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 StartAllBack, Noctalia, 7+ Taskbar Tweaker and Start11.

filter to find the best alternatives

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

    Classic Shell

     208 likes
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    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
    Explorer Settings
     
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    1
    Comments about Classic Shell as an Alternative to Open Shell
    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.
    Open Shell Icon
    Classic Shell icon

    • Classic Shell is the most popular Windows alternative to Open Shell.

    • Classic Shell is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Open Shell.

    • 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. StartAllBack icon

    StartAllBack

     28 likes
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    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

    • Pay once
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Desktop showcase
     

    • StartAllBack is the most popular commercial alternative to Open Shell.

    • StartAllBack is Paid and ProprietaryOpen Shell is Free and Open Source
  4. Noctalia icon

    Noctalia

     11 likes
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    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.

    37 Noctalia alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Noctalia screenshot 1
     

    • Noctalia is the most popular Linux alternative to Open Shell.

    • Noctalia is Free and Open SourceOpen Shell is also Free and Open Source
    • Noctalia is Minimalistic and CustomizableOpen Shell is not according to our users
  5. Ad
    Screenshot
    WindowBlinds icon
    WindowBlinds

    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.

    https://www.stardock.com
    Learn More
  7. Start11 icon

    Start11

     29 likes
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    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

    • Pay once
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Start11 screenshot 1
     
  8. FastKeys icon

    FastKeys

     119 likes
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    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.

    124 FastKeys alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Pay once
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    FastKeys screenshot 1
     
  10. Cairo Shell icon

    Cairo Shell

     52 likes
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    Cairo is a desktop environment for Windows. Its goal is to develop a desktop experience that increases productivity and advances current technology standards.

    38 Cairo Shell alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Cairo Shell screenshot 1
     
  11. StartIsBack icon

    StartIsBack

     32 likes
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    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.

    25 StartIsBack alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Pay once
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Boot to Desktop
     
  12. Start8 icon

    Start8

     30 likes
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    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.
    25 Start8 alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Pay once
    • Proprietary

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Start8 screenshot 1
     
  13. RetroBar icon

    RetroBar

     12 likes
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    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.

    17 RetroBar alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Windows
    RetroBar screenshot 1
     
  14. Start Menu X icon

    Start Menu X

     26 likes
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    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 (Pay once)
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Start Menu X screenshot 1
     
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    1
    Comments about Start Menu X as an Alternative to Open Shell
    0x6A7232
    Positive
    0

    It supports tabs. And themes. Excellent.

    Open Shell Icon
    Start Menu X icon
    • 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 40 Open Shell alternatives