open your favorite apps on Windows 11? We’ve got you covered! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll unveil a treasure chest of quick and effortless ways to launch your apps like a pro.
1. Pin to Start Menu
One of the most convenient ways to access your apps is to pin them to the Start menu. Just right-click on the app icon in the App list and select "Pin to Start." This will create a tile on the Start menu that you can click to launch the app.
2. Use the Search Bar
The Search bar in Windows 11 is a powerful tool for finding apps quickly. Simply type the name of the app you want to launch in the Search bar and press Enter. The Search bar will display a list of matching apps, allowing you to select and open the desired one.
3. Create Keyboard Shortcuts
For frequently used apps, you can create custom keyboard shortcuts for instant access. Right-click on the app icon in the App list and select "Create Shortcut." Choose a convenient key combination, such as "Ctrl + Alt + A," and the app will launch whenever you press that shortcut.
4. Utilize the Taskbar
The Taskbar is another handy way to launch apps. If the app is pinned to the Taskbar, simply click on its icon. If it’s not pinned, you can click the Start button and drag the app from the App list onto the Taskbar.
5. Pin to Quick Access
The Quick Access menu allows you to quickly access frequently used folders and files. You can also pin apps to Quick Access for instant launching. Open File Explorer, click on "Quick Access" on the left-hand side, and drag the app icon from the App list onto the Quick Access menu.
6. Use Run Command
The Run command is a quick way to launch apps without navigating through the Start menu or App list. Press the "Windows + R" keyboard shortcut, type the name of the app you want to launch, and press Enter.
7. Automate with PowerShell
For power users, PowerShell can be utilized to automate the launching of apps. Create a shortcut on the desktop with the following command:
powershell.exe -Command "Start-Process notepad.exe"
Now, every time you double-click on the shortcut, Notepad will launch automatically.
Quick Launch Table
| Method | Steps |
|---|---|
| Pin to Start Menu | Right-click app icon > Pin to Start |
| Use Search Bar | Type app name in Search bar |
| Create Keyboard Shortcuts | Right-click app icon > Create Shortcut > Assign key combination |
| Utilize the Taskbar | Pin app to Taskbar or drag from App list |
| Pin to Quick Access | Open File Explorer > Drag app from App list to Quick Access |
| Use Run Command | Press Windows + R > Type app name |
| Automate with PowerShell | Create shortcut: powershell.exe -Command "Start-Process notepad.exe" |
Conclusion
There you have it, readers! These methods will empower you to launch your apps in Windows 11 with lightning speed. Whether you prefer the convenience of the Start menu, the precision of the Search bar, or the efficiency of keyboard shortcuts, you’ll find the perfect solution for your workflow.
Don’t forget to check out our other articles for more Windows 11 tips and tricks!
FAQ about Ways to Quickly Launch Apps in Windows 11
1. How do I launch apps from the taskbar?
Answer: Right-click or press and hold the desired app icon on the taskbar to open a menu of quick options, including "Pin to taskbar" and "Unpin from taskbar."
2. Can I launch apps using keyboard shortcuts?
Answer: Yes, assign keyboard shortcuts to frequently used apps by right-clicking the app’s icon on the taskbar, selecting "Properties," and entering a keyboard shortcut in the "Shortcut key" field.
3. How can I search for apps quickly?
Answer: Press the Windows key to open the Start menu and start typing the app’s name to search for it.
4. Can I use search to launch apps from the desktop?
Answer: Yes, enable the "Search from taskbar" option by right-clicking the taskbar, selecting "Taskbar settings," and toggling the option on.
5. How do I launch apps from the Run box?
Answer: Press Windows key + R to open the Run box and type the name of the app you want to launch.
6. Can I create app shortcuts on the desktop?
Answer: Yes, right-click the desired app’s icon on the taskbar or Start menu and select "Create shortcut" to place a shortcut on the desktop.
7. How do I use the Jump Lists feature?
Answer: Right-click or press and hold an app icon on the taskbar to open its Jump List, which provides quick access to recent documents, frequently used features, and other options.
8. Can I launch apps from the Notification Center?
Answer: Yes, enable the "Show app notifications on the taskbar" option by right-clicking the taskbar, selecting "Taskbar settings," and toggling the option on. Then, click on the app’s notification to launch it.
9. How do I access the All Apps list?
Answer: Click the Start button to open the Start menu and click on "All apps" to view a list of all installed apps.
10. Can I customize the Start menu layout?
Answer: Yes, right-click the Start button and select "Settings" to open the Personalization settings, where you can customize the Start menu layout, change the app list, and add or remove pinned apps.
