Open Shell vs StartIsBack

Open Shell — 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 t

StartIsBack — StartIsBack is a program that restores the classic Start menu interface and other Windows UI features to newer Windows versions like Windows 8 and 10. It brings back the familiar Start menu layout wit

Open Shell offers Classic start menu interface, Advanced configuration options, Support for themes and skins, Fully customizable menus and shortcuts, Plugin architecture for extensions, while StartIsBack provides Restores classic Start menu interface on Windows 8/8.1/10, Lets you customize Start menu layout and style, Adds quick access to recently used apps, files, folders, Lets you pin apps, programs, files, folders to Start, Adds power options like Restart, Sleep, Shut Down.

Open Shell stands out for Lightweight and fast, Highly customizable, More options than Windows 10 start menu; StartIsBack is known for Brings back familiar Windows 7 style Start menu, Highly customizable layout and appearance, Easy to configure and use.

Feature	Open Shell	StartIsBack
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Os & Utilities	Os & Utilities
Pricing	Open Source	N/A

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.

StartIsBack

Description: StartIsBack is a program that restores the classic Start menu interface and other Windows UI features to newer Windows versions like Windows 8 and 10. It brings back the familiar Start menu layout with expandable sections, pinned apps, recent items list, power options and more.

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

StartIsBack Features

• Restores classic Start menu interface on Windows 8/8.1/10
• Lets you customize Start menu layout and style
• Adds quick access to recently used apps, files, folders
• Lets you pin apps, programs, files, folders to Start
• Adds power options like Restart, Sleep, Shut Down
• Adds desktop context menu options
• Lets you boot to desktop instead of Start screen

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

StartIsBack

Pros

• Brings back familiar Windows 7 style Start menu
• Highly customizable layout and appearance
• Easy to configure and use
• Lightweight program with little impact on performance

Cons

• May not appeal to users who prefer Windows 8/10 style Start screen
• Occasional minor bugs or glitches
• Lacks some customization options of paid Start menu replacements

Pricing Comparison

Open Shell

• Open Source

StartIsBack

• Not listed