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, Start11, StartAllBack and 7+ Taskbar Tweaker.

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Alternatives list

  1. Classic Shell icon

    Classic Shell

     209 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
    Explorer Settings
     
    |
    1
    Discontinued

    The 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 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.

    • 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

    Noctalia

     18 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
    Noctalia screenshot 1
     
  4. Start11 icon

    Start11

     33 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
    Start11 screenshot 1
     
  5. Ad
    Screenshot
    IObit Start Menu 8 icon
    IObit Start Menu 8

    Start Menu 8 can help users who are not willing to change their behaviors and bring back the classic start menu. Users can enjoy a familiar start menu again with just one click while other styles are also available.

    https://www.iobit.com
    Learn More
  6. StartAllBack icon

    StartAllBack

     30 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
    Desktop showcase
     
  9. FastKeys icon

    FastKeys

     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.

    134 FastKeys alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    FastKeys screenshot 1
     
  10. StartIsBack icon

    StartIsBack

     35 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.

    25 StartIsBack alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Boot to Desktop
     
  13. Start8 icon

    Start8

     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
    Start8 screenshot 1
     
  14. RetroBar icon

    RetroBar

     13 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.

    17 RetroBar alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Windows
    RetroBar screenshot 1
     
  15. Start Menu X icon

    Start Menu X

     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.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Start Menu X screenshot 1
     
    |
    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 42 Open Shell alternatives