Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Open Shell VS PStart

Compare Open Shell VS PStart and see what are their differences

Open Shell logo Open Shell

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

PStart logo PStart

PStart is a simple tray tool to start user defined applications.
  • Open Shell Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-02-07
  • PStart Landing page
    Landing page //
    2018-11-23

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.

PStart features and specs

  • Portability
    PStart can be run from a USB drive, making it easy to carry and use on multiple computers without the need for installation.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    PStart offers a simple and intuitive interface, allowing users to quickly access and launch their favorite applications.
  • Customization
    Users can easily customize their menu, adding or removing programs and organizing them into categories for better accessibility.
  • Low Resource Usage
    PStart is lightweight and does not consume significant system resources, ensuring it won't slow down your computer.
  • Support for Multiple File Types
    PStart can launch not only executable files but also documents, URLs, and other types of files, providing a comprehensive launch solution.

Possible disadvantages of PStart

  • Lack of Recent Updates
    PStart has not been updated for a number of years, which may lead to compatibility issues with newer operating systems or software.
  • Limited Advanced Features
    While PStart is highly functional for basic use, it lacks some advanced features available in other modern application launchers, such as scripting and automation.
  • Windows-Only
    PStart is designed exclusively for Windows, limiting its use for people who work across multiple operating systems, such as macOS or Linux.
  • No Built-in Cloud Sync
    PStart does not offer native cloud synchronization, which means users have to manually update their settings and applications across different devices.

Open Shell videos

Classic Menu for Windows 10 with Open Shell

PStart videos

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

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Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Open Shell and PStart)
Note Taking
49 49%
51% 51
LMS
49 49%
51% 51
OS & Utilities
70 70%
30% 30
Bookmarks
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Open Shell and PStart, 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.

PortableApps.com - PortableApps.com is a website offering many free, commonly used Windows applications that have been...

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.

SyMenu - SyMenu is a portable menu launcher and Start Menu replacement to organize your applications quickly...

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.

The Portable Freeware Collection - One of the largest collections of free, portable software on the web.