With the requirement to run multiple applications alongside the main flight sim app, does anyone use and recommend a multi app launcher?
E.g. a list or group of multiple program icons - MSFS, SPAD, Little Nav Map, FSRealistic, etc. etc. with the ability to easily add/manage them with drag drop and then the ability to launch them all with one click rather than all individually.
The answer is, as always, MSFS Addons Linker.
Go to Tools → Options and select the Additional Options tab.
There you can choose what extra apps to run, when to run them, and how to run them:
Works for 2020 and 2024, and is essential to a smooth MSFS mod experience.
The simplest way is to create a *.bat file, which can be done using Notepad. Just include the apps you want on top and leave simulator at the bottom, to lauch it after anything else.
Example below to execute SPAD.Next & FS2024:
cmd.exe /C start "" "G:\SPAD.neXt\SPAD.neXt.exe"
cmd.exe /C start shell:AppsFolder\Microsoft.Limitless_8wekyb3d8bbwe!App -FastLaunch
exit
The “-FastLaunch” command is optional (it just skips intro).
Cheers
I also currently use a Batch File.
You could always write a PowerShell Script if you’re more comfortable with PS 
Thanks for the options. Yep, I know bat files will do what I want I just wondered if there a nice gui app with drag/drop etc.
Same with Add-on Linker, already use it for MS2020/2024 but the multi launch option is within the app itself which takes a few seconds to launch - was hoping for a lightweight app just to manage that.
Looking at some desktop app add-ons - Stardock Fences will do it but it’s too expensive. Northglide Side slide looks promising and is free.
Because there are different requirements for different flights. I have them all setup on a stream deck and categorized so I just go hit all the buttons I need for that flight.
Turns out, I already had an excellent tool for doing this installed already, as part of MS PowerToys.
Workspaces allows me to launch the apps I want, move them to the desired location on different monitors and do it all with a single shortcut
I like that approach but I cannot make PowerToys pick up on all my needed software. Especially the sw that lives in the Tray area are ignored. How did you get around that?
The AddonLinker seems nice bacause it also tries to close the applications when I quit msfs2024.
But I wish I could have a shortcut to MS AddonLinker with an argument/switch to the profile I want it to run. It’s would be easier than starting the Addonlinker and pressing the run button and then select the profile in the ui that pops up. Can that be done already?
Not sure, I don’t use profiles.
Might be a good question for the maker of AddonLinker, on flightsim.to.
Report back if when you get an answer, I’m sure others would be interested to know. 
Power Toys Workspaces should see everything that is active on your monitor(s) - you just tick which you want to include.