Launchpad recovery guide · macOS 15 / 26 / 27

Launchpad missing after a Mac update?

Did the familiar Launchpad disappear after an update?
Check your macOS version first, then choose the fix that fits.

Check your version: Apple menu  → About This Mac

Still on 15? Restore the built-in Launchpad first.

macOS 15 still includes Launchpad. If only its Dock icon is missing, you usually do not need an alternative app.

Open Finder and choose Applications in the sidebar.
Find Launchpad and double-click it to make sure it opens.
Drag Launchpad back to the app area of the Dock.

You can also search for “Launchpad” with Spotlight. If it is still missing, first confirm that your Mac is running macOS 15.

Just upgraded? Try the built-in options first.

The app entry points changed in macOS 26 / 27. Your apps did not disappear with Launchpad—the way you open and browse them changed.

Spotlight: Press Command + Space, type an app name and press Return. Best when you already know which app you want.
Apps: Open Apps from the Dock to browse the app list provided by macOS.
Dock folder: Drag the Applications folder from Finder to the folder area of the Dock, then choose Grid as its display style.

These methods open apps, but they do not restore the classic Launchpad’s manual pages, folders or icon positions. If you find apps by location, take a look at LaunchOS.

Restore the free arrangement and folder experience you know

macOS 27 did not restore the classic Launchpad.

If you are staying on macOS 26 and waiting for 27 to bring Launchpad back: macOS 27 does not restore the classic Launchpad, its old folders or manual pages.

You can keep using Apps, Spotlight and the Dock, or use an independent app such as LaunchOS to restore the familiar visual browsing experience in one step.

Learn what changed with Launchpad in macOS 27

15-second demo

The familiar experience, as if nothing changed

See LaunchOS free arrangement and folder interactions, then decide whether it fits the way you use your Mac.

LaunchOS product demonstration. The current download may look slightly different.

Get started in three steps

Put Launchpad back on your Mac

01
Download the stable release
Confirm your Mac meets the system requirement, then get the DMG from the official download button on this page.
02
Move it to Applications
Open the DMG, drag LaunchOS into the Applications folder, then open LaunchOS.
03
Arrange it your way
Browse apps, create folders and adjust their order. Enable F4 or gestures only when you need those controls.

Free and Pro

Start with Basic, then decide whether you need more.

Basic

The essentials, free to use.

A familiar, freely arranged app grid, folders and basic organization bring back your everyday app-launching habits.

Free Basic plan

Pro

More ways to launch and personalize.

Trackpad gestures, F4, hot corners and custom grid settings are Pro features.

7-day trial · Keep using Basic when it ends

See every feature and Pro label

Optional permissions

Turn them on only when you need them.

Basic app browsing and launching do not require either permission in advance.

Accessibility: Used for optional system-wide triggers such as F4 and trackpad gestures. Grant it when you enable one of those features.
Full Disk Access: Used only by Complete Uninstall to locate related files for an app you select. It is not required to browse or launch apps.

There is no need to disable SIP, modify protected system files or downgrade macOS. Read the privacy policy

Frequently asked questions

Do I need LaunchOS if I’m still on macOS 15? −

Usually not. macOS 15 still includes Launchpad, so first check whether it was removed from the Dock. LaunchOS requires macOS 26+ and cannot run on macOS 15.

Did macOS 27 bring back the classic Launchpad? +

No. Apps and Spotlight can open apps, but macOS 27 does not restore the classic Launchpad, its manual pages, folders or icon arrangement.

Does LaunchOS restore Apple’s original Launchpad? +

No. LaunchOS is an independent Mac app that recreates the familiar full-screen, freely arranged app grid and folders. It does not reinstall Apple’s Launchpad or modify protected system files.

Can it always recover my old folders and app arrangement? +

No. Import requires readable, compatible legacy Launchpad data. Upgrade method, a clean install, migration or deleted data can affect the result. Keep a backup; if no usable data remains, rebuild the layout manually.

Can I keep using LaunchOS after the trial? +

Yes. Basic is free and Pro includes a 7-day trial. Afterward, buy Pro or keep using Basic; Pro-only features require an active license.

Must I grant Accessibility and Full Disk Access first? +

No. Basic browsing and launching do not require either permission. Accessibility is for optional F4 and gesture triggers; Full Disk Access is used only for Complete Uninstall.

Official stable release

Bring back your Launchpad habits.

Start with free Basic and put every app back where it feels familiar.

Download LaunchOS

Requires macOS 26+ · Basic is free · 7-day Pro trial

Current stable release v2.4.0 · Signed and notarized with Apple Developer ID

Viewing on a phone? Open launchosapp.com on your Mac.