
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.

RocketDock
MaxLauncher
Winstep Nexus
Cairo-Dock
TaskbarDock
ScanKeep
True Launch Bar
Simple app enhancing windows task bar functionality with stacks of shortcuts.

Which is more popular?
Based on our record, Classic Shell seems to be a lot more popular than Stacky. While we know about 18 links to Classic Shell, we've tracked only 1 mention of Stacky.
Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.
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| Website | classicshell.net | github.com |
| Pricing | — | |
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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 Stacky yet.
Walkthroughs and reviews on video.
Classic Shell with Windows 10!
More videos
Vertical Gardening with Mr. Stacky set up, seed planting, and review.
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 Stacky. 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
Programs (mostly free/sharewares): Google desktop apps: Google Chrome or MS Edge or whatever you use as a browser. And if you're lazy: https://chromeless.app/ to create the apps. Microsoft PowerToys:... Source: over 3 years ago
When comparing Classic Shell and Stacky, 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 Stacky:


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 Stacky:


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!
Compare Start Menu Reviver to Classic Shell or Stacky:

The Winstep Nexus Dock is a FREE* professional dock for Windows. With Nexus, your most frequently used applications are only a mouse click away - and Nexus turns working with your computer into a fun and exciting experience.
Compare Winstep Nexus to Classic Shell or Stacky: