bbLean Alternatives
bbLean is described as 'The lean version of Blackbox for Windows. It tries to keep balance between features and complexity, to give you some efficient means within a compact shell' and is an app in the os & utilities category. There are more than 10 alternatives to bbLean for Windows. The best bbLean alternative is Cairo Shell, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like bbLean are WindowBlinds, BB4Win, SharpEnviro and Emerge Desktop.
bbLean alternatives are mainly Desktop Environments but may also be System Tweakers. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of bbLean.- 38 Cairo Shell alternatives
- Desktop Environment
- Free • Open Source
- Windows
Cairo is a desktop environment for Windows. Its goal is to develop a desktop experience that increases productivity and advances current technology standards.
- - Cairo Shell is the most popular Windows alternative to bbLean.
- - Cairo Shell is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to bbLean.
Cairo Shell Features
- 13 WindowBlinds alternatives
- System Tweaker
- Paid • Proprietary
- Windows
WindowBlinds is a software application that allows users to customize the appearance of their Windows interface, including the Start menu, taskbar, window frames, control buttons, and more for Windows 10 and 11.
- - WindowBlinds is the most popular commercial alternative to bbLean.
WindowBlinds Features
BB4Win (Blackbox for Windows) is an alternative shell for Microsoft Windows. The program aims to emulate the look and feel of a Linux based desktop. The BB4Win project was discontinued in 2005 but various branches have been built from the source.
BB4Win Features
- Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
DiscontinuedLatest release 2009, see http://bb4win.sourceforge.net/
- 19 SharpEnviro alternatives
- Free • Open Source
- Windows
SharpEnviro (or SharpE) is an open source shell replacement system for Microsoft Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7. When using SharpEnviro the default Windows desktop is replaced by a new and more powerful desktop environment.
SharpEnviro Features
- Support for Multiple Monitors
DiscontinuedAs of december 2011 the SharpEnviro project is no longer under active development. All files provided come without any warranty or support! It is uncertain if or how well the previously released versions of SharpEnviro will work with any new or updated Windows system after Windows 7 Service Pack 1.
- 22 Emerge Desktop alternatives
- Desktop Environment
- Free • Open Source
- Windows
Emerge Desktop is a replacement Windows "shell" (the desktop environment normally provided by Windows Explorer) for Windows 2000 and above. In order to replace Windows Explorer as a shell, it provides a system tray (the area that collects the icons collected at the...
DiscontinuedEmerge Desktop is no longer maintained. Last version, 6.1.3, released in 2012, and the source code are still available on SourceForge
- 19 Talisman Desktop alternatives
- Paid • Proprietary
- Windows
Talisman Desktop is a configurable Windows shell replacement introduced in 1997 by Lighttek Software. It is available in a number of languages including English, French, Spanish, Swedish, Portuguese, Russian and Italian.
Talisman Desktop Features
GeoShell - The premier minimalist Windows shell replacement. It replaces the default Explorer interface. It features menu bars—“geoBars”—that can be dragged-and-dropped anywhere on the users screen. There are also desktop menus that can be triggered whenever a user clicks...
GeoShell Features
- Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
DiscontinuedThe official website is no longer available. Last version, 4.11.10, can be still downloaded from SourceForge.
- 12 SphereXP alternatives
- Desktop Environment
- Free • Proprietary
- Windows
The SphereXP is a 3D desktop replacement for Microsoft Windows. Taking the known concept of three-dimensional desktops to its own level. It offers a new way to organize objects on the desktop such as icons and applications. It has been tried out by millions worldwide.
DiscontinuedOfficial website not accessible. Available here: http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/spherexp.html
tiny windows shell (explorer.exe) replacement designed for slow PCs. Is a minimalist's shell - no screen space is occupied by the shell. When you right-click on the desktop or press a hotkey, a menu provides access to your programs, documents, tasks and anything else you.
DiscontinuedIt's discontinued. Last update was 25th June 2008.
- 11 SmartWindows alternatives
- Freemium • Proprietary
- Windows
SmartWindows streamlines the way you work. It is perfect for professionals looking to optimize the overall work experience or switch between projects. You can save display preferences for applications with the help of a few clicks.
SmartWindows Features
- Works Offline
- Lightweight