Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SquirrelDisk VS Open Shell

Compare SquirrelDisk VS Open Shell and see what are their differences

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SquirrelDisk logo SquirrelDisk

Discover what files are taking up your hard disks.

Open Shell logo Open Shell

Open Shell is a fork of the Classic Shell project for Windows that getting back the classic start...
  • SquirrelDisk Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-06-23
  • Open Shell Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-02-07

SquirrelDisk features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    SquirrelDisk offers a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easy for users to navigate and manage their storage without technical expertise.
  • Cross-Platform Support
    The application supports multiple operating systems, providing flexibility for users to access their files from different devices seamlessly.
  • Secure File Management
    SquirrelDisk uses advanced encryption methods to ensure the security and privacy of users' files, making it a safe choice for sensitive data.
  • Efficient Storage Optimization
    The software provides tools to analyze and optimize storage space, helping users to free up disk space and manage their files more efficiently.
  • Regular Updates
    SquirrelDisk frequently updates its software to improve performance, address bugs, and introduce new features, ensuring a continually improving user experience.

Possible disadvantages of SquirrelDisk

  • Limited Free Version
    The free version of SquirrelDisk has limitations on storage capacity and features, potentially requiring users to upgrade for full functionality.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    Some advanced features may have a learning curve, requiring users to spend time familiarizing themselves with the more complex aspects of the software.
  • Occasional Performance Issues
    Some users report occasional slowdowns or glitches when handling large files or performing intensive tasks, which can affect workflow.
  • Dependency on Internet Connection
    While basic functions are available offline, certain features require a stable internet connection, which can be a limitation in areas with poor connectivity.
  • Subscription Cost
    The cost of subscribing to the premium version can be a consideration for budget-conscious users, as ongoing fees can add up over time.

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.

Analysis of Open Shell

Overall verdict

  • Open Shell is considered a good tool for those who desire a more traditional Start Menu experience on modern Windows versions. It is reliable, versatile, and generally well-received by the community for resurrecting the familiar interface from previous Windows iterations.

Why this product is good

  • Open Shell (formerly known as Classic Shell) is appreciated for its ability to bring back the classic Start Menu functionality to Windows, particularly for users who prefer the interface design and usability of older versions of Windows. It provides a customizable menu, various skins, and additional enhancements for the Start Button, File Explorer, and Internet Explorer. The software is lightweight, free, and open source, allowing for a high degree of personalization and adaptability.

Recommended for

  • Users who prefer the classic Windows Start Menu.
  • Individuals who are not satisfied with the default Start Menu on newer Windows versions.
  • Users seeking a highly customizable and lightweight menu solution.
  • Technical users who appreciate open-source software and want to tweak their system appearance and functionality.
  • Anyone upgrading from older Windows versions who wants to maintain a consistent user interface experience.

SquirrelDisk videos

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Open Shell videos

Classic Menu for Windows 10 with Open Shell

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SquirrelDisk and Open Shell)
Disk Analyzer
100 100%
0% 0
Note Taking
0 0%
100% 100
Hard Disk Usage
100 100%
0% 0
OS & Utilities
22 22%
78% 78

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

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

WinDirStat - WinDirStat is a disk usage statistics viewer and cleanup tool, inspired by KDirStat.

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.

TreeSize - TreeSize tells you where precious disk space has gone to.

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.

WizTree - WizTree quickly finds the files and folders using the most space on your hard drive. It scans the MFT (Master File Table) instead of crawling the entire disk which makes it very fast.

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.