Classic Shell
Start menu and other Windows enhancements.
Classic Shell is a free Windows utility that restores start menu styles from older versions of Windows and improves the interface of Windows Explorer and Internet Explorer. It lets users organize applications, find programs, settings, and files, and access recent or pinned items through a customizable start menu. The software supports Windows 7 through Windows 10 and their server counterparts, in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.
The Classic Start Menu offers three styles (Classic, Two columns, Windows 7), skins, a customizable Start button, jumplists, drag-and-drop organization, and a search box, with support for Windows Store apps on Windows 8 and later. The Classic Explorer plugin adds a customizable toolbar, a classic copy dialog, status bar details such as free disk space and file sizes, and various Explorer fixes. Classic IE adds a page title caption, security zone display, and loading progress to Internet Explorer. Development stopped in December 2017; volunteers continue the project on GitHub as Open Shell.
12 alternatives to Classic Shell
Ranked by how well each tool replaces Classic Shell: shared features, audience, price and popularity.
Extends Windows Explorer with tabs and extra folder views
Covers 2 of 7 key features.
Free plan60 out of 100 matchContact salesA simple tabbed launcher designed to reduce the time spent finding and running programs
Covers 1 of 7 key features.
Open source57 out of 100 match—Save up to 95% memory and reduce tab clutter in Google Chrome
Covers 4 of 7 key features.
Free plan57 out of 100 matchFreeStart menu replacement for professionals, compatible with Windows
Covers 0 of 7 key features.
Free plan56 out of 100 matchFreeProductivity app for macOS using hotkeys, keywords, and text expansion to search and la...
Covers 3 of 7 key features.
Free plan55 out of 100 matchContact sales- 55 out of 100 matchContact sales
Applications and online tools for improved productivity.
Covers 4 of 7 key features.
54 out of 100 match—Minimalist and customisable startpage inspired by iOS. Simple, fast, and elegant.
Covers 4 of 7 key features.
Free planOpen source54 out of 100 matchFree- 54 out of 100 match$3.90/mo