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Head-to-head · Start Menu Customization Software

Start11 vs Open-Shell Menu

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score Start11 #1 in Start Menu Customization Software 9.3/10 Paid ✓ 2 of 2 features Visit Start11
Open-Shell Menu #3 in Start Menu Customization Software 8.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 2 features Visit Open-Shell

Start11 leads on 0 checks, Open-Shell Menu on 1, and 2 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 scoreStart11 · 9.3/10
  • Free planonly Open-Shell Menu

Start11 scores higher on our rubric for start menu customization software: 9.3 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #3.

Open-Shell Menu offers free plan; Start11 doesn't. On replacement mode, Open-Shell Menu gives you Shell_replacement where Start11 offers Overlay. On taskbar controls, Start11 gives you Extensive where Open-Shell Menu offers Basic.

Start11 is the better fit for power users and organizations needing deep control. Open-Shell Menu is the better fit for users wanting a free classic Start menu.

  • Start11 fits best

    Power users and organizations needing deep control

  • Open-Shell Menu fits best

    Users wanting a free classic Start menu

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Side by side

Feature Start11 9.3/10 Visit ↗ Open-Shell Menu 8.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 8.9
Ranking #1 in Start Menu Customization Software #3 in Start Menu Customization Software
Best for Power users and organizations needing deep control Users wanting a free classic Start menu
Pricing model Paid Free
Starting price — Free plan
Free plan — ✓ (best)
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows Windows
Support Phone, Tickets, Community, Docs Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business
Features Start11 2/2 · Open-Shell Menu 2/2
Start button controls ✓ ✓
Custom search ✓ ✓
Specs
Supported Windows Both Both
Replacement mode Overlay Shell_replacement
Taskbar controls Extensive Basic
Saved profiles Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Multiple Start menu layouts with detailed visual and organizational controls
  • Extensive taskbar customization, pinning, positioning, and ungrouping
  • Backup, kiosk locking, scripting, and deployment configuration tools
  • 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
Cons
  • Available for Windows only
  • No free plan is offered
  • Search integrations are centered on Everything and Microsoft Edge
  • 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
Our verdict

Start11 is a paid Windows desktop customization application from Stardock Corporation. It replaces and enhances the Start menu on Windows 10 and Windows 11, with support for ARM systems. The product is aimed at power users who want more…

Read the review →

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 →
  1. Start11Start Menu Customization Software 9.3Paid
  2. Open-Shell MenuStart Menu Customization Software 8.9Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Start11 — where it wins

    • Multiple Start menu layouts with detailed visual and organizational controls
    • Extensive taskbar customization, pinning, positioning, and ungrouping
    • Backup, kiosk locking, scripting, and deployment configuration tools

    Where it doesn't

    • Available for Windows only
    • No free plan is offered
    • Search integrations are centered on Everything and Microsoft Edge

  • 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

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