In Macos Tahoe 26, Apple has completely removed the Launchpad function from the operating system. Launchpad, the app overview with which Mac users could easily open, manage and remove their apps for years, is no longer available in MacOS Tahoe.
Developer ggkevinnnn Has developed an alternative launchpad for macOS Tahoe 26 with exactly the same functions as the original.
Launchpad became part of Spotlight
Apple has now added the Launchpad function to a new app overview in Spotlight. It is a good solution in itself, but the functionality has become more limited. For example, you have no option to determine the order of apps yourself and the overview no longer appears entirely on the screen, but in a more compact window.
In the first Beta versions of Macos Tahoe it was still possible to activate the old version of Launchpad with a Terminal Command. However, this possible is no longer available in the final version. Alternatively you can manually drag the apps folder to the dock to create a kind of mini-launch path experience, where you can make folders and adjust icons, but it remains a different experience than the old launchpad.
LaUrnow free alternative to Launchpad
LaUrnow is an open-source alternative to the deleted launchpad in Macos Tahoe. It brings back many of the classic launchpad functionalities, such as showing apps in a grid, creating folders, rearranging icons, and searching for applications.
LaUrnow presents both a modern Tahoe display and a classic launchpad interface and supports keyboard navigation, so that users can browse the Applijst with the help of the arrow keys.
The app is available for free via Github and is actively developed with input from the Github Community. It is also possible to add LaUrnow to your login items so that it starts automatically when switching on the Mac, so you always have quick access to your apps via this alternative launcher.
Although the app is still under development, LaUrnow scores positive for speed, flexibility and ease of use. The application offers an excellent alternative to users who want to continue to use the traditional launchpad in Macos Tahoe.
Install LaUrnow on MacOS Tahoe
Follow the steps below to install LaUrnocow on your Mac with MacOS Tahoe 26:
1. In your web browser, go to the official LaUrnechnow Github page: https://github.com/GGKevinnnn/laUrNOW/Releases. Download the newest release of the app there, there is a .DMG file available that you can download.
2. Open the downloaded zip file and double -click it. Drag the unpacked LaUrnow app to the ‘Apps’ folder to complete the installation.
3. Open LaUrnow from the ‘Apps’ folder, the first time a notification will appear that the app cannot be fed, click ‘ready’ in this report.
4. Open the System Preferences â–¸ Privacy and Security â–¸ Algemeen Tablad. Scroll down to the security section and click on ‘Open anyway’. Do this again in the extra window that appears. Confirm this choice with your password or Touch ID.
5. Now drag the launnow app in the dock and click on it to open the app.
The LaUrnow app is now installed and ready for use as an alternative to the deleted launchpad in Macos Tahoe.
Start automatically when logging in
It is also possible to start LaUrnow automatically when logging in. To do this, go to System Preferences â–¸ Users and Groups â–¸ Log in items and add your LaUrnechnow.
Window or complete screen display
LaUrnow opens in a window as standard, but if you want a screen -filling version (such as Launchpad), that is also possible. Click on the round symbol with three dots to do this. In the menu with Settings, select the ‘Classic Launchpad’ option to switch on the filling display.
Thank you JVG for bringing LaUrnocow to the attention.
Apps folder in Dock
If you find the installation of LaUrnechnow complicated, we still have an alternative. Did you know that you can also place the apps folder in the dock? This way you immediately have access to all the applications that are in this folder. Kor, thanks for the tip!
- Finder
- Sleep ‘Apps’ from the navigation column to the right side of the dock
- Place the folder in the dock by releasing
Click on the folder in the dock with a secondary click (right mouse button) to adjust the display. Choose ‘folder’ instead of ‘stack’ in the ‘Toon as’ option. Then click again and choose ‘Display content as’ and select ‘Raster’.
In the ‘Apps’ folder you can create new folders and place programs in them, so that you can sort them per category.