One Launch: What is it and where did it come from

Fulfilling my role as "Thread Starter" I'm posting this... I've looked up "OneLaunch" and "One Launch" a number of times, wondering if this "Dock" (and cousin of the dreaded OneDrive) has raised any forum comments or concerns.

My latest encounter with One Launch came while I was posting to another forum, to wit:

Using Windows11, I'm trying to download the ResMed AirCurve10 ASV user manual.

I do the following:

1 Change CPAP Pressure Settings - Adjusting your machine with a Clinician Setup Manual (apneaboard.com)
Look up the machine and
2 ResMed AirSense 10 & AirCurve 10 Setup (apneaboard.com)
Good. But I still want to download the manual (pdf)
3 Click [View PDF]
OneLaunch - Easy PDF (geteasypdf.com)
This is a full page ad/transition page offering me no alternative but to install a Microsoft product, OneLaunch, in order, MAYBE. to eventually download the user manual I'm looking for.
[Accept and Download] no other option (there are vestiges of other options that have been deactivated, making the whole procedure seem more like punishment than choice.
4 The screen turns dark, a download starts, and an animated "Click to start" arrow rebounds up and down as an imposing female voice says: "You are almost done, click above to get started." clicking on the arrow or where it is pointing does nothing.
5 Realizing a download is still going on, I locate the Downloads folder and see the executable: OneLaunch - Easy PDF_3rjbn.exe (previously the executable was OneLaunch - ManualsLibrary_ym8g7.exe) They both do the same thing!
6 I double click the executable - I have no choice!
7 One Launch takes over the top of the screen with a doc containing multiple items (search menu, various links I don't need, calls to a weather page, Snipping Tool, Print function, Privacy camera (?), Clipboard History, Media control widget, and Recycle Bin I don't need, Did not ask for, or desire! AND THERE'S AN ICON NAMED "Manuals"
8 Clicking on Manuals (again, no choice) I'm again presented with a "Search below for quick access to the manual you need!" Again I fill out [Type brand name] [Type model name] and click [Search for Manual]
9 This time the OneLaunch "Dock" reveals a "subDock", obviously a OneLaunch Browser, which displays ResMed AirCurve10 manual at DuckDuckGo which contains a score of ads and links to manualsLib raries Pick a site from the first few and OneLaunch forces you to download a Chrome-specific Extension to ensure you're not committing any access sins...

Eventually, after trying a number of different links I finally manage to download the user manual.

My point is, why does this forum force someone to go through this to get to a user manual?

This is an incredibly valuable forum doing an invaluable service to people with severe medical conditions. It shouldn't force those folk to become computer experts, willing to spend an incredible amount of time, downloading useless (but potentially dangerous -- all executables are) executables, that allow them to repeat the same procedure to get to what they could have done by not using the forum at all?

Is there an easier way to a) Look up the manual, b) Click on a link, c) Get the manual.

My Question(s)

What is OneLaunch?
Where did it come from?
What is its purpose?
Why has it been foisted on Windows ((I presume it's available across the board).
What does it enable a Windows user to do that that user doesn't know how to do already and hasn't already done countless times?
Is it part of a greater agenda?

jro11 said:

What is OneLaunch?
Where did it come from?
What is its purpose?
Why has it been foisted on Windows ((I presume it's available across the board).

Click to expand...

OneLaunch is not a Microsoft product and is not part of any standard install of Windows. It it a 3rd party app, and has been described by some as malware.

One of the primary concerns with OneLaunch is its tendency to appear on PCs without clear consent from users. It can be installed without local admin rights, often found in the C:\Users\LoginID\AppData\Local\ directory, which has led to instances where users have discovered OneLaunch on their systems unexpectedly.

This has raised questions about the software’s distribution methods, with some users reporting that it was preinstalled or installed inadvertently through automatic downloads from links or as part of software bundles.....

....In conclusion, OneLaunch is a legitimate software application that has faced scrutiny due to its distribution methods and the effects it may have on users’ systems. Whether it remains a fixture on your PC or becomes a candidate for removal, the power of choice lies with the informed user.

Click to expand...

Is there a reason why you can't simply visit the ResMed.com website and I dunno, download the PDF's from them?
CPAP Product Manuals

Google provided the device manufacturer's site as the top hits. Sometimes a question doesn't need a more complicated solution.

garlin said:

Is there a reason why you can't simply visit the ResMed.com website and I dunno, download the PDF's from them?
CPAP Product Manuals

Google provided the device manufacturer's site as the top hits.

Click to expand...

That forum is probably the best forum for discussing the complex subject of sleep apnea and the wide variety of technology--necessary to address it. It is the equivalent of this forum when it comes to the subject of sleep apnea.
It discusses technology that has been pulled by the FDA for being dangerous to its users, and helps users sort out problems when their hospital and insurance provider orders them to continue using that technology.

I was under the impression OneLaunch was related to Microsoft. It's disheartening to find that the other forum is forcing its users to unwittingly employ this unrequested tool to execute relatively benign procedures--a program that must be installed as a start up program that will plague that user every time he brings up his computer. Now, after looking into the OneLaunch blog I wonder if its relationship with "Chromium" (and the Chrome extension it sometimes requires for verification) indicates it's related to Google.

I'm hoping what I learn can help that forum. Maybe, for example, there's a program that can ensure that rogue programs don't install themselves as start ups?

jro11 said:

execute relatively benign procedures

Click to expand...

Sorry, but in the interests of surprise menus...

Just now, checking that benign was the right word to use, I highlighted the word and right-clicked hoping I could get a quick definition and expecting at least a side-menu of synonyms. The submenu View attachment 101119contained neither yet contained an extremely useful item allowing one to change Writing direction. )

Where did that menu come from?

IMO Onelaunch came along for the ride when you installed some piece of software. You might can find the culprit that installed it if you go to Control Panel>Programs and Features. Look at the date installed for Onelaunch. Then compare it with the dates other programs installed. I'd use Revo Uninstaller and uninstall it.
There's no program that I'm aware of that can prevent rogue programs. Most time it's a little check box the user has to uncheck to keep PUPs from being installed.