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> I tend to launch most programs on my Windows 10 laptop by typing the <Win> key, then a few letters of the program name, and then hitting enter.

That's the mistake right there, use a proper app launcher (like https://keypirinha.com/) to avoid the freeze and many other issues (like having to move your focus off screen center) with this neglected core OS functionality. While you're at it, you could also rebind it to something more ergonomic like CapsLock tap (but not hold)



> That's the mistake right there, use a proper app launcher (like https://keypirinha.com/) to avoid the freeze and many other issues

Sorry, no! I am not going to install a whole new application only to launch programs - the most fundamental operation that an OS should be able to do on its own. If the OS cannot launch programs using the Win key, it needs to be analyzed and fixed. The OP article does half of that very well!


Don't get it, if it's the most fundamental operation, supposedly you want to be able to do that in the most excellent way, no? Waiting years for the OS fix doesn't help you in the interim


When I use GNOME on Linux, I can launch my apps like this very quickly, boot back into Windows occasionally and it's a disaster.

I'm going to try some of the recommendations, but can't believe the start menu of all things can be broken this badly.


Hitting the <Win> key works better than the app launchers I have tried.




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