Windows key, then start typing what you want.

Of course, on windows, you’ll have to disable bing search for this to be reliable.

I still use desktop icons for some things, but the windows key for launching is just much better/easier.

Windows key + 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9 will also launch / bring to focus the matching icon on your taskbar.

I don’t know the Mac equivalents. I believe Gnome and KDE work similarly to windows.