Best Classic Shell Alternatives in 2025
Looking for alternatives to Classic Shell? In this comparison, we take a closer look at Classic Shell alongside similar software solutions including Classic Shell, Start Menu X, Open-Shell, StartIsBack++, StartIsBack, UltraUXThemePatcher, Folderico, PowerToys, Stardock Start8, StartAllBack and FreeCommander XE.
Our detailed comparison table highlights key features, pricing, and performance of these leading solutions, empowering you to make an informed decision. Whether you're seeking robust functionality, user-friendly design, or cost-effective alternatives, explore how Classic Shell, Start Menu X, Open-Shell, StartIsBack++, StartIsBack, UltraUXThemePatcher, Folderico, PowerToys, Stardock Start8, StartAllBack and FreeCommander XE stack up to find the perfect software for your goals.
Operating System Compatibility
 Classic Shell
|
Supports Windows 7, 8, 10 |
 Start Menu X
|
Supports Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10 |
 Open-Shell
|
Supports Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 |
 StartIsBack++
|
Supports Windows 8/8.1/10 |
 StartIsBack
|
Supports Windows 8, 8.1, 10 |
 UltraUXThemePatcher
|
Supports all Windows versions both 32-bit and 64-bit |
 Folderico
|
Supports Windows XP through 10 |
 PowerToys
|
Supports Windows 10 and newer |
 Stardock Start8
|
Supports Windows 8 and 8.1 |
 StartAllBack
|
Supports Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 |
 FreeCommander XE
|
Supports Windows Vista through 10, both 32-bit and 64-bit |
License and Cost
|
Classic Shell
|
Free software |
|
Start Menu X
|
30-day free trial then paid license |
|
Open-Shell
|
Free and open-source under MIT License |
|
StartIsBack++
|
Paid software with a free 30-day trial, supports up to 5 PCs |
|
StartIsBack
|
Paid software with a free 30-day trial, single license per computer |
|
UltraUXThemePatcher
|
Free utility software |
|
Folderico
|
Free version available; no limit on folder icons usage |
|
PowerToys
|
Free and open-source |
|
Stardock Start8
|
Paid software with a single-user license |
|
StartAllBack
|
Paid software with a free 30-day trial; one-time fee per license |
|
FreeCommander XE
|
Free for personal and commercial use; portable version available |
Customization Features
|
Classic Shell
|
Highly customizable Start Menu with different styles, color options, toolbar buttons, icons, and menu design. |
|
Start Menu X
|
Highly customizable start menu with support for grouping programs, customizable skins and easy access to frequently used applications. |
|
Open-Shell
|
Extensive customization options including customizable icons, different menu styles, layouts, skins, color schemes. |
|
StartIsBack++
|
Customizable start menu with styles, animations, taskbar customization and multiple options tailored to individual preferences. |
|
StartIsBack
|
Fully customizable start menu including icon sizes, colors, fonts, layout design and integration with taskbar features. |
|
UltraUXThemePatcher
|
Allows patching system files to enable use of third-party themes and custom visual styles for deeper Windows UI customization. |
|
Folderico
|
Enables customization of folder icons with a wide range of colors and images without technical skills needed. |
|
PowerToys
|
'PowerRename' for batch renaming files, 'FancyZones' for window management; extensive utilities offering various customization tools. |
|
Stardock Start8
|
'Customizable Start button', Start Menu appearance options aimed at easier navigation and grouping of tiles. |
|
StartAllBack
|
'Customizable Start Menu' with extensive settings including icon sizes, colors, layout options for seamless user experience. |
|
FreeCommander XE
|
'Dual-panel interface' supporting customizable layout, color schemes; advanced file management features. |
Choosing the right software isn’t just about features. Size, license type, user ratings, and popularity also matter.
This quick comparison shows how Classic Shell stacks up against Classic Shell, Start Menu X, Open-Shell, StartIsBack++, StartIsBack, UltraUXThemePatcher, Folderico, PowerToys, Stardock Start8, StartAllBack and FreeCommander XE in these key areas—helping you find the best alternative for your needs.
Size
|
Classic Shell
|
|
|
Start Menu X
|
14.2MB |
|
Open-Shell
|
7.9MB |
|
StartIsBack++
|
1.5MB |
|
StartIsBack
|
|
|
UltraUXThemePatcher
|
|
|
Folderico
|
1.6MB |
|
PowerToys
|
257.5MB |
|
Stardock Start8
|
10.4MB |
|
StartAllBack
|
1.5MB |
|
FreeCommander XE
|
14.1MB |
License
|
Classic Shell
|
Freeware |
|
Start Menu X
|
Freeware |
|
Open-Shell
|
Open Source |
|
StartIsBack++
|
Commercial |
|
StartIsBack
|
Freeware |
|
UltraUXThemePatcher
|
Open Source |
|
Folderico
|
Freeware |
|
PowerToys
|
Open Source |
|
Stardock Start8
|
Commercial |
|
StartAllBack
|
Freeware |
|
FreeCommander XE
|
Freeware |