Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Open Shell.
General Questions
What is Open Shell?
Open Shell is a collection of utilities designed to enhance and customize the Windows user interface. Its primary component is the Start Menu replacement, bringing back classic Windows Start Menu functionality to Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and 11.
Is Open Shell free to use?
Yes, Open Shell is completely free and open-source software. There are no premium features, subscription fees, or hidden costs. The entire project is maintained by community contributors.
What's the difference between Classic Shell and Open Shell?
Open Shell is a community-driven fork of Classic Shell. When the original Classic Shell project was discontinued in 2017, Open Shell was created to continue development and provide updates for newer Windows versions. Open Shell maintains all the functionality of Classic Shell while adding compatibility with the latest Windows releases.
Is Open Shell safe to use?
Yes, Open Shell is safe to use. It's open-source software, meaning its code is publicly available for review. The software doesn't collect any personal data or telemetry, and it's regularly scanned for malware before releases. All official releases are digitally signed and can be verified.
Installation & Compatibility
Which Windows versions are supported?
Open Shell supports Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows 11. It works on both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of these operating systems.
Do I need administrator rights to install Open Shell?
Yes, administrator privileges are required to install Open Shell since it modifies system components. However, once installed, non-administrator users can use the software and customize their own settings.
Will Open Shell work with Windows updates?
Open Shell is designed to work with Windows updates. However, major Windows updates occasionally might cause compatibility issues temporarily. The Open Shell development team works quickly to resolve these issues and release compatible updates when needed.
How do I uninstall Open Shell?
You can uninstall Open Shell like any other Windows program through the Control Panel's"Programs and Features" or Settings'"Apps & features" section. Alternatively, you can run the installer again and select the"Uninstall" option.
Features & Usage
Which Start Menu styles does Open Shell offer?
Open Shell offers three primary Start Menu styles: Classic Style (similar to Windows 7), Classic with two columns (similar to Windows Vista), and Windows 7 Style. Each style can be extensively customized to suit your preferences.
Can I use Open Shell alongside the default Windows Start Menu?
Yes, you can configure Open Shell to coexist with the default Windows Start Menu. In the settings, you can specify different triggers (such as Win key vs. Start button click) to access either the Open Shell menu or the default Windows menu.
Does Open Shell slow down my computer?
No, Open Shell is designed to be lightweight and efficient. It typically uses minimal system resources and doesn't significantly impact system performance. In fact, many users report that the Classic Start Menu is more responsive than the modern Windows Start Menu, especially on older hardware.
Can I create custom skins for Open Shell?
Yes, Open Shell supports custom skins. You can create your own skin files to completely customize the appearance of the Start Menu. The documentation includes information on how to create and modify skin files. Additionally, many user-created skins are available in the community.
Troubleshooting
Open Shell stopped working after a Windows update. What should I do?
After major Windows updates, you might need to reinstall Open Shell or update to the latest version. Sometimes, clearing the Open Shell cache (in the Settings > Main tab > Reset cache button) can resolve issues without reinstallation.
The Start button doesn't show the Open Shell menu. How can I fix this?
Check Open Shell settings to ensure the Start button is configured to use Open Shell. Right-click on the taskbar, select"Properties" or"Taskbar settings," and make sure the"Use classic Start menu" option is enabled. You might also need to check if Open Shell is running in the system tray.
How do I reset Open Shell to default settings?
You can reset Open Shell to its default settings by opening the Settings dialog, going to the"Backup" tab, and clicking on"Reset all settings." This will revert all configurations to their default values without reinstalling the software.
Some programs aren't showing up in the Start Menu. How can I fix this?
Check the"Programs" settings in Open Shell. Make sure that all program locations are included and that no exclusion filters are preventing certain programs from appearing. You might also need to rebuild the Start Menu cache through the Settings > Main tab.
Ready to Try Open Shell?
Now that you have answers to common questions, download Open Shell and experience the classic Windows interface with modern improvements.
Free download • Compatible with Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 and 11