Classic Shell vs Classic Start Menu

Struggling to choose between Classic Shell and Classic Start Menu? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Classic Shell is a Os & Utilities solution with tags like start-menu, windows-shell, classic-ui, open-source.

It boasts features such as Restores Start Menu from Windows XP, Vista and 7, Adds quick launch toolbar, Lets you customize Start Menu layout, Supports themes and skins, Lets you boot to desktop instead of Start screen, Adds desktop icons and taskbar and pros including Free and open source, Lightweight and customizable, Familiar interface for longtime Windows users, Active development and support.

On the other hand, Classic Start Menu is a Os & Utilities product tagged with start-menu, windows, customization, shortcut, accessibility.

Its standout features include Restores classic Start menu for Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10, Customizable menu style and layout, Lets you pin apps, documents, folders, Search bar for quick program access, Supports themes and skins, Option for small or full-size Start menu, Boot to desktop option, Customizable shortcuts, and it shines with pros like Familiar interface for longtime Windows users, Highly customizable, Lightweight and fast, No learning curve, Completely free with no ads or upsells.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

Classic Shell

Classic Shell

Classic Shell is a free, open-source program that restores the Start menu and other interface elements from older versions of Windows. It brings back the familiar menus and toolbars for users who prefer the classic Windows UI.

Categories:
start-menu windows-shell classic-ui open-source

Classic Shell Features

  1. Restores Start Menu from Windows XP, Vista and 7
  2. Adds quick launch toolbar
  3. Lets you customize Start Menu layout
  4. Supports themes and skins
  5. Lets you boot to desktop instead of Start screen
  6. Adds desktop icons and taskbar

Pricing

  • Free
  • Open Source

Pros

Free and open source

Lightweight and customizable

Familiar interface for longtime Windows users

Active development and support

Cons

May not work fully with latest Windows versions

Some features need tweaking to work properly

No official support from Microsoft


Classic Start Menu

Classic Start Menu

Classic Start Menu is a free program that restores the familiar Start menu interface from older versions of Windows, providing quick access to programs, documents, and settings. It allows customization of the menu style and shortcuts.

Categories:
start-menu windows customization shortcut accessibility

Classic Start Menu Features

  1. Restores classic Start menu for Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10
  2. Customizable menu style and layout
  3. Lets you pin apps, documents, folders
  4. Search bar for quick program access
  5. Supports themes and skins
  6. Option for small or full-size Start menu
  7. Boot to desktop option
  8. Customizable shortcuts

Pricing

  • Free

Pros

Familiar interface for longtime Windows users

Highly customizable

Lightweight and fast

No learning curve

Completely free with no ads or upsells

Cons

May not appeal to users who prefer the Windows 8/10 Start screen

Occasional minor bugs

Limited options compared to paid Start menu replacements