Open Shell is a fork of the Classic Shell project for Windows that getting back the classic start menu to modern versions of Microsoft Windows.




There are many alternatives to Start8 for Windows and since it's discontinued a lot of people are looking for a replacement. The best Windows alternative is Open Shell, which is both free and Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 25 alternatives to Start8 and many of them are available for Windows so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Windows alternatives to Start8 are Classic Shell, Start11, StartAllBack and StartIsBack.
Open Shell is a fork of the Classic Shell project for Windows that getting back the classic start menu to modern versions of Microsoft Windows.




Classic Shell is free software that improves your productivity, enhances the usability of Windows, and empowers you to use the computer the way you like it.




Enhance Windows 10/11 personalizing Start Menu and Taskbar with style changes, icon and section adjustments, taskbar improvements, quick access menus, and advanced search features for improved productivity.




The Windows 11 version of the Startisback replacement shell. This software allows you to make Windows 11 look like previous versions of Windows or a modified version of itself.


StartIsBack returns Windows 8 a real fully featured start menu and start button, behaving exactly like the ones in Windows 7. StartIsBack radically improves desktop usability and makes new Start screen clutter-free.




Pining for simpler times? RetroBar teleports you back in time by replacing your modern Windows taskbar with the classic Windows 95, 98, Me, 2000, XP, Longhorn, or Vista style.

Customize Windows 10 and 11 with skins for Start menu and taskbar. Includes SkinStudio for designing skins, offering personalized fonts, and color and transparency adjustments.




Pokki puts web-connected apps in your taskbar, so they're always only one click away. Welcome to the modern desktop.



Start Menu X is a replacement of the system menu for professionals.
Virtual Groups Group programs by purpose (office applications, graphics, etc) without changing their location on the hard drive.
One-click start
The PRO version allows you to assign a primary program to any f.





Do you often find yourself looking for a program in the long list of the Start menu?



Start Menu 8 can help users who are not willing to change their behaviors and bring back the classic start menu. Users can enjoy a familiar start menu again with just one click while other styles are also available.
