Classic Shell Alternatives

Classic Shell is described as 'Is free software that improves your productivity, enhances the usability of Windows, and empowers you to use the computer the way you like it' and is a very popular app in the os & utilities category. There are more than 25 alternatives to Classic Shell for Windows, Android, Android Tablet, F-Droid and Microsoft 365 (Office). The best Classic Shell alternative is Open Shell, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Classic Shell are StartAllBack, Start11, StartIsBack and Start8.

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Alternatives list

  1. Open Shell icon

    Open Shell

     110 likes
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    Open Shell is a fork of the Classic Shell project for Windows that getting back the classic start menu to modern versions of Microsoft Windows.

    40 Open Shell alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Open Shell screenshot 1
     
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    6
    62
    Comments about Open Shell as an Alternative to Classic Shell
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    11
    1. It is supported. 2. It works with the 2019 Windows 10 1903. 3. It's free
    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    Exactly the same as classic chell but made for windows 10/11 and up

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    -1

    A nice alternative to classic shell. Thanks

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Show more comments
    3 of 6 comments
    Classic Shell Icon
    Open Shell icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Open Shell is a great Classic Shell alternative.

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

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

    • Open Shell is Free and Open SourceClassic Shell is also Free and Open Source
    • Open Shell is Lightweight and Privacy focusedClassic 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 Classic Shell.

    • StartAllBack is Paid and ProprietaryClassic Shell is Free and Open Source
  4. Start11 icon

    Start11

     28 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
     
  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
  6. 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
     
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    1
    13
    Comments about StartIsBack as an Alternative to Classic Shell
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    It has Windows 7 style, Windows 8 style, Windows 10 basic, and can turn the taskbar colors to glossy like Windows 7 and Vista had, also change the Windows start icon to the Windows 7 way or Windows 8 way.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Classic Shell Icon
    StartIsBack icon

    • Almost everyone thinks StartIsBack is a great Classic Shell alternative.

    • StartIsBack is Paid and ProprietaryClassic Shell is Free and Open Source
  7. 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.

    Cost / License

    • Pay once
    • Proprietary

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Start8 screenshot 1
     
  8. 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.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Pay once)
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Start Menu X screenshot 1
     
  10. 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
     
  12. Power8 icon

    Power8

     14 likes
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    Start menu replacement for Windows.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Power8 screenshot 1
     
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    8
  13. Start Menu Reviver icon

    Start Menu Reviver

     10 likes
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    Start Menu Reviver offers an improved Start Menu for Windows 8/7 that blends the traditional Start Menu functions with the Windows 8 design concept and provides quick access to all your desktop and Modern GUI (Metro) applications.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Start menu
     
  14. IObit Start Menu 8 icon

    IObit Start Menu 8

     15 likes
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    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.

    Cost / License

    • Pay once
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Alerts

    • Bundleware

    Platforms

    • Windows
    IObit Start Menu 8 screenshot 1
     
  15. Taskbar icon

    Taskbar

     3 likes
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    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.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • F-Droid
     

    • Taskbar is the most popular Android & Android Tablet alternative to Classic Shell.

    • Taskbar is Free and Open SourceClassic Shell is also Free and Open Source
12 of 28 Classic Shell alternatives