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Classic Shell VS DriverPack Solution

Compare Classic Shell VS DriverPack Solution and see what are their differences

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Classic Shell logo Classic Shell

Classic Shell was developed for Windows 8 since that was the first version of the popular operating system to forgo the iconic Start menu.

DriverPack Solution logo DriverPack Solution

From a small piece of software written on pure enthusiasm 8 years ago, we have transformed into the company which has helped more than 40 million people worldwide to configure their computers! During this time, our software has become incredibly fas…
  • Classic Shell Landing page
    Landing page //
    2018-09-30
  • DriverPack Solution Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-31

Classic Shell features and specs

  • Customizable Start Menu
    Classic Shell allows users to customize the Start Menu to a significant extent, including changing the style and appearance to resemble earlier versions of Windows (XP, Vista, and 7).
  • Performance Enhancements
    The software is lightweight and generally does not consume significant system resources, making it a performance-efficient alternative to the default Start Menu.
  • Enhanced Usability
    It brings back certain features and functionalities that are familiar and preferred by users, enhancing overall user experience, particularly for those transitioning from older Windows versions.
  • Frequent Updates
    Classic Shell is regularly updated to ensure compatibility with new Windows updates, providing a reliable solution over time.
  • Free of Cost
    Classic Shell is available for free, making it an accessible option for anyone looking to improve their Start Menu without financial investment.

Possible disadvantages of Classic Shell

  • Limited Official Support
    As Classic Shell is developed primarily by volunteers, official support may be limited compared to commercial software.
  • Complexity
    The extensive customization options might be overwhelming for less tech-savvy users, leading to a steeper learning curve.
  • Potential Compatibility Issues
    Although updated frequently, there can be temporary compatibility issues with the latest Windows updates, requiring users to wait for the next release.
  • Lack of Modern Features
    Classic Shell aims to replicate older versions of Windows Start Menus, which might lack some of the modern features available in the default Windows Start Menu.
  • Discontinued Development
    Official development of Classic Shell was discontinued in December 2017. While community forks like Open-Shell continue the project, the lack of official development could be seen as a disadvantage.

DriverPack Solution features and specs

  • Comprehensive database of drivers
    DriverPack Solution offers an extensive library of drivers for various hardware components, ensuring compatibility across multiple devices and system configurations.
  • Offline mode
    DriverPack Solution allows users to download a complete software package to an external drive, enabling driver installation and updates even without an internet connection.
  • Ease of use
    The software has an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it accessible for both novice and experienced users.
  • Automatic driver updates
    DriverPack Solution can automatically scan your system for outdated drivers and provide updates, ensuring that your hardware always performs optimally.
  • Free to use
    DriverPack Solution offers its core functionalities free of charge, making it a cost-effective solution for managing drivers.

Possible disadvantages of DriverPack Solution

  • Bundled software
    The installation process for DriverPack Solution may include optional bundled software, which could be unwanted by some users. Users need to pay attention and opt out of these during installation.
  • Potential stability issues
    While the vast library of drivers is a benefit, there can be cases where an incorrect or incompatible driver is recommended, potentially leading to system instability.
  • Privacy concerns
    DriverPack Solution collects some user data, including system information, which could raise privacy concerns for those sensitive about data collection.
  • Advertisement and pop-ups
    The software may display advertisements and promotional pop-ups, which can be intrusive and diminish the overall user experience.
  • Limited support
    Technical support for driver issues may be limited compared to other dedicated driver management solutions that offer customer support services.

Analysis of Classic Shell

Overall verdict

  • Overall, Classic Shell is considered a good tool for those who want to enhance their Windows experience with more customization and a nod to classic Windows aesthetics. It's reliable, widely used, and addresses some of the usability concerns people have with newer Windows versions.

Why this product is good

  • Classic Shell is popular among users who prefer the familiar interface and user experience of older versions of Windows, particularly Windows 7 or even XP. It offers customization options for the Start Menu, Explorer, and other UI elements, allowing a more personalized and comfortable experience for those who are not fond of newer Windows UI changes.

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.

Classic Shell videos

+ Add

Classic Shell with Windows 10!

More videos:

  • Review - Classic Shell Review | Make Windows 8 Like Windows 7 with Classic Shell
  • Review - Classic Shell 4.0.2 Review

DriverPack Solution videos

+ Add

DriverPack Solution Review

More videos:

  • Review - driverpack solution 2019

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Classic Shell and DriverPack Solution)

Classic Shell

DriverPack Solution

Note Taking
100 100%
Note Taking
0% 0
OS & Utilities
38 38%
OS & Utilities
62% 62
LMS
100 100%
LMS
0% 0
CRM
0 0%
CRM
100% 100

User comments

Share your experience with using Classic Shell and DriverPack Solution. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Classic Shell should be more popular than DriverPack Solution. It has been mentiond 18 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.

Classic Shell mentions (18)

View more

DriverPack Solution mentions (2)

  • Pulling Drivers and original installation info from a Windows XP Toshiba laptop.
    Get the drivers from https://drp.su/en. Source: about 4 years ago
  • Used DriverPack - Can i be sure its gone if I format my whole drive?
    I just wanted to find a driver I wasn't able to find anywhere, so I used the DriverPack Software https://drp.su/en . Source: about 4 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Classic Shell and DriverPack Solution, you can also consider the following products

Fences - 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.

Driver Easy - Driver Easy is a Driver Updater for Windows 10, 8.1, 7. One Click Update All out-of-date and Unknown Device Drivers. Faster & Easily. Just Download Now!

Open Shell - Open Shell is a fork of the Classic Shell project for Windows that getting back the classic start...

Snappy Driver Installer - Looking for drivers? Snappy Driver Installer is a free driver updater with a huge driver collection for offline use.

Start Menu X - Start Menu X with Start Button. Power users know how inconvenient and time-consuming it is to launch programs from the system menu.

IOBit Driver Booster - MacBooster 7, IObit official Mac app, helps you clean over 20 types of Mac junk files, easily free up Mac hard drive and make OS X run faster and secure your Mac OS X from Mac malware and Mac adware.

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