bbLean Alternatives

bbLean is described as 'is 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 alternative is Cairo Shell, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like bbLean are BB4Win, WindowBlinds, 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.

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bbLean

Free • Open Source
Windows

bbLean is the lean version of Blackbox for Windows. It tries to keep balance between features and complexity, to give you...

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Cairo Shell
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Free • Open Source
Desktop Environment
Windows
38 alternatives to Cairo Shell
Cairo is a desktop environment for Windows. Its goal is to develop a desktop experience that increases productivity and advances current technology standards.
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Cairo Shell Features
Customizable
BB4Win
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Free • Open Source
Windows
17 alternatives to BB4Win
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.
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BB4Win Features
1. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsBB4Win can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
Linux-based
Discontinued
Latest release 2009, see http://bb4win.sourceforge.net/
WindowBlinds
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No
Paid • Proprietary
System Tweaker
Windows
10 alternatives to WindowBlinds
WindowBlinds is a computer program that allows users to skin the Windows graphical user interface. It has been developed by Stardock since 1998, and is the most popular component of their flagship software suite, Object Desktop.
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WindowBlinds Features
Customize Windows
Skins
SharpEnviro
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Free • Open Source
Windows
19 alternatives to SharpEnviro
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.
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SharpEnviro Features
1. Support for Multiple MonitorsSharpEnviro supports the use of multiple displays.
Discontinued
As 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.
Emerge Desktop
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No
Free • Open Source
Desktop Environment
Windows
25 alternatives to Emerge Desktop
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...

Emerge Desktop has no features, suggest some!
Discontinued
Emerge Desktop is no longer maintained. Last version, 6.1.3, released in 2012, and the source code are still available on SourceForge
GeoShell
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No
Free • Open Source
Windows
19 alternatives to GeoShell
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...
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GeoShell Features
1. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsGeoShell can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
Skinnable
Configurable
Discontinued
The official website is no longer available. Last version, 4.11.10, can be still downloaded from SourceForge.
Talisman Desktop
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Paid • Proprietary
Windows
19 alternatives to Talisman Desktop
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.
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Talisman Desktop Features
Customizing
Customize Windows
SphereXP
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No
Free • Proprietary
Desktop Environment
Windows
12 alternatives to SphereXP
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.

SphereXP has no features, suggest some!
Discontinued
Official website not accessible. Available here: http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/spherexp.html
Liteshell
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No
Free • Proprietary
Windows
10 alternatives to Liteshell
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.

Liteshell has no features, suggest some!
Discontinued
It's discontinued. Last update was 25th June 2008.
SmartWindows
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No
Freemium • Proprietary
Windows
11 alternatives to SmartWindows
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.
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SmartWindows Features
1. Works OfflineSmartWindows can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
2. LightweightSmartWindows consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
Workflow Management
Desktop Application
Multiple Profiles
Remembers position in file

Showing 10 of 10 alternatives

Cairo Shell Features

BB4Win Features

WindowBlinds Features

SharpEnviro Features

GeoShell Features

Talisman Desktop Features

SmartWindows Features