Open-Shell The Open-Shell Team

Use this command to install Open-Shell:

winget install --id=Open-Shell.Open-Shell-Menu -e

A collection of utilities bringing back classic features to Windows.

Open-Shell Menu is a Start Menu replacement designed to provide a classic style interface for Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10. It aims to recreate the familiar desktop experience of earlier Windows versions while maintaining compatibility with modern operating systems.

Key Features:

Customizable layout with support for shortcuts, folders, and applications.
Integration with modern features like Cortana and File Explorer.
Ability to restore a traditional Start Menu appearance on newer Windows versions.

Audience & Benefit:
Ideal for users who prefer the classic desktop experience or have migrated from older systems to Windows 10/11. It offers an intuitive and familiar interface, enhancing productivity by reducing the learning curve associated with newer operating system designs.

Available via winget, Open-Shell Menu provides a practical solution for those seeking consistency and simplicity in their computing environment.

README

Open-Shell

A collection of utilities bringing back classic features to Windows.

Originally Classic Shell by Ivo Beltchev

Open-Shell Homepage

Features

Classic style Start menu for Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and 11
Toolbar for Windows Explorer
Explorer status bar with file size and disk space
Classic copy UI (Windows 7 only)
Title bar and status bar for Internet Explorer

Download

You can find the latest stable version here:

⚠️ Windows for ARM compatibility ⚠️

Open-Shell is not compatible with Windows for ARM. If you install it on a Windows for ARM installation (ex. using Parallels Desktop on an Apple Silicon Mac), you will no longer be able to log into your account the next time you reboot. Please refrain from installing Open-Shell on Windows for ARM.

Temporary Translation/Language Solution

Download language DLL
Place it either in the Open-Shell's install folder or in the %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\OpenShell\Languages folder

For archival reasons, we have a mirror of www.classicshell.net here.

How To Skin a Start Menu
Classic Shell: Custom Start Buttons
Questions? Ask on the Discussions section or on Discord
Submit a bug report/feature request