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.
Classic Shell: Restore Classic Windows Interface
Free, open-source program restoring Start menu and interface elements from older Windows versions, bringing back classic menus and toolbars for a familiar UI experience.
What is Classic Shell?
Classic Shell is a free, open-source program that restores the Start menu and other interface elements from older versions of Windows such as XP and Windows 7. It allows users to customize the interface of newer Windows versions to bring back the familiar menus, toolbars, and workflows they were accustomed to in older versions.
Some of the key features of Classic Shell include:
- Restores the classic Start menu with expandable sections for easy access to programs
- Adds quick access toolbar customization options
- Brings back familiar desktop elements like the classic taskbar
- Highly customizable with different themes and sizes for the Start menu
- Optional boot to desktop feature to bypass the Start screen
- Lightweight program with a small footprint so as not to slow down system performance
- Available in portable and installable versions
- Free and open source software
Classic Shell is a useful program for Windows users who upgraded to newer versions but prefer the traditional interface layout. It makes the transition easier by restoring the classic menus and toolbars, allowing users to get a similar experience to older Windows versions that they are productive and comfortable with.
Classic Shell Features
Features
- 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
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
Official Links
Reviews & Ratings
Login to ReviewThe Best Classic Shell Alternatives
View all Classic Shell alternatives with detailed comparison →
Top Os & Utilities and User Interface Customization and other similar apps like Classic Shell
Here are some alternatives to Classic Shell:
Suggest an alternative ❐
WindowBlinds
WindowBlinds is a highly customizable desktop enhancement utility that enables complete personalization of the Windows graphical user interface. Developed by Stardock Systems, WindowBlinds allows users to skin nearly every UI element, going far beyond just wallpaper replacement.With WindowBlinds, users can change the appearance of windows, menus, title bars, frames, buttons,...
StartAllBack
StartAllBack is an open-source alternative to the system restore functionality that was available in older versions of Windows. It brings back the ability to create restore points and roll back your system to a previous working state if something goes wrong.Some key features of StartAllBack include:Creating automated and manual system...
TranslucentTB
TranslucentTB is a free, open source software application that makes the Windows taskbar transparent. It gives users more customization options to control the appearance of the taskbar in Windows 10 and Windows 11.Some of the key features of TranslucentTB include:Ability to set custom transparency levels for the taskbar, allowing it...
StartIsBack
StartIsBack is third-party software that restores the classic Start menu interface and other familiar Windows user interface features and functionality that were changed or removed in Windows 8 and later versions like Windows 10. It aims to provide a more traditional Windows desktop experience for users who prefer the layout...
Start Menu X
Start Menu X is a free, open-source program for Windows that provides extensive customization options for the Windows Start Menu. It gives users more control over the look, feel, and functionality of the Start Menu.Some of the key features of Start Menu X include:Adding extra shortcuts and pins to the...
Classic Menu for Office
Classic Menu for Office is an add-in designed to bring back the classic, old-style menu and toolbar interfaces to Microsoft Office programs like Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. It works by adding an additional menu tab to the ribbon toolbar that contains the legacy menus and toolbars.With Classic Menu installed,...
Labrys Start menu
Labrys Start menu is an open source program that replaces the default Windows start menu with an enhanced, customizable menu. It was created to boost productivity for users who rely on the Windows start menu frequently for launching programs, searching, and more.Features of Labrys Start menu include:A clean design with...
Power8
Power8 is an all-in-one customer engagement platform designed to help B2C and B2B companies drive business growth by delivering personalized experiences across every customer touchpoint.Key capabilities include:Unified Customer Profiles - Create a single view of customers by connecting data from all business systems and customer interactions.Intelligent Segmentation - Use real-time...
Start Menu Reviver
Start Menu Reviver is a lightweight program designed to help refresh and restore proper functionality of the Windows Start Menu. Some common issues it can resolve include:Missing icons or menu itemsStart Menu not opening properlyBroken layouts and formattingPerformance problems like slow response or high CPU/RAM usageIt works by scanning the...
Pokki Menu
Pokki Menu is a customizable application menu and widget platform that provides an alternative to the standard Windows Start Menu. It sits on top of the desktop background and gives quick access to apps, games, web content, and more in a sleek and visually appealing interface.Key features of Pokki Menu...
WinMetro
WinMetro is a third-party software for Windows that allows you to give a Metro-style look and feel to traditional Windows desktop applications. It uses the Fluent Design language introduced in Windows 10 to make desktop programs visually consistent with modern Windows Store apps.Some of the key features WinMetro offers include:Applies...
Start8
Start8 is third-party software designed to restore interface elements and usability features from earlier versions of Windows in Windows 8 and 8.1. It was created due to complaints about the full-screen Start screen and removal of the iconic Start button and menu after Windows 7.The program puts back the traditional...
Classic Start Menu
Classic Start Menu is a free, open-source program developed by Ivo Beltchev that restores the traditional Start menu interface from older versions of Windows. It brings back the familiar menu style from Windows XP, Windows 7, and earlier operating systems to newer versions of Windows that feature the full-screen Start...
ViStart
ViStart is an open-source visual web development platform and content management system designed to allow anyone to build professional dynamic websites and web applications, without needing to write code.With ViStart's intuitive drag-and-drop editor, users can quickly build pages, design templates, create content types, customize forms, integrate add-ons, and publish across...
Spencer
Spencer is an open-source personal assistant application designed to help users stay organized and streamline their workflow. It provides a variety of tools to manage daily tasks, set reminders, take notes, track habits, and more.Some key features of Spencer include:Flexible task management with lists, tags, due dates, reminders, and moreNote...
StartX
startX is an online platform and nonprofit startup accelerator based at Stanford University. It was founded in 2010 with the goal of helping Stanford-affiliated entrepreneurs build successful technology companies.startX provides a range of services and resources for early-stage startups, including:Educational workshops and events focused on product development, fundraising, marketing, and...
Start Everywhere
Start Everywhere is a productivity browser extension and mobile application that aims to save users time by allowing them to search across multiple sites and services directly from their browser toolbar or mobile app. It indexes content from popular sites like Wikipedia, YouTube, Reddit, Amazon, news sites, blogs and more...
GiMeSpace QuickMenu
GiMeSpace QuickMenu is a free, open source application launcher and dock for Windows operating systems. It provides quick access to frequently used programs, files, and folders directly from an always-visible dock on the desktop.Some key features of GiMeSpace QuickMenu include:Clean, customizable interface with support for different themes, skins, icons, and...
Finalbird
Finalbird is an RSS reader, feed reader, and podcast client application developed by Finalwire. It provides users with the ability to subscribe to RSS feeds, Atom feeds, JSON feeds, YouTube channels, and podcasts in order to easily view new articles, blog posts, videos, and audio episodes.Some key features of Finalbird...
Start Menu Modifier
Start Menu Modifier is a lightweight freeware utility for customizing the Windows Start Menu. It gives users greater control over the look, feel, and organization of the Start Menu in Windows.With Start Menu Modifier, you can:Change the visual style of the Start Menu, including colors, transparency, and moreRearrage and group...
RetroUI Pro
RetroUI Pro is a software application for Windows that allows users to change the look and feel of their operating system's user interface to resemble retro versions of Windows. It features multiple built-in themes that mimic the aesthetic of operating systems like Windows 95, 98, and XP, offering a nostalgic...
Classic Start 8
Classic Start 8 is a third-party program designed to restore the traditional Start menu interface and functionality found in older versions of Windows, before the launch of Windows 8 and the introduction of the full-screen Start screen.By installing Classic Start, users can bring back the familiar Start button and pop-up...
Ex7forW8
Ex7forW8 is a software program designed to enhance the backwards compatibility of Windows 8 and 10 for applications and games built for Windows 7. It aims to allow users to run their older Windows 7 software on newer Windows versions more reliably.The tool works by providing replacements for certain libraries,...
StartForDesktop
StartForDesktop is a user-friendly desktop customization utility for Windows that gives users complete control over customizing and personalizing their desktop experience. It comes packed with powerful personalization features that help users arrange their desktop items, beautify desktop appearance and enhance productivity.Some of the key features of StartForDesktop include:Fully customizable start...
Start Button 8
Start Button 8 is a third-party program designed to customize and enhance the Start menu in Windows. It provides a range of features and options to change the look, layout, and functionality of the Windows Start menu to suit your preferences.With Start Button 8, you can add extra shortcuts, icons,...
Skip Metro Suite
Skip Metro Suite is a collection of apps built as replacements for the default Windows 8/10 modern apps. It includes the following apps:Skip Mail - An email client alternative to the built-in Windows Mail app. Provides multiple account support, conversation threading, quick filters, and offline access.Skip Calendar - A calendar...
8StartButton
8StartButton is a free third-party utility that restores the classic Start button and Start menu in Windows 8 and Windows 8.1. It brings back the familiar interface that was removed with Windows 8, offering users an alternative to the full-screen Start screen.With 8StartButton installed, users can access a Start menu...
TranslucentTB by olliethepikachu
TranslucentTB by olliethepikachu is a free, open source utility that makes the Windows taskbar transparent. It gives users more control over the aesthetics of their Windows desktop by allowing them to set customized transparency effects on the taskbar and start menu.Some of the key features of TranslucentTB include:Makes the Windows...
Gumbleville Launcher
Gumbleville Launcher is a feature-rich video game launcher and manager software for Windows PCs. It provides gamers with a unified interface to access, launch, and manage their entire game library across multiple gaming platforms and clients.Some key features of Gumbleville Launcher include:Game library management - Automatically detects games installed from...
StartW8
StartW8 is a start menu replacement designed specifically for Windows 8 and 8.1. It aims to restore the familiar start menu experience that was removed from Windows 8, while still retaining some of the benefits of the new modern interface.Some key features of StartW8 include:Familiar start menu interface with resizable...
