Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Open Shell VS Start Menu Reviver

Compare Open Shell VS Start Menu Reviver 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...

Start Menu Reviver logo Start Menu Reviver

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  • Open Shell Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-02-07
  • Start Menu Reviver Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-12

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.

Start Menu Reviver features and specs

  • Customizability
    Start Menu Reviver offers extensive customization options, allowing users to personalize the start menu's appearance and functionality to suit their preferences.
  • Touchscreen Compatibility
    Designed with touchscreen devices in mind, Start Menu Reviver is suitable for both traditional desktops and modern touchscreen laptops or tablets, providing an intuitive interface.
  • Tile-based Interface
    The tile-based interface provides a modern look, allowing for easy access to frequently used applications and easy drag-and-drop functionality for arranging tiles.
  • Efficiency
    It offers a convenient way to access programs and files quickly, improving overall efficiency by reducing the time needed to navigate a cluttered start menu.
  • Integration with Windows 8
    It integrates well with Windows 8, providing a more familiar start menu experience for those who missed the traditional start menu functionality.

Possible disadvantages of Start Menu Reviver

  • Learning Curve
    Users accustomed to the default Windows start menu may experience a learning curve when transitioning to the tile-based setup and customization options of Start Menu Reviver.
  • Performance Impact
    Installing an additional program to modify the start menu can potentially affect system performance, though the impact may vary depending on system specifications.
  • Limited Functionality on Some Systems
    Some users may find the software less functional on older systems or those with limited resources, potentially leading to compatibility concerns or reduced performance.
  • Updates and Support
    The frequency and quality of updates and support might concern some users, especially if the software does not consistently keep up with Windows updates and new features.

Open Shell videos

Classic Menu for Windows 10 with Open Shell

Start Menu Reviver videos

Start Menu Reviver 2.0 Review

More videos:

  • Review - Start Menu Reviver: Menú inicio para Windows 8.1 Update
  • Tutorial - How to get a Windows 10 Style Start Menu in Windows 8/8.1/7/Vista using Start Menu Reviver

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Open Shell and Start Menu Reviver)
Note Taking
54 54%
46% 46
LMS
53 53%
47% 47
OS & Utilities
51 51%
49% 49
Bookmarks
64 64%
36% 36

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Open Shell and Start Menu Reviver, 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.

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.

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

Power8 - Start menu replacement for Windows