Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Winstep Nexus VS Open Shell

Compare Winstep Nexus VS Open Shell and see what are their differences

Winstep Nexus logo Winstep Nexus

The Winstep Nexus Dock is a FREE* professional dock for Windows. With Nexus, your most frequently used applications are only a mouse click away - and Nexus turns working with your computer into a fun and exciting experience.

Open Shell logo Open Shell

Open Shell is a fork of the Classic Shell project for Windows that getting back the classic start...
  • Winstep Nexus Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-09-25
  • Open Shell Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-02-07

Winstep Nexus features and specs

  • Customization
    Winstep Nexus offers extensive customization options including themes, widget configurations, and icon design, allowing users to personalize their desktop experience.
  • Performance
    The dock is designed to be highly responsive and smooth, with efficient memory usage to ensure it doesn't slow down your system.
  • Usability
    Nexus provides an intuitive interface, making it easy to navigate and access frequently used applications and files quickly.
  • Features
    It includes a variety of features such as live icon reflections, task grouping, and a built-in clock and weather widget, adding functionality and convenience.
  • Multi-Monitor Support
    Nexus supports multi-monitor setups, allowing users to extend their dock functionalities across multiple screens seamlessly.

Possible disadvantages of Winstep Nexus

  • Learning Curve
    Due to the wealth of customization options, new users might find it challenging to master all the features and settings initially.
  • Resource Usage
    While it is optimized for performance, very old or low-end systems might experience some slowdowns due to the additional graphical enhancements.
  • Ads in Free Version
    The free tier of Winstep Nexus includes advertisements, which can be intrusive and may disrupt the user experience.
  • Potential for Clutter
    With the ability to add numerous widgets and shortcuts, there's a potential for the dock to become cluttered if not managed properly.
  • Price for Full Features
    The most advanced features and functionalities are locked behind the paid version, which might be a drawback for users looking for a free solution.

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.

Winstep Nexus videos

Nexus Dock | MacOS Style Dock for Windows 10 | Customize Your Windows 10 Desktop

Open Shell videos

Classic Menu for Windows 10 with Open Shell

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Winstep Nexus and Open Shell)
Note Taking
45 45%
55% 55
Productivity
100 100%
0% 0
LMS
35 35%
65% 65
OS & Utilities
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

Share your experience with using Winstep Nexus and Open Shell. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

What are some alternatives?

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

RocketDock - RocketDock is a Mac OS X dock clone.

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.

Cairo-Dock - Cairo-Dock / GLX-Dock 3. 4 is now available. Cairo-Dock 3. 4 is finally released! One year after the 3.

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.

TaskbarX - TaskbarX gives you control over the position of your taskbar icons.