Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

IObit Start Menu 8 VS Open Shell

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

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.

Open Shell logo Open Shell

Open Shell is a fork of the Classic Shell project for Windows that getting back the classic start...
  • IObit Start Menu 8 Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-29
  • Open Shell Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-02-07

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.

Open Shell features and specs

  • Customization
    Open Shell provides extensive customization options, allowing users to modify the Start menu to fit their preferences, from design to functionality.
  • Familiar Interface
    It offers a classic start menu which is familiar to users of older Windows versions, making it easier for them to navigate.
  • Open Source
    Being an open-source project, it allows for community contributions, making it more transparent and potentially more secure.
  • No Cost
    Open Shell is free to use, providing a cost-effective solution for users who want a different Start menu experience without paying for software.
  • Regular Updates
    The project is fairly well-maintained, receiving updates that add new features and fix potential issues, improving user experience over time.

Possible disadvantages of Open Shell

  • Compatibility Issues
    There could be compatibility problems with certain Windows updates or third-party applications, requiring troubleshooting and fixes.
  • Learning Curve
    While it offers many customization options, new users might find the settings and customization process overwhelming and confusing initially.
  • Community Support
    As an open-source project, it relies heavily on community support rather than professional customer service, which can be a drawback for users needing prompt assistance.
  • Resource Usage
    Though generally lightweight, Open Shell can consume additional system resources, which might be impactful on less powerful machines.

IObit Start Menu 8 videos

iObit Start Menu 8, personalizza Windows

Open Shell videos

Classic Menu for Windows 10 with Open Shell

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to IObit Start Menu 8 and Open Shell)
Note Taking
30 30%
70% 70
LMS
31 31%
69% 69
OS & Utilities
32 32%
68% 68
Bookmarks
33 33%
67% 67

User comments

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

What are some alternatives?

When comparing IObit Start Menu 8 and Open 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.

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.

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!

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.

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