Features

Open Shell is a collection of utilities that brings back classic Windows features to modern versions. Explore the components and capabilities below.

Open-Shell Menu

The Open-Shell Menu is a powerful Start Menu replacement, bringing back the familiar interface that Windows users have loved for years while adding extensive customization options.

Menu Styles

Classic Style - Simple, efficient design inspired by Windows 2000/XP
Two Columns - Expanded view with more space for programs and options
Windows 7 Style - Modern look with Windows 7 aesthetics

Key Features

Full Customization - Personalize shortcuts, links, and menu behavior
Cascading Menus - Neatly organized folder and program lists
Keyboard Navigation - Quick access using keyboard shortcuts
Customizable Search - Adjust search parameters for better results
Skinning Support - Apply custom themes to the Start menu and Taskbar
Multiple Monitor Support - Optimized for multi-display setups

Compatibility

Open-Shell Menu works with multiple Windows versions:

Windows 7

Windows 8

Windows 8.1

Windows 10

Windows 11

Menu Customization

Adjust numerous settings to make the Start Menu truly yours:

• Change menu size and appearance
• Add or remove specific system folders
• Customize which items appear in the menu
• Modify animation and display effects
• Import and export settings
• Create custom skins or use community-made ones

View detailed customization guide

Classic Explorer

Classic Explorer is an extension for Windows Explorer that brings back familiar features and adds new functionality to make file management more efficient.

Key Features

Customizable Toolbar - Add frequently used commands for quick access
Status Bar - Displays file size and available disk space information
True Folder Path - Eliminates breadcrumbs navigation for classic path display
Navigation Pane - Customizable folder hierarchy and display options
Classic Copy UI - Restores the Windows 7 copy interface (Windows 7 only)
Keyboard Shortcuts - Enhanced navigation using keyboard commands

Toolbar Configuration

The toolbar can be fully customized with various commands:

Up Button

Cut/Copy/Paste

Delete

Redo/Undo

Properties

New Folder

Explorer Configuration

Classic Explorer offers numerous configuration options:

• Customize the appearance of the status bar
• Set default folder views (details, icons, etc.)
• Configure alt+click behavior
• Customize copy/move UI behavior
• Enable/disable individual features
• Configure file operations confirmation dialogs

View detailed configuration guide

Classic IE

Classic IE is a plugin for Internet Explorer that restores familiar features and enhances the browsing experience with useful information displays.

Key Features

Title Bar Caption - Shows the full website name in the browser window title
Security Zone - Displays the current website's security zone in the status bar
Progress Bar - Shows page loading progress in the status bar
Enhanced Status Information - More detailed status updates during page load

IE Compatibility Note

With Internet Explorer's retirement by Microsoft, the Classic IE component is primarily useful for organizations still maintaining legacy systems that require Internet Explorer.

Configuration Options

Classic IE provides several customization options:

Title Bar Format

Customize how website titles are displayed in the browser window.

Status Bar Elements

Choose which information appears in the status bar (security zone, progress bar, etc.).

Progress Indicator

Configure the appearance and behavior of the loading progress indicator.

Security Indicators

Adjust how security information is presented to the user.

View detailed IE configuration guide

Ready to Enhance Your Windows Experience?

Now that you've seen all the powerful features of Open Shell, it's time to download and start customizing your Windows experience.

Download Now Read Documentation

Free download • Windows 7/8/8.1/10/11 • Lightweight and customizable