MaxLauncher vs Open-Shell Menu
MaxLauncher
maxlauncher.sourceforge.ioOpen-Shell Menu
open-shell.github.ioSide by side
| Figure | MaxLauncher | Open-Shell Menu |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Start Menu Customization Software | 8.1 (#7) | 7.4 (#24) |
| Purpose | MaxLauncher is a tabbed launcher designed to reduce the time needed to find and run programs. | Open-Shell is a collection of utilities bringing back classic features to Windows. |
| Support | Support is offered through SourceForge bug reports, feature requests, support requests, and discussion forums. | The project directs users to report issues, ask in Discussions, and join its Gitter room or Discord. |
Plans
In their own words
MaxLauncher
MaxLauncher is a free, open-source tabbed launcher for Windows that opens programs, folders, or commands with two or three keystrokes. Each .mld data file can hold up to ten tabs, with 30 configurable buttons on each, for a maximum of 300 buttons. A favorites bar adds ten configurable buttons assigned to F1–F10. Separate XML-format text files can keep shortcut groups, such as work and home, apart. The launcher supports drag and drop, configurable activation hotkeys, custom themes, multi-launch, multiple instances, and basic multi-monitor use. Users can install it with an executable or choose a portable ZIP version, which the maker says can run from a USB stick or external hard drive. Portable settings can be made read-only to prevent changes to selected launcher data and cache files. The listed requirements are Windows Vista or newer, or Windows XP with Microsoft .NET 3.5 or higher; it runs on 32-bit and 64-bit versions. The downloads page lists version 1.31.0.0, dated October 29, 2021, as the latest release shown.
Open-Shell Menu
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.