The Windows 11 Start menu has faced its fair share of criticism, often deemed rigid and unhelpful. In response, a variety of alternatives have emerged to enhance user experience. Among these, Start11 from Stardock stands out as a personal favorite, albeit a paid option that may deter budget-conscious users. Fortunately, for those who prefer free solutions, OpenShell offers a compelling alternative, aiming to revive classic Start menu designs and functionalities. This raises the question: is opting for OpenShell a wiser choice than investing in Start11? Let’s delve deeper into the features and benefits of both applications.
Start11 has a lot more style options
From the outset, it’s essential to recognize the extensive capabilities of Start11 as a premium solution. While the price point may be a hurdle for some, the customization options available justify the investment. Start11 presents users with seven distinct Start menu styles, ranging from the nostalgic Windows 7 to various iterations of Windows 11. The latter, in particular, offers robust organizational features, allowing users to create folders, groups, tabs, and pages for their applications. Additionally, it enables users to modify app icon colors to align with their chosen themes.
One of the standout features of Start11 is its ability to display File Explorer folders directly within the Start menu, facilitating seamless navigation without the need to open File Explorer. Users can even configure specific subfolders to appear as context menus, streamlining the browsing experience. The visual customization options are equally impressive, offering choices for colors, transparency levels, textures, or even personal images to personalize the Start menu background.
OpenShell is a more focused solution
In contrast, OpenShell adopts a more focused approach, primarily aimed at restoring the traditional functionality and design of the Start menu. Users can select from three major style options—Windows 95, XP, or 7—each accompanied by a selection of skins, approximately a dozen in total. These skins draw inspiration from various Windows designs over the years, alongside a few original creations.
While some may appreciate the classic aesthetic of OpenShell, its limited design options may feel outdated compared to the modern interface of Windows 11. This rigidity leads to a conclusion that, while OpenShell has its merits, Start11 emerges as the superior choice for those seeking a more dynamic and customizable experience.
In-depth customization
Beyond the general Start menu options, users often desire to explore deeper settings within these alternatives, where things become particularly intriguing. Both applications offer a substantial range of in-depth customization, but OpenShell shines if granular control is what you seek.
Start11 provides a respectable array of customizations, particularly for the shortcut menu in the Windows 7 style, allowing users to dictate item appearances and separator placements. A notable feature is the ability to create custom filtered folders, linking to specific directories while filtering for particular file types.
However, OpenShell takes this a step further. Initially, it appears to offer similar options, but enabling the setting to display all configurations reveals an overwhelming array of adjustments. Users can modify delays for tooltips, dropdown menus, and drag-and-drop actions, as well as highlight newly installed programs. The precision of icon size adjustments down to the pixel for both large and small icons can be both exhilarating and daunting for those who relish fine-tuning their experience.
Beyond the Start menu
While the primary focus of both programs is on enhancing the Start menu, they also extend their customization capabilities beyond this feature. Start11 excels in this regard, allowing users to personalize not only the Start menu icon but also the entire taskbar. Customization options include altering the taskbar’s color, texture, and transparency, as well as the ability to segment it rather than having a continuous bar across the screen. Additionally, users can experiment with positioning the taskbar at the top or sides of the screen, although this feature remains experimental.
Start11 also allows users to pin folders that function as context menus, mirroring the functionality found in the Start menu. Furthermore, it enhances search capabilities by integrating with Everything, a popular search engine that simplifies file indexing and retrieval on the PC. In contrast, OpenShell’s taskbar customization options are more limited, primarily focusing on color and transparency adjustments without the innovative features offered by Start11. Although OpenShell does provide some File Explorer customizations, they often appear clunky and redundant within the Windows 11 interface.
Which one should you use?
It’s entirely understandable to hesitate when it comes to spending money on a Start menu customization tool. Even a modest price of can seem difficult to justify. However, with Start11, the value becomes apparent through its extensive customization capabilities, which can significantly enhance productivity and streamline workflows.
On the other hand, OpenShell caters to those yearning for a nostalgic Windows experience, though it may not necessarily represent an upgrade. For users who do not hold a strong attachment to classic Start menus, the benefits of OpenShell may be limited. Ultimately, Start11 is highly recommended, and potential users are encouraged to explore the free trial to assess its value. For those inclined towards a free alternative, OpenShell remains an option worth considering.
