Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups
Register | Login

IObit Start Menu 8 VS Classic Shell

Compare IObit Start Menu 8 VS Classic Shell and see what are their differences

FlexiQuiz
FlexiQuiz is a powerful online test generator that enables you to create engaging online quizzes, tests, or exams in minutes. Choose from 100's of features to create a customized quiz that meets your objectives for business, education, or fun. featured
Contents:
  1. » Base Details
  2. » Videos
  3. » Reviews
  4. » Alternatives

IObit Start Menu 8 logo IObit Start Menu 8

MacBooster 7 helps you clean, speed up and secure your Mac OS X from Mac malware. Easily free up Mac hard drive and make OS X run faster.

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.
  • IObit Start Menu 8 Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-29
  • Classic Shell Landing page
    Landing page //
    2018-09-30

IObit Start Menu 8 features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    IObit Start Menu 8 provides a classic Start Menu that many users find more intuitive than the default Windows 8/10 design, offering a familiar experience and easier navigation.
  • Customization Options
    The software allows for extensive customization, enabling users to personalize the Start Menu's appearance, layout, and functionality to suit their preferences.
  • Improved Efficiency
    By restoring the traditional Start Menu, users can access programs and files more quickly, potentially improving productivity compared to navigating the default Windows interface.
  • Seamless Switching
    Users can seamlessly switch between the Start Menu and the Start Screen, offering flexibility depending on their preference or task requirements.
  • Lightweight and Fast
    IObit Start Menu 8 is light on system resources, ensuring that it does not slow down the computer's performance.

Possible disadvantages of IObit Start Menu 8

  • Limited Free Version
    The free version of IObit Start Menu 8 comes with limited features compared to the paid version, which may require users to upgrade to access the full suite of functionalities.
  • Potential Compatibility Issues
    Some users may experience compatibility issues with certain Windows updates or system configurations, leading to instability or the need for troubleshooting.
  • Advertisements and Promotions
    The software may include advertisements or prompts to purchase additional IObit products, which can be intrusive or annoying for some users.
  • Security Concerns
    As with many third-party utilities, there may be potential security risks involved, especially if not careful during installation or if downloading from unofficial sources.
  • Dependency on Third-Party Software
    Using IObit Start Menu 8 can create a dependency on third-party software for a core aspect of the operating system, which may not be ideal for all users.

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.

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.

IObit Start Menu 8 videos

+ Add

iObit Start Menu 8, personalizza Windows

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

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to IObit Start Menu 8 and Classic Shell)

IObit Start Menu 8

Classic Shell

LMS
27 27%
LMS
73% 73
Note Taking
24 24%
Note Taking
76% 76
OS & Utilities
31 31%
OS & Utilities
69% 69
Bookmarks
22 22%
Bookmarks
78% 78

User comments

Share your experience with using IObit Start Menu 8 and Classic Shell. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

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.

IObit Start Menu 8 mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of IObit Start Menu 8 yet. Tracking of IObit Start Menu 8 recommendations started around Mar 2021.

Classic Shell mentions (18)

View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing IObit Start Menu 8 and Classic Shell, 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.

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

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!

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

StartIsBack - StartIsBack returns Windows 10 and Windows 8 a real fully featured start menu and start button, behaving exactly like the ones in Windows 7. It's totally awesome and easy solution for your new Windows woes.

Loading...