First, Launchpad is a convenient way to access applications in macOS, but it is not the only way. In fact you can open applications from Finder and Spotlight. However, if you like to use Launchpad to open applications, then it is essential for you. Also, if you have problems with it, a quick solution is to reset it. And here we will tell you how.
Reset the launchpad
Before continuing, you should know that resetting this program will remove all non-stock applications. It will not uninstall applications, so you can add them again later. Likewise, what you will lose is the design of the launchpad. That is, the folders you have created, etc.
First, you must open the Terminal and execute the following command. Press Enter and the launchpad will restart.
defaults write com.apple.dock ResetLaunchPad -bool true
killall dock
This way, when you open the launchpad, it will be restored to its default design.
Add applications again
Normally, when you install an application, it is automatically added to the "Applications" folder. And all the applications in the folder are shown in this tool. Occasionally, they do not.
After resetting the launchpad, you must add the applications again. To do this, you must open Finder and navigate to the Applications folder. Now, select the applications you want to add back to the launchpad. You can select them one by one, or select many applications. Holding down the COMMAND key.
Also, with the selected applications, you must drag and drop them on the Launchpad icon, in the Dock. Similarly, the application will be added back to it. Now, you can organize them in folders and distribute them on different pages.
You will not be able to solve other inconveniences
Likewise, resetting this tool can help you solve smaller macOS problems. But if your Mac has a problem in the whole system, for example: that applications do not open from the Applications folder or from Spotlight. Resetting it will not do much to solve this problem.
Now, if the application icons that appear there are corrupted, or you cannot open applications from the launchpad, a reset can solve the problem. It could also help if it refuses to open, opens too slowly, the search does not work or will not remember the layout of your applications.
So, when you restart it, it basically removes its database, which stores the applications that have been added to it and its disposition. Similarly, in the absence of the database, the default Launchpad design is used and when applications are added, you are basically adding it to your database.
Finally, this works on macOS Catalina.