Open Shell vs Classic Start Menu

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

Open Shell is a Os & Utilities solution with tags like start-menu, explorer-replacement, windows-shell.

It boasts features such as Classic start menu interface, Advanced configuration options, Support for themes and skins, Fully customizable menus and shortcuts, Plugin architecture for extensions, Multi-monitor support, Search box with advanced filtering, Keyboard shortcuts and hotkeys and pros including Lightweight and fast, Highly customizable, More options than Windows 10 start menu, Familiar interface for Windows 7 users, Completely free and open source.

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.

Feature	Open Shell	Classic Start Menu
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Os & Utilities	Os & Utilities

Product Overview

Open Shell

Description: Open Shell is a free and open-source start menu replacement for Windows that provides advanced configuration options and customization. It aims to restore the classic start menu for users who prefer the Windows XP or Windows 7 interface.

Classic Start Menu

Description: 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.

Key Features Comparison

Open Shell Features

• Classic start menu interface
• Advanced configuration options
• Support for themes and skins
• Fully customizable menus and shortcuts
• Plugin architecture for extensions
• Multi-monitor support
• Search box with advanced filtering
• Keyboard shortcuts and hotkeys

Classic Start Menu Features

• 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

Pros & Cons Analysis

Open Shell

Pros

• Lightweight and fast
• Highly customizable
• More options than Windows 10 start menu
• Familiar interface for Windows 7 users
• Completely free and open source

Cons

• Less intuitive for new Windows users
• Requires some time to configure
• Occasional bugs or crashes
• Limited native integration with Windows 10 features

Classic Start Menu

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

Pricing Comparison

Open Shell

• Free
• Open Source

Classic Start Menu

• Free