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Windows 8 Multiple App Launcher: Compare Options and Pick the Right One

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How to Set Up a Multiple App Launcher in Windows 8 — Step-by-Step Guide

Overview

A multiple app launcher groups frequently used programs into a single, easy-to-access location so you can open several apps quickly. On Windows 8 you can use built-in features (taskbar, Start screen tiles) or third-party launchers to create custom multi-app launchers that speed up workflows.

Option A — Using the Taskbar (built-in, simple)

  1. Pin apps to the taskbar:
    • Open an app, right-click its taskbar icon, choose Pin this program to taskbar.
  2. Create a single grouped launcher using a folder shortcut:
    • Create a folder (e.g., C:\Launchers\WorkLauncher).
    • Inside it, create shortcuts to each app you want (right-click app executable → Create shortcut → move it).
    • Create a new batch file (WorkLauncher.bat) in the folder with lines: 
      Code
      start “” “C:\Path\To\App1.exe” start “” “C:\Path\To\App2.exe”
    • Right-click the .bat → Send to → Desktop (create shortcut) → rename and drag to taskbar to pin the shortcut.
  3. Use the taskbar Jump List:
    • Pin a folder to the taskbar via a custom toolbar (right-click taskbar → Toolbars → New toolbar… → select your launcher folder). Click the double arrow to open the list.

Option B — Using the Start Screen (tile-based)

  1. Pin apps to Start:
    • Right-click any app → Pin to Start.
  2. Group tiles:
    • Drag tiles to group them, then click the small bar at top-right to name the group (e.g., “Work”).
  3. Create a folder tile (for Modern apps):
    • Drag one tile over another to create a folder on the Start screen (similar to Windows 8.1/RT behavior where supported).
  4. Use a shortcut tile that runs a batch file:
    • Create a batch file as above, then create a shortcut to it, place the shortcut in %AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs, then pin that shortcut to Start.

Option C — Using Third-Party Launchers (more powerful)

  1. Choose a launcher: popular options compatible with Windows 8 include:
    • Launchy — keyboard-driven launcher for apps/files.
    • Executor — advanced hotkeys and multi-launch tasks.
    • RocketDock or ObjectDock — dock-style launchers.
    • AutoHotkey — for fully customized multi-launch scripts.
  2. Install and configure:
    • Install chosen launcher.
    • Add entries for each app, or create a single entry that runs a script to launch multiple apps (AutoHotkey or a batch file).
  3. Assign hotkeys or tray/dock icons for instant access.

Example: Batch file multi-launcher

  1. Create a text file named WorkLauncher.bat containing: 
    Code
    @echo off start “” “C:\Program Files\App1\App1.exe” start “” “C:\Program Files\App2\App2.exe” start “” “C:\Program Files\App3\App3.exe” exit
  2. Save, create a shortcut to the .bat, then pin the shortcut to taskbar or Start.

Example: AutoHotkey multi-launcher (more flexible)

  1. Install AutoHotkey.
  2. Create a script file WorkLauncher.ahk: 
    Code
    ; Ctrl+Alt+W launches three apps ^!w:: Run, “C:\Program Files\App1\App1.exe” Run, “C:\Program Files\App2\App2.exe” Run, “C:\Program Files\App3\App3.exe” return
  3. Run the script at startup by placing it in the Startup folder.

Tips and Best Practices

  • Use full paths in scripts to avoid “file not found” errors.
  • Add delays (timeout/sleep) if apps need staggered starts.
  • Test each shortcut individually before bundling.

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