Open Shell Alternatives

Open Shell is described as 'Fork of the Classic Shell project for Windows that getting back the classic start menu to modern versions of Microsoft Windows' and is a very popular System Tweaker in the os & utilities category. There are more than 25 alternatives to Open Shell for a variety of platforms, including Windows, Linux, Android, Android Tablet and BSD apps. The best Open Shell alternative is Classic Shell, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Open Shell are Noctalia, StartAllBack, 7+ Taskbar Tweaker and Start11.

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Open Shell alternatives are mainly System Tweakers, but if you're looking for Desktop Environments or Shell Extensions you can filter on that. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to Open Shell.
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Alternatives list

  1. Classic Shell icon
     208 likes

    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.

    28 Classic Shell alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
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    1
    Classic Shell vs Open Shell Comments
    Guest
    Positive
    4

    I'm an IT / PC /Mac Network consultant. Classic shell is the original version of Open Shell. Open Shell still seems to work fine with Windows 10 v1903. I am not a big fan of the new Windows (formerly called "Metro") Interface, and install Open Shell on every W10 computer I use. My clients also are very pleased with it.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    • Classic Shell is Free and Open SourceOpen Shell is also Free and Open Source
    • Classic Shell is CustomizableOpen Shell is not according to our users
  2. Noctalia icon
     12 likes

    Noctalia is a beautiful, minimal desktop shell for Wayland built with Quickshell. It’s designed with a “quiet by design” philosophy, providing a complete desktop experience that stays out of your way.

    38 Noctalia alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source (MIT)

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
  3. StartAllBack icon
     28 likes

    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.

    25 StartAllBack alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
  4. Start11 icon
     29 likes

    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.

    26 Start11 alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
  5. FastKeys icon
     120 likes

    All in one Windows automation software. Fully configurable text expander, start menu, shortcuts, auto complete and mouse gestures. User-defined commands to run files, open webpages, send macros or automate anything. Incredibly powerful but yet simple to use.

    126 FastKeys alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
  6. StartIsBack icon
     33 likes

    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.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
  7. Start8 icon
     30 likes

    Return the Start Button to Windows 8 With these features:

    • Search for Windows 8-style (Modern UI) apps
    • Pin desktop and Metro apps to the start menu
    • Jump List support
    • Unified Search for apps, settings and files
    • Boot directly to the Windows 8 desktop
    • One click access to.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
  8. RetroBar icon
     12 likes

    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.

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
  9. Start Menu X icon
     26 likes

    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.

    23 Start Menu X alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
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    1
    Start Menu X vs Open Shell Comments
    0x6A7232
    Positive
    0

    It supports tabs. And themes. Excellent.

    • Start Menu X is Freemium and ProprietaryOpen Shell is Free and Open Source
    • Start Menu X is CustomizableOpen Shell is not according to our users
12 of 41 Open Shell alternatives