you could use the search functionality in Windows to locate and launch your installed applications in a blink.

So, is there a point in using a dedicated launcher like Wox?

A simple “because it’s faster and more streamlined” wouldn’t be reason enough for most people.

Wox Featured Image

However, that’s without accounting for all the extra functionality baked into Wox by default.

Nor for the various extensions that can turn it into a multitool.

Among those dependencies is the popular “Everything” tool, on which Wox relies for file indexing.

To launch an app with Wox, “call” its window with its shortcut, and start typing the app’s name. Select the appropriate entry and hit Enter.

Install Wox like any other app, and then run it.

You will see its little green icon among the rest in your windows tray.

To call it into action and launch your apps with it, press the defaultAlt + Spacekey combination.

Lo and behold, Wox has settings! To access them, right-click on its window and choose that option.

Start typing the name of the software you seek, and when Wox locates it, pressEnterto run it.

To use them, you’ll first have to pay a visit to Wox’s controls.

Yes, this seemingly simple app allows you to customize it, but also extend it with plugins.

At the General options tab you can set Wox to start automatically with Windows.

You’ll find those options by right-clicking on its window and choosingSettings.

you’ve got the option to also change its interface language and the number of suggested results.

you might change how Wox looks from the Theme tab.

You can change Wox’s appearance with themes, but don’t expect earth-shattering changes.

If you don’t like Wox’s default hotkey, visit theHotkeytab and change it.

We’ve already checkedthe 6 best calculator apps for Windowspreviously.

However, Wox can also play that role!

Wox can replace your calculator for basic operation - just type them in, and their results will show up almost in realtime.

Then, punch in “closescreen” into Wox and press Enter.

Your screen will temporarily turn off until you return to your setup.

Add it to Wox, and pop in “clock”.

The Clipboard History plugin can turn Wox into a rudimentary clipboard manager.

Then, choose which time-related function you’re interested in, among timers, stopwatches, etc.

Moving to a Wox-less computer might feel too restrictive or even outright annoying.

The Power Plan plugin for Wox allows you to easilly prioritize performance or battery life.

To change the active power plan, type “pp” in Wox, and choose the one you want from the list that shows up instead of the typical app suggestions.

Install the Process Killer plugin to Wox, and terminating any process will be a simple “kill” command away.