I’ve never been a fan of how Windows 11 handles the Start menu or search. I’ve covered those frustrations before, but it still comes down to the same issue. I want Windows to adapt to how I work, not force me into a layout and workflow that feel less efficient.
That’s where tools like Open Shell come in. It’s an open-source project designed to bring back a more traditional Start menu experience while giving users far more control over how it looks and behaves. Instead of working around Windows 11’s limitations with scattered tweaks, it offers a more complete way to take that control back.
Less control, more friction in everyday use
The biggest issue with Windows 11’s Start menu is how much control it takes away compared to earlier versions. What used to be a dense, customizable launcher is now a simplified grid that prioritizes pinned apps and a “Recommended” section that not everyone finds useful, myself included. That space can’t be fully removed, and the layout itself feels locked down compared to what Windows 10 allowed. Instead of adapting to different workflows, it pushes everyone toward the same experience, whether it fits or not.
I also find it less efficient. Finding apps often means more clicks or relying on search, which isn’t always as fast or reliable as it should be. The result is a Start menu that looks cleaner on the surface but slows my workflow in practice. For something that’s supposed to be the central hub of the operating system, that trade-off doesn’t feel worth it.
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On top of that, the Start menu increasingly feels like a place for recommendations and promoted content rather than just your apps and files. The “Recommended” section can surface recently used items, but it can also highlight apps and suggestions that feel more like advertising than useful shortcuts. Even when toned down in settings, it can’t be fully removed. Combined with how much of this experience relies on personalization and usage signals, it makes the Start menu feel less like a tool and more like something you have to work around.
What Open Shell is and who it’s for
Open Shell is an open-source project that continues the work started by Classic Shell, a once-popular tool that gave users more control over the Windows interface. After Classic Shell was discontinued, the project was picked up and maintained by the community, which means it’s still actively developed and freely available. Its primary focus is simple: restore and enhance parts of Windows that have become more restrictive, starting with the Start menu.
It’s best suited for users who prefer the way older versions of Windows handled navigation. That includes power users, long-time Windows fans, and anyone who values speed and customization over a simplified, locked-down interface. If you’ve ever felt like the Start menu should work differently or just get out of your way entirely, Open Shell is designed for users with that mindset.
Open Shell is long-established and widely trusted by enthusiasts. Always download it from the official source to avoid unofficial builds.
It’s far more customizable than Windows 11
Built to adapt to your workflow, not the other way around
One of Open Shell’s biggest strengths is how much control it gives you over how the Start menu works. You’re not locked into a single layout or design. You can choose from classic styles that mimic older versions of Windows, adjust how programs are displayed, and decide exactly what shows up when you open the menu. It’s the kind of flexibility Windows used to offer by default, now brought back and expanded.
That level of customization goes beyond just appearance. You can tweak behavior, change how search works, adjust menu speed, and fine-tune how you interact with your apps and files. Instead of adapting to a fixed interface, you can shape the Start menu around your workflow, whether that means faster access to tools, fewer clicks, or a layout that matches years of muscle memory.
The drawbacks of using Open Shell
Powerful, but not as simple or seamless as Windows’ default
Open Shell isn’t perfect, and it’s not going to appeal to everyone. The biggest drawback is that it can look a bit dated out of the box, especially compared to Windows 11’s more modern design. It also takes some time to set up. The level of customization is a strength, but it can be overwhelming if you’re just looking for a simple, plug-and-play fix. And because it’s not a native part of Windows, there’s always a small chance that major updates could cause the app to break or misbehave.
That said, there’s very little risk in trying it. Open Shell doesn’t make permanent changes to core system files, so if it’s not a good fit, you can disable it or uninstall it just like any other app and immediately return to the default Start menu. For most users, that makes it an easy tool to experiment with without committing to anything long-term.
You don’t have to accept the default
Windows 11’s Start menu isn’t likely to return to what it once was, and for some users, that’s fine. But for anyone who values speed, control, and a layout that actually matches how they work, tools like Open Shell offer a practical alternative. It doesn’t just tweak the experience. It gives you a way to reshape it.
Stephan is the sports journalist for the Maple Grove Report.
