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Open-Shell Menu

open-shell.github.io

Free plan Windows
Visit open-shell.github.io
Spec score 7.4 #24 of 39 in Start Menu Customization Software

What it is

Open-Shell Menu is a free collection of Windows utilities that brings back classic interface features. Its classic-style Start menu supports Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 and 11, with Start button controls and custom search. It also adds a toolbar and a status bar to Windows Explorer; the status bar can show file size and disk space. A classic copy interface is available for Windows 7 only, and Open-Shell provides title-bar and status-bar features for Internet Explorer. The project says it is compatible with Windows for ARM beginning with version 4.4.196, while warning that older versions may prevent account login after reboot. It was originally known as Classic Shell and is described as having been created by Ivo Beltchev. Free code signing is provided by SignPath.io with a certificate from SignPath Foundation. The project directs users to issue reporting, Discussions, Gitter and Discord for support. A temporary language option uses a downloaded language DLL placed in the installation folder or Open-Shell Languages folder.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Open-Shell is a collection of utilities bringing back classic features to Windows.Read 30 Sep 2026 · open-shell.github.io
Support
The project directs users to report issues, ask in Discussions, and join its Gitter room or Discord.Read 30 Sep 2026 · open-shell.github.io
Classic copy interface
It includes a classic copy UI for Windows 7 only.Read 30 Sep 2026 · open-shell.github.io
Code signing
The project says free code signing is provided by SignPath.io, with a certificate from SignPath Foundation.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Explorer status bar
It adds an Explorer status bar showing file size and disk space.Read 30 Sep 2026 · open-shell.github.io
Explorer toolbar
It includes a toolbar for Windows Explorer.Read 30 Sep 2026 · open-shell.github.io
Internet Explorer
It provides title bar and status bar features for Internet Explorer.Read 30 Sep 2026 · open-shell.github.io
Origin
Open-Shell is described as originally being Classic Shell by Ivo Beltchev.Read 30 Sep 2026 · open-shell.github.io
Start menu
It provides a classic-style Start menu for Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and 11.Read 30 Sep 2026 · open-shell.github.io
Translations
The project describes a temporary language solution using a downloaded language DLL placed in the install folder or the Open-Shell Languages folder.Read 30 Sep 2026 · open-shell.github.io
Windows on ARM
The project says it is compatible with Windows for ARM since version 4.4.196 and warns that older versions may prevent account login after reboot.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

Open-Shell Free A collection of utilities bringing back classic features to Windows Read 30 Sep 2026 · open-shell.github.io

Every Open-Shell Menu plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Start menu supports Windows 7 through Windows 11
  • Includes Explorer toolbar and status bar
  • Explorer status bar shows file size and disk space
  • Provides Start button controls and custom search

Limits

  • Classic copy interface is for Windows 7 only
  • Windows ARM compatibility starts at version 4.4.196
  • Older versions may prevent account login after reboot

Who it suits

It suits Windows users who want a classic-style Start menu and related Explorer features. Users of the classic copy interface need Windows 7.

Verdict

Open-Shell combines a classic-style Start menu with several Explorer and Internet Explorer interface utilities, at no cost. Check the Windows version requirement for the copy interface and the project’s warning about older ARM-compatible versions.

Where Specifiction places it

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