Best ExplorerPatcher Alternatives in 2026
The top ExplorerPatcher alternatives are ObjectDock, TaskbarX and YASB Reborn: 15 taskbar customization software our editors would look at instead of ExplorerPatcher, in our ranking order.
ExplorerPatcher: A broad, free taskbar replacement for Windows users who want legacy controls. Where it falls short: some features depend on the windows build in use.
Switching from ExplorerPatcher? For most taskbar customization software buyers the best ExplorerPatcher alternative is ObjectDock, built for established dock and taskbar replacement features. TaskbarX has a free plan.
Why People Look for an ExplorerPatcher Alternative
- Some features depend on the Windows build in use
- Supports Windows only
- No AI features or verified portable distribution
Quick Picks by What You Need
- Best overallObjectDock9.2
Established dock and taskbar replacement features
Visit ObjectDock - Best free optionTaskbarX8.8
Has a free plan
Visit TaskbarX
All 15 ExplorerPatcher Alternatives, Ranked
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
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Best forEstablished dock and taskbar replacement features
- Better than ExplorerPatcher:
- Editor score 9.2 vs 8.4
A feature-rich Windows dock replacement with strong customization and multi-monitor support.
- App grouping controls
- Taskbar sizing
- Transparency controls
9.2/10★★★★★Visit ObjectDock -
Best forPortable taskbar centering and visual effects
- Better than ExplorerPatcher:
- Editor score 8.8 vs 8.4
A free, portable Windows 10 taskbar customizer with limited modern Windows 11 support.
- Portable version
- Taskbar sizing
- Taskbar positioning
8.8/10★★★★☆Visit TaskbarX -
Best forPower users wanting configurable taskbar bars
- Better than ExplorerPatcher:
- Editor score 8.6 vs 8.4
A flexible Windows taskbar replacement for users comfortable with deep customization.
- App grouping controls
- Taskbar sizing
- Taskbar positioning
8.6/10★★★★☆Visit YASB Reborn -
Best forFree taskbar transparency and appearance rules
A focused, free Windows utility for taskbar transparency and appearance rules.
- Portable version
- Transparency controls
8.2/10★★★★☆Visit TranslucentTB -
Best forStart menu and taskbar customization together
Start11 pairs flexible Start menu layouts with extensive Windows taskbar controls.
8.1/10★★★★☆Visit Start11 -
Best forWindows users wanting a customizable dock
A feature-rich Windows dock with a capable free tier and expanded paid editions.
- App grouping controls
- Taskbar sizing
- Taskbar positioning
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Winstep -
Best forWindows-wide visual skin customization
A broad Windows visual customization suite with capable taskbar controls.
- Transparency controls
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit WindowBlinds -
Best forFree, advanced per-app taskbar customization
A free, open-source utility for detailed per-app taskbar control on Windows.
- App grouping controls
- Portable version
- Taskbar sizing
7.7/10★★★★☆Visit site -
Best forPowerful multi-monitor taskbar management
A feature-rich Windows utility for managing taskbars and desktops across multiple monitors.
- App grouping controls
- Taskbar sizing
- Taskbar positioning
7.6/10★★★★☆Visit Actual Tools -
Best forClassic taskbar layouts across multiple monitors
A free, open-source taskbar replacement for classic layouts and multi-monitor setups.
- Portable version
- Taskbar sizing
- Taskbar positioning
7.5/10★★★★☆Visit RetroBar -
Best forA full open-source custom taskbar
Winzoo offers broad taskbar control for Windows users who want an open-source replacement.
- Portable version
- Taskbar positioning
- Multi-monitor support
7.4/10★★★★☆Visit Winzoo -
Best forAnimated and highly visual taskbar styling
A free, open-source choice for highly visual Windows taskbar customization.
- Portable version
- Taskbar positioning
- Transparency controls
7.3/10★★★★☆Visit RainbowTaskbar -
Best forOrganizing taskbar shortcuts into launch groups
A free, portable Windows tool for grouping and launching taskbar shortcuts.
- Portable version
- Taskbar positioning
- Transparency controls
7.2/10★★★★☆Visit Taskbar Groups -
Best forA dock-style taskbar replacement
A feature-rich dock replacement for Windows 11 with a seven-day full-featured trial.
- App grouping controls
- Taskbar positioning
- Transparency controls
7.1/10★★★★☆Visit GroDock -
Best forTurning Windows 11 into a dock
A focused, free, open-source option for dock-style Windows 11 customization.
- Taskbar positioning
- Multi-monitor support
7.0/10★★★★☆Visit TaskbarXI
ExplorerPatcher Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to ExplorerPatcher?
ObjectDock: #1 in our Taskbar Customization Software ranking, with an editor score of 9.2 out of 10. A feature-rich Windows dock replacement with strong customization and multi-monitor support.
Is there a free alternative to ExplorerPatcher?
Yes. TaskbarX, YASB Reborn, TranslucentTB, Winstep Nexus Dock and 7+ Taskbar Tweaker have a free plan or a free tier (10 of the 15 alternatives on this page).
Why do people look for ExplorerPatcher alternatives?
Some features depend on the Windows build in use; Supports Windows only; No AI features or verified portable distribution.
How do I switch from ExplorerPatcher?
Export your data from ExplorerPatcher (most tools have an export in their settings). Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one. Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on. Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel ExplorerPatcher.
How to Switch from ExplorerPatcher
- Export your data from ExplorerPatcher (most tools have an export in their settings).
- Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one.
- Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on.
- Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel ExplorerPatcher.
ExplorerPatcher vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Platform | Taskbar positioning | Transparency controls | Multi-monitor support | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | ExplorerPatcher | Yes | Free | Windows | Yes | Yes | 8.4 | |
| 1 | ObjectDock | Windows | Yes | Yes | 9.2 | |||
| 2 | TaskbarX | Yes | Free | Windows | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.8 |
| 3 | YASB Reborn | Yes | Free | Windows | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.6 |
| 4 | TranslucentTB | Yes | Free | Windows | Yes | 8.2 | ||
| 5 | Start11 | No | 8.1 | |||||
| 6 | Winstep Nexus Dock | Yes | $12.95/user one-time | Windows | Yes | Yes | Yes | 7.9 |
| 7 | WindowBlinds | No | Windows | Yes | 7.8 | |||
| 8 | 7+ Taskbar Tweaker | Yes | Free | Windows | Yes | 7.7 | ||
| 9 | Actual Multiple Monitors | No | $34.95 one-time | Windows | Yes | Yes | Yes | 7.6 |
| 10 | RetroBar | Yes | Free | Windows | Yes | Yes | Yes | 7.5 |
| 11 | Winzoo | Yes | Free | Windows | Yes | Yes | 7.4 | |
| 12 | RainbowTaskbar | Yes | Free | Windows | Yes | Yes | Yes | 7.3 |
| 13 | Taskbar Groups | Yes | Free | Windows | Yes | Yes | Yes | 7.2 |
| 14 | GroDock | No | Windows | Yes | Yes | Yes | 7.1 | |
| 15 | TaskbarXI | Yes | Free | Windows | Yes | Yes | 7.0 |
Head-to-Head
- ExplorerPatcher vs ObjectDock
- ExplorerPatcher vs TaskbarX
- ExplorerPatcher vs YASB Reborn
- ExplorerPatcher vs TranslucentTB
- ExplorerPatcher vs Start11
- ExplorerPatcher vs Winstep Nexus Dock
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update