Top Alternatives to Classic Shell

Looking for Classic Shell alternatives? We've curated 6 top alternatives that offer similar functionality. Whether you need options, free plans, or open source solutions, explore our comprehensive list to find the perfect fit for your needs.

Free More about Classic Shell

Categories:

OS & Utilities

Platforms:

Open Shell

Open Source

Open-Shell is a free, open-source software that restores the classic Start Menu experience to newer versions of Windows, including Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10. It offers extensive customization options, allowing users to tailor the Start Menu's appearance and functionality to their exact preferences, providing a familiar and efficient navigation interface.

Key Features

Restores beloved classic Start Menu experience on modern Windows versions.
Unparalleled customization depth for appearance and functionality.
Extremely lightweight with minimal system resource usage.

vs Classic Shell

Restores beloved classic Start Menu experience on modern Windows versions. compared to Classic Shell

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Start8

Commercial

Start8 is a popular utility designed to restore the classic Start menu functionality to Windows 8, providing a comfortable and familiar interface for users who prefer the traditional desktop experience over the Windows 8 Modern UI.

Key Features

Restores highly familiar and functional Start menu to Windows 8.
Extensive customization options for appearance and content.
Allows booting directly to the desktop.

vs Classic Shell

Restores highly familiar and functional Start menu to Windows 8. compared to Classic Shell

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Start Menu X

Freemium

Start Menu X is a highly customizable and powerful replacement for the standard Windows Start Menu, designed for professionals and users who desire enhanced control and organization over their applications and system. It offers advanced features like group programs by purpose, virtual groups, and one-click launch, improving productivity and efficiency.

Key Features

Highly customizable interface and layout.
Advanced program grouping and organization features.
One-click launch for frequently used applications.

vs Classic Shell

Highly customizable interface and layout. compared to Classic Shell

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StartIsBack

Commercial

StartIsBack brings back the familiar look and feel of the Windows 7 Start Menu to Windows 10 and Windows 8, offering extensive customization options and performance enhancements.

Key Features

Restores the familiar and efficient Windows 7 Start Menu.
Offers extensive customization options for appearance and behavior.
Lightweight and does not impact system performance.

vs Classic Shell

Restores the familiar and efficient Windows 7 Start Menu. compared to Classic Shell

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IObit StartMenu8

Free

IObit StartMenu8 is a utility designed to restore the classic Start Menu interface to Windows 8 and Windows 10, offering a familiar desktop experience and skipping the modern Metro UI.

Key Features

Restores classic Windows 7 Start Menu appearance and functionality.
Allows skipping the Metro UI and booting directly to the desktop.
Offers customization options for appearance and items.

vs Classic Shell

Restores classic Windows 7 Start Menu appearance and functionality. compared to Classic Shell

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GiMeSpace QuickMenu

Commercial

GiMeSpace QuickMenu is a versatile utility designed to enhance Windows navigation by providing customizable alternative launchpads and menu options, aiming to improve workflow efficiency and restore classic Start Menu functionality.

Key Features

Extensive customization options for menus and access methods.
Includes productivity features like text expansion and autocompletion.
Offers a flexible alternative to the standard Windows Start Menu.

vs Classic Shell

Extensive customization options for menus and access methods. compared to Classic Shell

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Open Shell

Open Source

Key Features

Restores beloved classic Start Menu experience on modern Windows versions.
Unparalleled customization depth for appearance and functionality.
Extremely lightweight with minimal system resource usage.

vs Classic Shell

Restores beloved classic Start Menu experience on modern Windows versions. compared to Classic Shell

View Details

Start8

Commercial

Key Features

Restores highly familiar and functional Start menu to Windows 8.
Extensive customization options for appearance and content.
Allows booting directly to the desktop.

vs Classic Shell

Restores highly familiar and functional Start menu to Windows 8. compared to Classic Shell

View Details

Start Menu X

Freemium

Key Features

Highly customizable interface and layout.
Advanced program grouping and organization features.
One-click launch for frequently used applications.

vs Classic Shell

Highly customizable interface and layout. compared to Classic Shell

View Details

StartIsBack

Commercial

StartIsBack brings back the familiar look and feel of the Windows 7 Start Menu to Windows 10 and Windows 8, offering extensive customization options and performance enhancements.

Key Features

Restores the familiar and efficient Windows 7 Start Menu.
Offers extensive customization options for appearance and behavior.
Lightweight and does not impact system performance.

vs Classic Shell

Restores the familiar and efficient Windows 7 Start Menu. compared to Classic Shell

View Details

IObit StartMenu8

Free

IObit StartMenu8 is a utility designed to restore the classic Start Menu interface to Windows 8 and Windows 10, offering a familiar desktop experience and skipping the modern Metro UI.