DeskBox vs DesktopBox
DeskBox
deskbox.funDesktopBox
github.comSide by side
| Figure | DeskBox | DesktopBox |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 3 | 1 |
| Spec score · Desktop Organization Software | 8.6 (#2) | 7.7 (#15) |
| License | Current releases use the GPL-3.0-only license; earlier MIT releases remain available and were not relicensed retroactively. | The repository identifies the license as MIT. |
| Privacy | DeskBox requires no account or cloud synchronization; configuration, notes, tasks, history, layouts and managed files remain local by default. | The project states that DesktopBox has no telemetry and makes no network connections. |
| Purpose | DeskBox organizes files on the Windows desktop using file boxes, folder mapping, stacks, groups, and desktop cleanup. | DesktopBox is a free, open-source Windows desktop organizer described as an alternative to Fences. |
| Support | The maker directs users with questions or suggestions to the feedback channel and its 大雨实验室 public account. | The project asks users to open GitHub issues with reproduction steps and an error log; Chinese users can also join QQ group 657713542. |
| System requirements | Supported systems are Windows 10 build 19041 or later and Windows 11, with matching x64 or ARM64 installers. | DesktopBox requires 64-bit Windows 10 or 11, and the portable version includes its runtime so .NET installation is not required. |
Plans
In their own words
DeskBox
DeskBox is a free Windows app for organizing desktop files in boxes, mapped folders, stacks, and groups. File boxes support drag and drop, renaming, deletion, opening, and locating items in File Explorer. Mapped folders appear on the desktop without changing the original folder location. Similar files can be stacked manually or automatically, and grouped boxes can be switched with the mouse wheel or Ctrl+Tab. A cleanup flow lets users select files individually, include the public desktop, and resume an interrupted cleanup. Built-in boxes cover files, to-dos, notes, and music controls. DeskBox says files, to-dos, notes, and cache remain on the computer and are not uploaded to the cloud by default. Its built-in boxes have no feature restrictions, ads, or subscriptions; the app is listed as GPL-3.0-only with free personal use. It supports Windows 10 version 21H2 or later and Windows 11, with some materials and animations reduced on Windows 10. Direct installers support x64 or ARM64.
DesktopBox
DesktopBox is a free, open-source organizer for 64-bit Windows 10 and 11. One-click Tidy sorts desktop files by type into a tabbed box, and later runs process only new files. Boxes store file paths rather than copies, so arranging items does not move the originals. Users can create boxes for apps, files, folders, shortcuts, and URLs, then convert, merge, or split them into tabbed containers. Tabs can be reordered by dragging. The app can hide or show desktop icons and place This PC, Recycle Bin, Control Panel, and Network in a box. A separate optional helper adds the native Windows right-click menu; the main app runs without it. Downloads include a portable executable, installer, and optional helper. The portable build includes its runtime, so a separate.NET installation is unnecessary. The project says DesktopBox has no telemetry and makes no network connections. Its repository uses the MIT license. The README lists the portable executable as 74 MB and warns that the unsigned program may trigger a SmartScreen warning on first run. The Free plan costs nothing.