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Head-to-head · Start Menu Customization Software

Open-Shell Menu vs Start10

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score Open-Shell Menu #3 in Start Menu Customization Software 8.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 2 features Visit Open-Shell
Start10 #8 in Start Menu Customization Software 8.2/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 2 of 2 features Visit Start10

Open-Shell Menu leads on 0 checks, Start10 on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreOpen-Shell Menu · 8.9/10
  • Free planonly Open-Shell Menu
  • Free trialonly Start10

Open-Shell Menu scores higher on our rubric for start menu customization software: 8.9 against 8.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #8.

On supported windows, Open-Shell Menu gives you Both where Start10 offers Windows_10.

Open-Shell Menu is the better fit for users wanting a free classic Start menu. Start10 is the better fit for windows 10 users wanting Start10 and Fences.

  • Open-Shell Menu fits best

    Users wanting a free classic Start menu

  • Start10 fits best

    Windows 10 users wanting Start10 and Fences

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Side by side

Feature Open-Shell Menu 8.9/10 Visit ↗ Start10 8.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.9 8.2
Ranking #3 in Start Menu Customization Software #8 in Start Menu Customization Software
Best for Users wanting a free classic Start menu Windows 10 users wanting Start10 and Fences
Pricing model Free Paid
Starting price Free plan 30-day trial
Free plan ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Free trial — 30 days
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows Windows
Support Community, Docs Email, Tickets
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business, Enterprise
Features Open-Shell Menu 2/2 · Start10 2/2
Start button controls ✓ ✓
Custom search ✓ ✓
Specs
Supported Windows Both Windows_10
Replacement mode Shell_replacement Shell_replacement
Taskbar controls Basic Basic
Saved profiles Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Three classic layouts, including Windows 7 and two-column options
  • Custom shortcuts, cascading menus, keyboard navigation, and search controls
  • Open-source Windows utility with Start menu and taskbar skinning
  • Multiple Start menu layouts with desktop and Universal app search
  • Filtered searches, custom button images, colors, and textures
  • Secondary-monitor support and Stardock Fences integration
Cons
  • Windows-only, with no support for other desktop platforms
  • Taskbar customization is limited to basic controls
  • Its shell-replacement approach is narrower than a general desktop customization suite
  • Supports Windows 10 rather than a broader platform range
  • Taskbar customization is limited to basic controls
  • Group Policy support is available only in the business edition
Our verdict

Open-Shell Menu is a Windows desktop utility that replaces the modern Start menu with configurable Classic, Two columns, and Windows 7 layouts. It is aimed at people who prefer a traditional application launcher, more direct access to…

Read the review →

Start10 replaces the Windows 10 Start menu with a choice of classic and modern layouts. It is designed for Windows 10 users who want a more traditional Start menu, more control over appearance, or a different way to find applications. The…

Read the review →
  1. Open-Shell MenuStart Menu Customization Software 8.9Free plan
  2. Start10Start Menu Customization Software 8.230-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Open-Shell Menu — where it wins

    • Three classic layouts, including Windows 7 and two-column options
    • Custom shortcuts, cascading menus, keyboard navigation, and search controls
    • Open-source Windows utility with Start menu and taskbar skinning

    Where it doesn't

    • Windows-only, with no support for other desktop platforms
    • Taskbar customization is limited to basic controls
    • Its shell-replacement approach is narrower than a general desktop customization suite

  • Start10 — where it wins

    • Multiple Start menu layouts with desktop and Universal app search
    • Filtered searches, custom button images, colors, and textures
    • Secondary-monitor support and Stardock Fences integration

    Where it doesn't

    • Supports Windows 10 rather than a broader platform range
    • Taskbar customization is limited to basic controls
    • Group Policy support is available only in the business edition
  • Open-Shell Menu8.9/10 · Free plan

    A flexible classic Start menu replacement with useful search and shortcut controls.

    Visit Open-ShellFull verdict →
  • Start108.2/10 · 30-day trial

    A focused Windows 10 shell replacement for classic layouts, search, styling, and Fences integration.

    Visit Start10Full verdict →

More comparisons

All start menu customization software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update