Windows offers its own combination of search and index system to locate files or access online links, but if we've learned anything over time, it's that it doesn't do a great job. A classic example of "good idea, bad execution", so it's an excellent time to study alternatives. One of the most interesting is ueli, which can search, run, and open all kinds of resources.

Ueli: How to Run Programs and Open Websites Quickly with the Keyboard
How to run programs and open websites quickly with the keyboard

We all want to work better in Windows… but it's true that on more than one occasion, the main obstacle is the operating system itself. From the endless pop-ups some users suffer to the lack of flexibility in the interface, to performance problems and the obligation to undo the changes that accompany each update, it's clear that Redmond isn't responding appropriately to the needs of users.

Personally, I must admit that I still have conflicts with Windows' internal search and its index. While it's enough for opening the most used programs, I've seen it make more mistakes than I can count at this point. For that reason, I've always been interested in other alternatives with the potential to replace Windows search, and that's how I came across ueli, a free and open-source project that was recently updated.

Ueli: A launcher with search features and plugin support

Ueli: How to Run Programs and Open Websites Quickly with the Keyboard
To get started, Alt+Spacebar

Once installed, our first step in ueli is to press Alt + Spacebar to call up its search box. Here we can invoke all kinds of items, starting with installed programs, web pages from our browser history, console tools (e.g., ping or tracert), items from the classic Control Panel, and universal applications.

Ueli: How to Run Programs and Open Websites Quickly with the Keyboard
Web pages, no problem

However, ueli includes secondary features such as a calculator, a color converter, a currency converter, an English dictionary, a lorem ipsum generator, and a translator. Many of these features are tied to plugin support, and many come disabled by default, so I recommend visiting the settings section.

Ueli: How to Run Programs and Open Websites Quickly with the Keyboard
It has many customization and behavior settings, but that's not all
Ueli: How to Run Programs and Open Websites Quickly with the Keyboard
Plugins notably expand ueli's functionality

As expected, ueli offers advanced parameters to modify its appearance, start with Windows, and configure "forbidden" items for the search. The launcher is compatible with Windows and Mac OS, available in 32 or 64 bits, and has a portable version (though I recommend the installer). Link below!

Official site and download: Click here

Ueli: How to Run Programs and Open Websites Quickly with the Keyboard
How to run programs and open websites quickly with the keyboard