Best Open-Shell Alternatives in 2025
Looking for alternatives to Open-Shell? In this comparison, we take a closer look at Open-Shell alongside similar software solutions including Open-Shell, Classic Shell, Startmenu, Start Menu X, StartIsBack++, StartIsBack, UltraUXThemePatcher, StartAllBack, Stardock Start8, PowerToys and Folderico.
Our detailed comparison table highlights key features, pricing, and performance of these leading solutions, empowering you to make an informed decision. Whether you're seeking robust functionality, user-friendly design, or cost-effective alternatives, explore how Open-Shell, Classic Shell, Startmenu, Start Menu X, StartIsBack++, StartIsBack, UltraUXThemePatcher, StartAllBack, Stardock Start8, PowerToys and Folderico stack up to find the perfect software for your goals.
Customization Options
 Open-Shell
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Extensive customization options for the Start Menu, including different styles, skins, and customizable icons. |
 Classic Shell
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Almost any aspect of the Start Menu and file explorer is customizable including toolbar buttons and menu styles. |
 Startmenu
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Highly customizable start menu layout with customizable layout options and appearance settings. |
 Start Menu X
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Highly customizable start menu with the ability to group programs and use customizable skins. |
 StartIsBack++
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Fully customizable start menu with a wide range of settings including animations, colors, and behavior adjustments. |
 StartIsBack
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Many customization options including design, fonts, icon sizes, and behavior customization. |
 UltraUXThemePatcher
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Allows applying third-party themes and custom visual styles by patching system files. |
 StartAllBack
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Extensive customization options for the Start Menu appearance and behavior, including icon sizes and colors. |
 Stardock Start8
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Customizable Start button and Start menu with various options for pinning apps and grouping tiles. |
 PowerToys
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Offers multiple utilities that enhance Windows customization such as FancyZones window manager and PowerRename tool. |
 Folderico
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Provides a variety of folder icon customization options with several colors and image features. |
Operating System Support
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Open-Shell
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Supports Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, including various updates of Windows 10. |
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Classic Shell
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Supports Windows 7, 8 and older versions with file explorer enhancements. |
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Startmenu
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Supports a wide range of Windows versions including XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10. |
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Start Menu X
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Supports Windows XP through Windows 10 operating systems. |
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StartIsBack++
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Supports Windows 8, 8.1, and Windows 10 systems fully. |
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StartIsBack
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Supports Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 operating systems. |
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UltraUXThemePatcher
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Supports all Windows versions for both 32-bit and 64-bit systems through patching system files. |
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StartAllBack
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Supports Windows 8, 8.1, and Windows 10 operating systems. |
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Stardock Start8
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Primarily supports Windows 8 and 8.1 versions of Windows. |
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PowerToys
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Designed for use on Windows operating systems including Windows 10 with ongoing development support. |
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Folderico
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Supports multiple versions of Windows including XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10 operating systems. |
Pricing / Licensing
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Open-Shell
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Free and open-source software licensed under MIT License. |
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Classic Shell
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Free software without official technical support but supported by community forums. |
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Startmenu
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Offers free trial with later purchase required; pricing varies. |
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Start Menu X
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Offers a free 30-day trial; requires purchasing a license afterward. |
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StartIsBack++
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Paid software with a free 30-day trial; offers single personal license and family pack options. |
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StartIsBack
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Paid software with trial period per license for one computer; separate licenses required for multiple PCs. |
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UltraUXThemePatcher
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Free utility program available for download without cost. |
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StartAllBack
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Paid software offering free 30-day trial followed by a one-time purchase fee per license/device. |
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Stardock Start8
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Paid program requiring single-user license purchase; also offers free alternatives from Stardock products. |
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PowerToys
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Free open-source software developed by Microsoft with no cost to users. |
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Folderico
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Free version available; may have upgrades or paid features depending on developer offerings. |
Choosing the right software isn’t just about features. Size, license type, user ratings, and popularity also matter.
This quick comparison shows how Open-Shell stacks up against Open-Shell, Classic Shell, Startmenu, Start Menu X, StartIsBack++, StartIsBack, UltraUXThemePatcher, StartAllBack, Stardock Start8, PowerToys and Folderico in these key areas—helping you find the best alternative for your needs.
Size
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Open-Shell
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7.9MB |
|
Classic Shell
|
|
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Startmenu
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18.4MB |
|
Start Menu X
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14.2MB |
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StartIsBack++
|
1.5MB |
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StartIsBack
|
|
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UltraUXThemePatcher
|
|
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StartAllBack
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1.5MB |
|
Stardock Start8
|
10.4MB |
|
PowerToys
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257.5MB |
|
Folderico
|
1.6MB |
License
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Open-Shell
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Open Source |
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Classic Shell
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Freeware |
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Startmenu
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Freeware |
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Start Menu X
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Freeware |
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StartIsBack++
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Commercial |
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StartIsBack
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Freeware |
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UltraUXThemePatcher
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Open Source |
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StartAllBack
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Freeware |
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Stardock Start8
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Commercial |
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PowerToys
|
Open Source |
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Folderico
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Freeware |