Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Cairo Shell VS Sysinternals Desktops

Compare Cairo Shell VS Sysinternals Desktops and see what are their differences

Cairo Shell logo Cairo Shell

Cairo is a desktop environment for Windows.

Sysinternals Desktops logo Sysinternals Desktops

Desktops allows you to organize your applications on up to four virtual desktops.
  • Cairo Shell Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-19
  • Sysinternals Desktops Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-26

Cairo Shell features and specs

  • Customization
    Cairo Shell allows for extensive customization of the desktop environment, enabling users to tailor the user interface to their specific needs and preferences.
  • Efficiency
    The shell is designed to provide a more streamlined and efficient workflow by offering features like a customizable taskbar and better window management.
  • Aesthetic
    Cairo Shell offers a modern and visually appealing interface compared to the default Windows desktop environment, which might be more appealing to some users.
  • Open Source
    Being an open-source project, Cairo Shell is free to use and benefits from community contributions, fostering continuous improvement and bug fixes.
  • Unified Search
    Cairo Shell includes a unified search feature, which makes it easier to locate files, applications, and web content quickly from a single search bar.

Possible disadvantages of Cairo Shell

  • Compatibility
    Cairo Shell might not be fully compatible with all software and system configurations, which can lead to stability issues or reduced functionality.
  • Learning Curve
    New users might experience a learning curve when transitioning from the default Windows interface to Cairo Shell, impacting productivity until they become accustomed to the new environment.
  • Performance
    On some systems, Cairo Shell might consume more resources than the default Windows interface, potentially impacting system performance, especially on older hardware.
  • Support
    As a community-driven project, professional support might be limited compared to commercial software, potentially making it more challenging to resolve issues.
  • Feature Parity
    Cairo Shell might lack certain features available in the default Windows interface or other third-party shells, potentially limiting its usability for some users.

Sysinternals Desktops features and specs

  • Lightweight
    Sysinternals Desktops is a simple and lightweight application, making it easy to install and use without consuming much system resources.
  • Multiple Desktops
    Allows users to create up to four virtual desktops, enabling better organization of open applications and improved productivity.
  • Freeware
    The tool is available for free, providing an accessible solution for users who need virtual desktops without incurring any cost.
  • Simple Interface
    The application features a straightforward and easy-to-use interface that doesn't require a steep learning curve.
  • Quick Desktop Switching
    Provides a fast way to switch between desktops using keyboard shortcuts, making it convenient for users who need to multitask efficiently.

Possible disadvantages of Sysinternals Desktops

  • Limited Features
    Compared to more comprehensive virtual desktop software, Sysinternals Desktops offers fewer customization options and features.
  • Basic Visuals
    The tool lacks advanced visual enhancements or animations that some users may prefer for a more modern experience.
  • No Persistent Desktop State
    Applications do not retain their position or state across reboots, which may be inconvenient for users who require continuity.
  • Compatibility Issues
    Might have compatibility issues with some third-party applications that require interaction with multiple desktops.
  • Limited to Four Desktops
    Restricts users to a maximum of four desktops, which may not be sufficient for those who need more virtual workspaces.

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Cairo Shell and Sysinternals Desktops)
Note Taking
61 61%
39% 39
Image Optimisation
69 69%
31% 31
OS & Utilities
100 100%
0% 0
Cloud Computing
42 42%
58% 58

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Cairo Shell should be more popular than Sysinternals Desktops. It has been mentiond 2 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Cairo Shell mentions (2)

  • Microsoft is turning Windows 11's Start Menu into an advertisement delivery system
    Back when I was an edgy teenager I tried every Windows desktop shell replacement available. My favorites were LiteStep and Emerge Desktop. I was there when Cairo Shell first emerged but has never tried a working version since I moved to other OSes before any usable version was out. I am now using Windows for work and I think it’s time to revisit these options. Source: over 2 years ago
  • My first personal server
    Hyper-V Server 2019 gets my vote, with the Cairo Desktop it's a near unbeatable setup. Add the FoD pack, browser of your choice, Windows Admin Center for local management of the entire system including virtualized guests. It's a very robust enterprise grade server that requires NO LICENSE and ends up having a very nice GUI for a core server. Source: over 3 years ago

Sysinternals Desktops mentions (1)

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Cairo Shell and Sysinternals Desktops, you can also consider the following products

VirtuaWin - VirtuaWin is a virtual desktop manager for the Windows operating system (Win9x/ME/NT/Win2K/XP/Win2003/Vista/Win7/Win10). A virtual desktop manager lets you organize applications over several virtual desktops (also called 'workspaces').

Dexpot - If you don't have Dexpot yet, the new update makes it a must-have tool for Windows, adding a ton of features to your desktop that you never knew you wanted.

bug.n - Provide views (i. e. virtual desktops) for showing only those windows, which you need to do your work..

9Desks - up to nine virtual desktops

bbLean - Alternative Windows shell

TotalSpaces - TotalSpaces provides a grid of spaces on OSX Lion