Open Source Open Shell Alternatives

The best open source alternative to Open Shell is Classic Shell. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 25 alternatives to Open Shell and 18 is open source so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting open source alternatives to Open Shell are Noctalia, 7+ Taskbar Tweaker, Cairo Shell and RetroBar.

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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
     14 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. 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
     
  4. ArcMenu icon
     1 like

    ArcMenu is an application menu/start menu for GNOME Shell, designed to provide a more familiar user experience and workflow. This extension has many features, including various menu layout styles, GNOME search, quick access to system shortcuts, and much more!

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • GNOME
     
  5. Power8 icon
     14 likes

    Start menu replacement for Windows.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
  6. Window Maker icon
     10 likes

    Window Maker has a reputation for being fast, efficient and highly stable. Window Maker has been characterized as reproducing "the elegant look and feel of the NeXTstep GUI" and is noted as "easy to configure and easy to use.

    43 Window Maker alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
     
  7. RoundedTB icon
     6 likes

    Add margins, rounded corners and segments to your taskbars! - GitHub - torchgm/RoundedTB: Add margins, rounded corners and segments to your taskbars!

    7 RoundedTB alternatives

    Cost / License

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
  8. BB4Win icon
     19 likes

    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.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
  9. Taskbar icon
     3 likes

    Puts a start menu and recent apps tray on top of your screen accessible at any time, increasing your productivity and turning your Android tablet or phone into a real multitasking machine.

    26 Taskbar alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • F-Droid
     
  10. SharpEnviro icon
     15 likes

    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.

    26 SharpEnviro alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
12 of 18 Open Shell alternatives