Organize, find and resume your work environment

Ctrl Deck V1.8 is more than an app launcher: it centralizes apps, files, folders, links and work environments in one interface.

V1.8 brings Favorites, easier first-time setup, better keyboard shortcut and conflict handling, improved Workspaces and Live Spaces, a clearer UI, and licence status that is easier to check.

The full-feature free trial is now 14 days. Ctrl Deck is available for both Windows and macOS.

Searching for “Control Deck”? Our software is officially named Ctrl Deck. It brings shortcuts, apps, files, folders and links into one visual panel, with Workspaces to reopen organized work environments. Ctrl Deck V1.8 is available on Windows and macOS (direct signed and notarized DMG distribution — not via the Mac App Store), with a full 14-day trial.

Yes. The essential experience is shared: shortcuts, groups, Favorites, Workspaces, Live Spaces and drag-and-drop organization.

Differences mainly come from keyboard/system interactions, native apps, permissions and initial import sources.

The core logic stays the same — you do not need to relearn the product.

First-time setup proposes organization from resources already on the computer.

On Windows: Desktop, taskbar, and optionally open Chrome tabs. On macOS: Desktop, Dock and the Applications folder.

You choose what to keep and can reorganize groups. Ctrl Deck does not crawl all personal documents.

Ctrl Deck makes it easier to access applications on the computer.

On Windows, Apps finds many applications and utilities, with search and manual add.

On macOS, initial import builds a first library from system locations. Some apps may need to be added manually.

A shortcut is direct access to a resource (app, file, folder, link…).

A group collects shortcuts according to your personal organization.

Groups can be created, renamed, reordered or deleted.

Favorites keep important items quickly accessible.

They can include groups, compatible group shortcuts, and Workspaces.

Live Spaces are not Favorites.

A Workspace is a prepared, reusable work environment.

It can contain apps, files, folders and links.

Create it manually or from compatible captured open resources, then edit it later.

A Live Space helps you resume a temporary interrupted context.

A Workspace is a prepared reusable work context.

A Live Space can later become a Workspace. Capture covers compatible resources only — not a full unsaved session state.

Yes. You can rearrange shortcuts, group items and compatible Workspace resources.

Depending on type and drop zone, you can also add resources from File Explorer or Finder.

No. You can use Ctrl Deck visually without extra shortcuts.

Shortcuts can be assigned for faster access. On Windows V1.8, conflict handling can prioritize Ctrl Deck, prioritize the app, or let you change the shortcut.

Giving priority to the app removes only the conflicting hotkey — not the item. Available combinations depend on the OS and reserved system shortcuts.

No. Show it when needed and hide it when not.

On Windows it can run in the background / at startup. On macOS, closing the window can leave the app active in the Dock.

The interface adapts to different screen sizes.

Windows offers 10 languages: French, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Hindi.

macOS also has a multilingual interface and includes Dutch.

Choose among the languages available in your edition.

Yes, current changes are saved automatically.

On Windows, export/import can preserve a compatible configuration: groups, shortcuts, Workspaces and related settings. This is not a full computer backup and does not transfer personal files or licence rights.

Import/export options may differ by version and platform.

No. Organization stays local.

Some communication with COMBOX servers is required for trials, licences and validation.

Personal files remain under your control.

Windows V1.8 is designed to preserve compatible previous configurations.

V1.7 migration is supported, plus some older compatible data. Prefer the normal update path instead of deleting data manually.

Moving from Windows to macOS is not a licence migration.

Windows V1.8 is available from the official COMBOX site and Microsoft Store. Choose the direct installer or Microsoft Store — essential features and licensing rules stay the same.

The direct build can notify you of updates and let you choose when to install. Microsoft Store uses its own update mechanism; a slight delay between channels is possible.

The macOS edition is available now from the official COMBOX site as a public DMG. Mac App Store availability is not claimed here.

Ctrl Deck download page

The free trial lasts 14 days with full features.

It starts when the trial is recorded on COMBOX servers.

No credit card is required to start the trial.

The app remains usable in limited free mode.

You keep two active editable shortcuts.

Full features require a one-time-purchase licence — no subscription.

No. The trial is tied to machine identity.

Reinstalling does not reset the trial when the device is recognized.

Yes — on two distinct computers, each can have its own trial.

On one physical machine with multiple OS installs, two independent trials are not guaranteed.

No. Each licence is tied to the purchased operating system.

A Windows licence cannot activate macOS and vice versa, even if unused elsewhere.

The products are very similar, but licence scopes remain distinct.

No. One licence = one computer + one operating system.

Two computers require two licences — including one Windows PC and one Mac.

No. If you change computers, simply contact COMBOX support and provide your current licence key.

After verification, our team will deactivate your previous licence and provide a new key free of charge for your new computer, on the same operating system (Windows or macOS).

You therefore do not need to buy CTRL Deck again for a simple hardware replacement.

Yes, on the same recognized computer and correct OS, subject to validity and server recognition.

This does not allow use on a second computer.

Quick Start V1.8 is on the official Ctrl Deck page, with annotated captures, explanations and demo videos.

It is a common guide for Windows and macOS. Captures and videos were made on Windows, but most features and actions also apply to macOS.

Some UI, keyboard or location differences may exist.

First check that the licence matches the OS in use, that the key is correct, and that Internet access allows required validations.

If the issue persists, contact COMBOX support with version, operating system and the error encountered.

Support may also help with installation, import or usage.