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WizMouse VS Classic Shell

Compare WizMouse VS Classic Shell and see what are their differences

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Contents:
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  2. » Videos
  3. » Reviews
  4. » Alternatives

WizMouse logo WizMouse

WizMouse makes your mouse wheel scroll the window under the mouse even if it's not active. You no longer have to click a window to scroll it.

Classic Shell logo 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.
  • WizMouse Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-02-09
  • Classic Shell Landing page
    Landing page //
    2018-09-30

WizMouse features and specs

  • Increased Productivity
    WizMouse allows users to scroll in windows that are not currently active, reducing the need to frequently switch windows and improving workflow efficiency.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The application has a simple and intuitive interface, making it accessible for users of all experience levels without requiring a steep learning curve.
  • Customizable Settings
    Users can customize WizMouse settings to fit their preferences, such as enabling or disabling the scroll wheel on certain windows or adjusting the scrolling speed.
  • Lightweight Software
    WizMouse is a small and lightweight application, meaning it does not require significant system resources and can run efficiently in the background.

Possible disadvantages of WizMouse

  • Compatibility Issues
    Some users may experience compatibility issues with certain applications or specific versions of Windows, which can lead to inconsistent behavior or require additional troubleshooting.
  • Limited Functionality
    While WizMouse offers enhanced scrolling features, it lacks additional advanced features that could further enhance user experience or provide more extensive customization options.
  • No Mac Support
    WizMouse is only available for Windows operating systems, which means Mac users cannot benefit from its enhanced scrolling features.
  • Potential Bugs
    Some users report occasional bugs or glitches, such as the scroll feature not working as expected in certain situations, which may require updates or user intervention to resolve.

Classic Shell features and specs

  • Customizable Start Menu
    Classic Shell allows users to customize the Start Menu to a significant extent, including changing the style and appearance to resemble earlier versions of Windows (XP, Vista, and 7).
  • Performance Enhancements
    The software is lightweight and generally does not consume significant system resources, making it a performance-efficient alternative to the default Start Menu.
  • Enhanced Usability
    It brings back certain features and functionalities that are familiar and preferred by users, enhancing overall user experience, particularly for those transitioning from older Windows versions.
  • Frequent Updates
    Classic Shell is regularly updated to ensure compatibility with new Windows updates, providing a reliable solution over time.
  • Free of Cost
    Classic Shell is available for free, making it an accessible option for anyone looking to improve their Start Menu without financial investment.

Possible disadvantages of Classic Shell

  • Limited Official Support
    As Classic Shell is developed primarily by volunteers, official support may be limited compared to commercial software.
  • Complexity
    The extensive customization options might be overwhelming for less tech-savvy users, leading to a steeper learning curve.
  • Potential Compatibility Issues
    Although updated frequently, there can be temporary compatibility issues with the latest Windows updates, requiring users to wait for the next release.
  • Lack of Modern Features
    Classic Shell aims to replicate older versions of Windows Start Menus, which might lack some of the modern features available in the default Windows Start Menu.
  • Discontinued Development
    Official development of Classic Shell was discontinued in December 2017. While community forks like Open-Shell continue the project, the lack of official development could be seen as a disadvantage.

Analysis of Classic Shell

Overall verdict

  • Overall, Classic Shell is considered a good tool for those who want to enhance their Windows experience with more customization and a nod to classic Windows aesthetics. It's reliable, widely used, and addresses some of the usability concerns people have with newer Windows versions.

Why this product is good

  • Classic Shell is popular among users who prefer the familiar interface and user experience of older versions of Windows, particularly Windows 7 or even XP. It offers customization options for the Start Menu, Explorer, and other UI elements, allowing a more personalized and comfortable experience for those who are not fond of newer Windows UI changes.

Recommended for

    Classic Shell is recommended for users who miss the classic Windows Start menu and layout, those who find the new Windows designs less intuitive, and individuals who want more control over their interface customization. It's particularly suitable for people transitioning from older Windows versions to newer ones who wish to maintain a certain level of familiarity.

WizMouse videos

+ Add

Wizmouse- Must have App for Multi-taskers

More videos:

  • Review - WizMouse - Scroll the window under the mouse pointer - Download Video Previews
  • Demo - WizMouse Demo

Classic Shell videos

+ Add

Classic Shell with Windows 10!

More videos:

  • Review - Classic Shell Review | Make Windows 8 Like Windows 7 with Classic Shell
  • Review - Classic Shell 4.0.2 Review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to WizMouse and Classic Shell)

WizMouse

Classic Shell

Note Taking
12 12%
Note Taking
88% 88
Automation
100 100%
Automation
0% 0
LMS
0 0%
LMS
100% 100
Windows Tools
100 100%
Windows Tools
0% 0

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Classic Shell seems to be a lot more popular than WizMouse. While we know about 18 links to Classic Shell, we've tracked only 1 mention of WizMouse. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

WizMouse mentions (1)

  • 2 wheel mouse
    I guess I'll pass it forward with a recommendation of WizMouse, a tiny background application that lets you scroll windows you mouse over them without selecting them which is great for stuff like looking through a reference in a browser while typing into another application like when writing a paper, checking documentation while coding, etc. It's been around forever and I feel like a lot of people don't know of... Source: about 3 years ago

Classic Shell mentions (18)

View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing WizMouse and Classic Shell, you can also consider the following products

X-Mouse Button Control - XMouse Button Control (XMBC) allows you to create application and window specific profiles.

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.

KatMouse - The prime purpose of the KatMouse utility is to enhance the functionality of mice with a scroll...

Open Shell - Open Shell is a fork of the Classic Shell project for Windows that getting back the classic start...

btnx-config - Button Extension - application to customize pointing devices on Linux systems.

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.

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