How to Get a Stylish Circle App Launcher on Your Windows Desktop

If you’re tired of the standard Windows taskbar or a cluttered desktop, there is a unique alternative that might catch your eye. It's called Apps Wheel, a circular dock for Windows that gives you a stylish and efficient way to access your favorite apps and games.

What is Apps Wheel?

Apps Wheel is a free application available on the Microsoft Store. Unlike traditional docks that sit at the bottom or side of your screen, Apps Wheel is a circular interface that stays out of your way until you need it.

Getting Started

Once you download and launch it, you can toggle the dock at any time using a simple keyboard shortcut: Alt + ~ (tilde key).

One of the best things about this dock is its flexibility. You can click and drag it to any position on your screen, and it will remember exactly where you left it the next time you open it.

Key Features

Despite its simple design, Apps Wheel has several useful features:

• Categories: You can organize your shortcuts into two main sections: Apps and Games.

• Built-in Search: If you have a lot of apps, there is a search box at the top to help you find what you need instantly. You can choose to keep this search box pinned or hide it for a cleaner look.

• Easy Navigation: You can switch between different "pages" of apps using the navigation buttons or simply by using your mouse scroll wheel.

• Favorites: By right-clicking an icon and selecting the star, you can mark it as a favorite and filter your view to show only those items.

• Hide/Unhide Toggle: By clicking the center of the wheel, you can hide all your app icons, leaving only the main dock icon visible. This is great for keeping your screen clean or hiding your apps quickly without closing the program.

How to Add Your Apps

Adding your favorite software is straightforward:

1. Click the Plus (+) icon.

2. Select whether you are adding an Application or a Game.

3. Browse for the .exe file or a desktop shortcut on your computer.

Note: The app currently doesn't support drag-and-drop from the desktop, so you'll need to use the browse button to add your items.

Settings and Customization

The app keeps things light on resources with a few essential settings:

• Start with Windows: Ensure the dock is ready as soon as you turn on your PC.

• Hide after Execution: The dock can automatically disappear once you launch an app, keeping your workflow seamless.

Final Thoughts

Apps Wheel feels like a modern successor to the classic (but now abandoned) "Circle Dock" software from years ago. While it is quite basic and lacks detailed documentation, it is very easy to use and looks great on modern versions of Windows 10 and 11.

If you're looking for a fresh, "cool" way to launch your programs, it’s definitely worth a try!

Download Apps Wheel here: Microsoft Store Link

I’ve also made a video on this topic — you can watch it below.

https://youtu.be/gJGlLD9JCBw

Check out my other posts, I post useful tutorials and tech tips, maybe you will find something useful 😉.