Open-Shell Menu vs StartAllBack
Open-Shell Menu
open-shell.github.io
StartAllBack
startallback.comSide by side
| Figure | Open-Shell Menu | StartAllBack |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 3 |
| Spec score · Start Menu Customization Software | 7.4 (#24) | 8.1 (#9) |
| Purpose | Open-Shell is a collection of utilities bringing back classic features to Windows. | StartAllBack restores and improves classic Windows 11 interface elements. |
| Start menu | It provides a classic-style Start menu for Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and 11. | The start menu supports one-click access to apps and system locations, dropdown navigation, and search. |
| Support | The project directs users to report issues, ask in Discussions, and join its Gitter room or Discord. | The Business Edition includes priority email support. |
Plans
StartAllBack
- Personal license — 1 PC$4.99, paid once
- Personal license — 2 PCs$8.99, paid once
- Personal license — 3 PCs$11.99, paid once
In their own words
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.
StartAllBack
StartAllBack has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.