Open Shell, originally known as Classic Shell, is open-source software that allows you to replace the standard Start Menu on Windows 10 and Windows 8.

The open source software ' Open-Shell Menu ' allows you to change the appearance of the Windows start menu to the old style such as Windows 7. Welcome to Open-Shell | Classic Shell Reborn.

This can be disabled for those who wish to continue to boot Windows 8 to the Start Screen. To add a Start Menu to Windows 8, go to the following web site and download the Classic Shell program.

Our Verdict If you miss the Start menu on Windows 8, try Classic Shell before spending a dime on commercial alternatives. You’ll probably want to stick with it.

Not happy with the Windows 10 Start menu? Open Shell is a free Start menu alternative worth trying.

Open-Shell is a free software that brings the classic Start Menu & more back to Windows 11/10 desktop. This Classic Shell alternative will customize your desktop experience.

The open-source Classic Shell is free and will remain so. While it falls far short of Start8 in its Windows 7 mimicry, it’s far more configurable.

Classic Shell is a favorite among Windows 8 users who have reverted back to the Windows 7-style Start menu, and is an open-source option that doesn't cost anything.

Tips Third-party applications like Pokki, Start8 and Classic Shell restore the Windows Start menu and automatically configure your computer to start to desktop.

Classic Shell concentrates on providing a close-to-exact replica of Windows 7, and it’s free (formerly open source, now freeware).