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 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, 7+ Taskbar Tweaker, FastKeys and Start11.
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Open Shell alternatives are mainly Desktop Environments but may also be System Tweakers or Window Managers. Filter by these or use the filter bar below if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Open Shell.- System Tweaker
- Free • Open Source
- 205 likes29 Classic Shell alternatives
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.
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application type
Platforms
- Windows
Classic Shell Features
DiscontinuedThe developer announced that Classic Shell will be no longer developed because Windows 10 is updated too frequently and because Microsoft is making more difficult to customize Windows: http://www.classicshell.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=8147 Last version, 4.3.1, released in August 2017, can be still downloaded from the official website, together with the source code.
Classic Shell VS Open Shell
Is Classic Shell a good alternative to Open Shell? - 22 likes27 StartAllBack alternatives
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.
StartAllBack VS Open Shell
Is StartAllBack a good alternative to Open Shell? - 95 likes28 7+ Taskbar Tweaker alternatives
Customize the Windows taskbar with dozens of exclusive options.
7+ Taskbar Tweaker VS Open Shell
Is 7+ Taskbar Tweaker a good alternative to Open Shell? - 113 likes126 FastKeys alternatives
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.
FastKeys VS Open Shell
Is FastKeys a good alternative to Open Shell? - 20 likes28 Start11 alternatives
Start11 is a software for personalizing the Start Menu and Taskbar in Windows 10 and 11. Users can choose from a variety of styles, add or remove sections, change icons, and incorporate tabs. Features like color changes, transparency adjustments, spacing, alignment...
Start11 VS Open Shell
Is Start11 a good alternative to Open Shell? - 32 likes27 StartIsBack alternatives
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.
StartIsBack VS Open Shell
Is StartIsBack a good alternative to Open Shell? - 47 likes41 Cairo Shell alternatives
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 VS Open Shell
Is Cairo Shell a good alternative to Open Shell? - 8 likes18 RetroBar alternatives
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.
RetroBar VS Open Shell
Is RetroBar a good alternative to Open Shell? - 26 likes25 Start Menu X alternatives
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.
Start Menu X VS Open Shell
Is Start Menu X a good alternative to Open Shell?Comments about Start Menu X as an Alternative to Open Shell
0x6A7232It supports tabs. And themes. Excellent.
0 - 30 likes27 Start8 alternatives
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.
DiscontinuedThe program is only for Windows 8 and no longer updated. For Windows 10 or 11, Stardock offers Start11
Start8 VS Open Shell
Is Start8 a good alternative to Open Shell? - 17 likes39 WindowBlinds alternatives
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 VS Open Shell
Is WindowBlinds a good alternative to Open Shell? - 5 likes7 RoundedTB alternatives
Add margins, rounded corners and segments to your taskbars! - GitHub - torchgm/RoundedTB: Add margins, rounded corners and segments to your taskbars!
DiscontinuedThe GitHub repository was archived in September 2023.
RoundedTB VS Open Shell
Is RoundedTB a good alternative to Open Shell?
Comments about Classic Shell as an Alternative to Open Shell
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.