
Fences
Start Menu X
Start Menu Reviver
Open Shell
StartAllBack
Power8
StartIsBack
Classic Shell was developed for Windows 8 since that was the first version of the popular operating system to forgo the iconic Start menu.

Wallper
Wallpaper Engine
HazeOver
Lively Wallpaper
HandHunt.ai
Walyro
Tayutau
Backdrop is a simple utility to fill your screen with a giant blank window.

Which is more popular?
Based on our record, Classic Shell seems to be more popular. It has been mentioned 18 times since March 2021.
Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.
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| Website | classicshell.net | appsfromouterspace.com |
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What each product offers, as listed by its team.


Possible disadvantages
Possible disadvantages
An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.


Overall verdict
Why this product is good
Recommended for
Classic Shell is recommended for users who miss the classic Windows Start menu and layout, those who find the new Windows designs less intuitive, and individuals who want more control over their interface customization. It's particularly suitable for people transitioning from older Windows versions to newer ones who wish to maintain a certain level of familiarity.
No analysis of Backdrop yet.
Walkthroughs and reviews on video.
Classic Shell with Windows 10!
More videos
Kate Backdrops Review: Christmas Tree Piano Photography Backdrop
More videos
How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.


Share your experience with using Classic Shell and Backdrop. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.


There's a great add-on called... ClassicShell http://classicshell.net/. - Source: Hacker News / about 3 years ago
Windows Classic Shell is what I have used for over a decade. It brings back the old start menu and can be customized. Source: over 3 years ago
ClassicShell is no longer being developed. OpenShell succeeded it. (c.f., http://classicshell.net/). Source: almost 4 years ago
Tracking Backdrop since Mar 2021.
When comparing Classic Shell and Backdrop, you can also consider the following products.

Keep your desktop organized with Fences. This is a simple software program that allows you to sort the tabs on your desktop and create files that are easily recognizable to you.
Compare Fences to Classic Shell or Backdrop:

Live 4K wallpapers for your Mac. Fast, native, and fully customizable.
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Start Menu X with Start Button. Power users know how inconvenient and time-consuming it is to launch programs from the system menu.
Compare Start Menu X to Classic Shell or Backdrop:

Wallpaper Engine enables you to use live wallpapers on your Windows desktop.
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Free Download! Recover and update your computer with Driver Reviver and Registry Reviver. Easily update software, unlock new functionality and remove hardware device errors and clean, repair and optimize your registry in a few simple mouse clicks!
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Focus on one app by dimming all the background windows
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