WinLaunch

If you’ve been living in a cave for the past decade, then you might want to know that Windows is not the only operating system out there. What’s more, each comes with its own visual style either simply to appeal to individuals, or even bring some extra functionality and more comfort in the process. It’s exactly what WinLaunch was created to do, just in case you want Windows to look like the Mac OS X Lion interface.

Installation does not prove to be a struggle, and before you know it, the application can be used freely. However, you just need to make sure that your computer is equipped with .NET Framework if you want it to properly function.

The application wants to be available for a large variety of configurations, so the first prompt asks to choose from three interface style options that affect overall performance, with options for Aero transparency, Lion transparency, or to disable it completely, which is just great for low-end PCs.

What the application does is provide a mobile device like interface, with multiple desktops accessible by sliding horizontally. This doesn’t replace any Shell entries and leaves you Windows theme unchanged.

The new layout can either be configured to automatically pop up when moving the mouse to specific screen corners, from the desktop shortcut, or even by assigning a set of keys. Clicking an empty space returns you to the desktop, making navigation pretty easy.

You can add folders and files of any kind in the new layout. A simple click opens it, but folders bring up File Explorer and close the new design. Customization can go beyond ease of access, with a decent amount of built-in preset themes, but also the possibility to manually set background picture, colors, button layout and more.

Taking everything into consideration, we can say that WinLaunch is a neat desktop enhancement you need to definitely try if you’re looking to bring a little style to the default Windows Theme. It doesn’t affect your work whatsoever, thanks to the option that disables it when full screen programs are running, uses little resources, and makes for an app worth at least a try, even in these early development stages.