Open Shell Alternatives for Windows

There are many alternatives to Open Shell for Windows if you are looking for a replacement. The best Windows alternative is Classic Shell, which is both free and Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 25 alternatives to Open Shell and many of them are available for Windows so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Windows alternatives to Open Shell are Start11, StartAllBack, 7+ Taskbar Tweaker and FastKeys.

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Alternatives list

  1. Classic Shell icon
     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
     
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    1
  2. Start11 icon
     31 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
     
  3. StartAllBack icon
     29 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. 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.

    127 FastKeys alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
  5. StartIsBack icon
     34 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
     
  6. 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.
    25 Start8 alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
  7. RetroBar icon
     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.

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
  8. 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.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
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    1
  9. Power8 icon
     14 likes

    Start menu replacement for Windows.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
12 of 37 Open Shell alternatives