Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

PStart VS Open Shell

Compare PStart VS Open Shell and see what are their differences

PStart logo PStart

PStart is a simple tray tool to start user defined applications.

Open Shell logo Open Shell

Open Shell is a fork of the Classic Shell project for Windows that getting back the classic start...
  • PStart Landing page
    Landing page //
    2018-11-23
  • Open Shell Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-02-07

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 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 videos

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Open Shell videos

Classic Menu for Windows 10 with Open Shell

Category Popularity

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

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing PStart and Open Shell, you can also consider the following products

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.