Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Open Shell VS Skip Metro Suite

Compare Open Shell VS Skip Metro Suite 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...

Skip Metro Suite logo Skip Metro Suite

Skip Metro Suite is a simple and intuitive tool that is used by millions of users around the world for personalizing the Windows Start Menu and making it look like a professional app.
  • Open Shell Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-02-07
  • Skip Metro Suite Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-03-10

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.

Skip Metro Suite features and specs

  • Improved Desktop Accessibility
    Skip Metro Suite allows users to bypass the Metro Start screen and directly boot to the desktop, improving accessibility and speed for those who prefer the traditional desktop interface.
  • Enhanced User Experience
    For users not fond of the Windows 8 Metro interface, this software enhances their user experience by reducing unnecessary navigation and aligning more with previous Windows interfaces.
  • Customizability
    It provides users with options to choose which Metro features to skip, offering flexibility and a certain level of customization based on personal preferences.

Possible disadvantages of Skip Metro Suite

  • Limited Support
    As newer versions of Windows are released, support for Skip Metro Suite might become limited, leading to compatibility issues with future updates.
  • Potential System Instability
    By altering intended operating system behavior, there is a risk of creating system instability or conflicts with other software that relies on the Metro interface.
  • Reduced Touchscreen Functionality
    On devices with touch capabilities, bypassing the Metro interface could lead to a reduction in touchscreen functionality, as the interface is optimized for touch interactions.

Open Shell videos

Classic Menu for Windows 10 with Open Shell

Skip Metro Suite videos

Skip Metro Suite - Disable Metro UI in Windows 8

More videos:

  • Review - Skip Metro Suite
  • Review - 100 Windows 8 Tips and Tricks - 70 - Skip Metro Suite Disables Hot Corners Direct Desktop Login.mp4

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Open Shell and Skip Metro Suite)
Note Taking
68 68%
32% 32
OS & Utilities
64 64%
36% 36
LMS
67 67%
33% 33
Bookmarks
73 73%
27% 27

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Open Shell and Skip Metro Suite, 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 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!

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 X - Start Menu X with Start Button. Power users know how inconvenient and time-consuming it is to launch programs from the system menu.

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.

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