Open Shell vs StartIsBack

Struggling to choose between Open Shell and StartIsBack? 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, StartIsBack is a Os & Utilities product tagged with start-menu, windows-8, windows-10, classic-ui.

Its standout features include 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, and it shines with pros like 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.

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.

Open Shell

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 the Windows XP or Windows 7 interface.

Categories:
Os & Utilities System Utilities
start-menu explorer-replacement windows-shell

Open Shell Features

  1. Classic start menu interface
  2. Advanced configuration options
  3. Support for themes and skins
  4. Fully customizable menus and shortcuts
  5. Plugin architecture for extensions
  6. Multi-monitor support
  7. Search box with advanced filtering
  8. Keyboard shortcuts and hotkeys

Pricing

  • Free
  • Open Source

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

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 with expandable sections, pinned apps, recent items list, power options and more.

Categories:
Os & Utilities System Customization
start-menu windows-8 windows-10 classic-ui

StartIsBack Features

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

Pricing

  • One-time Purchase

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