XLaunchpad

CNET Editors' review

For Windows users who covet the easy way a Mac organizes and launches app, XWidget Software Studio brings you Xlaunchpad, which is based on the Mac OS X Lion Launchpad.

Xlaunchpad, once installed, will run unobtrusively in the background until it is activated. Set up couldn't be easier -- just drag and drop the apps onto the interface. As promised, the program will create a folder if you drag one icon onto another, which we found to be a nice time saver when grouping similar apps together. And, it even supports multiple desktops if you want to further organize your apps.

Xlaunchpad doesn't offer any other bells and whistles. It has one purpose -- organizing your apps exactly as you'd like -- and it does this well. Anyone who wants a little Mac-like functionality will appreciate this little freeware. We found no issues with the installation and uninstallation.

Publisher's Description

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All User Reviews
  • All versions:

    3.6 stars

    out of 7 votes

    • 5 star: 4
    • 4 star: 0
    • 3 star: 1
    • 2 star: 0
    • 1 star: 2
  • Current version:

    2.3 stars

    out of 3 votes

    • 5 star: 1
    • 4 star: 0
    • 3 star: 0
    • 2 star: 0
    • 1 star: 2
  • My rating:

    0 stars

    Write review

Results 1-3 of 3

  • 1.0 stars

    "Stay away! Installs adware."

    January 9, 2013  |   By computeruser45

    Version: XLaunchpad 1.08

    Pros

    Don't know

    Cons

    Spent over an hour getting rid of adware that was installed.

    Summary

    Come on CNET.

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (0) (0)

  • 5.0 stars

    "Excellent! (note on adware)"

    October 27, 2012  |   By Shinjuma

    Version: XLaunchpad 1.08

    Pros

    Works exactly how I want it!
    Works with rainmeter!

    Note: During the install process the search bar installer pops up and you can clearly un-check and decline its install/user agreement. User: mwmbr3 clearly did not pay attention as I installed the same version according to CNET's version for comments.

    Cons

    The use of annoying browser plugin installers to trick users into installing during the install process is ANNOYING!
    (Avoidable if you pay attention!) I would click DONATE if it was there instead of a stupid trash trick install plugin!

    Summary

    Great! Make sure to decline the browser plugin during install!

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (1) (0)

  • 1.0 stars

    "Installs Adware that is extremely hard to remove"

    September 11, 2012  |   By mwmbr3

    Version: XLaunchpad 1.08

    Pros

    I was unable to see any benefit because I was too busy dealing with the malware that XLaunchpad installed on my computer.

    Cons

    Installs Adware without asking

    Summary

    XLaunchpad installed the Babylon Search Bar without asking (or if they did ask it was in the fine print). Babylon hijacked my browser and reset my homepage and my default search engine and wouldn't let me change them back. I uninstalled it only to find that XLaunchpad had installed another app called Browser Manager that reinstalled Babylon everytime I tried to get rid of it. It took me hours to get my computer back to normal after XLaunchpad infected it with this malware. I understand that XLaunchpad needs to make money somehow but installing adware that trys to prevent you from uninstalling it is very shady. If your whole business model relys on tricking your customers then you shouldn't be in business.

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (0) (0)

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