Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Classic Shell VS Ex7forW8

Compare Classic Shell VS Ex7forW8 and see what are their differences

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.

Ex7forW8 logo Ex7forW8

This program restores native Windows 7 start menu and desktop by bringing Windows 7 explorer.exe.
  • Classic Shell Landing page
    Landing page //
    2018-09-30
  • Ex7forW8 Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-07-22

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.

Ex7forW8 features and specs

  • Familiarity
    Users accustomed to Windows 7 will find the Explorer interface familiar and easier to navigate, reducing the learning curve.
  • Classic Start Menu
    Ex7forW8 allows users to retain the classic Start menu from Windows 7, which is preferred by many for its simplicity and ease of use.
  • Enhanced File Management
    Some users feel that Windows 7's file management features are superior, making tasks like copying and organizing files more straightforward.
  • Performance
    Generally, using the simpler and less resource-intensive Windows 7 Explorer can lead to better performance on older machines.

Possible disadvantages of Ex7forW8

  • Compatibility Issues
    Integrating Windows 7 Explorer into Windows 8 might cause compatibility issues with some newer software designed for Windows 8.
  • Limited Modern Features
    Users miss out on advancements and new features provided in the Windows 8 Explorer, including improved file transfer dialogues and enhanced touchscreen support.
  • Potential Instability
    Modifying the core interface of an operating system can introduce bugs and stability issues, making the system less reliable.
  • Security Risks
    Relying on older software components can pose security risks as they may not be as regularly updated or supported as newer ones.

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

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

Ex7forW8 videos

No Ex7forW8 videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

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Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Classic Shell and Ex7forW8)
Note Taking
83 83%
17% 17
OS & Utilities
77 77%
23% 23
LMS
81 81%
19% 19
Bookmarks
73 73%
27% 27

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Classic Shell seems to be more popular. 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)

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Ex7forW8 mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Ex7forW8 yet. Tracking of Ex7forW8 recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Classic Shell and Ex7forW8, 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.

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.

Start Menu Reviver - 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!

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

GiMeSpace QuickMenu - A simple and fast task launcher and switcher.

StartAllBack - StartAllBack is software that helps to customize the start menu to Windows 7 & 8.