Rainmeter allows you to display customizable skins on your desktop, from hardware usage meters to fully functional audio visualizers.
Best ExplorerPatcher Alternatives ranked by AI · updated Aug 2026
ExplorerPatcher is a free utility that restores and modifies Windows taskbar, Start menu, and Explorer behaviors. It is intended for advanced Windows users who want granular control over the modern shell.
Top 6 ExplorerPatcher alternatives
Start Menu X is a replacement of the system menu for professionals.
Free version available, Pro version at $19.99
StartIsBack is a popular Start Menu replacement for Windows 8 and 10, bringing back the familiar Windows 7-style Start Menu.
Power8 is an open-source Start menu replacement created for Windows 8 users who want a traditional desktop launcher. It provides searchable programs,...
Pros
- Free and open source unlike most polished commercial replacements
- Restores a traditional Start menu on Windows 8
- Includes program search and direct access to common system locations
Cons
- Development and compatibility are much more limited than newer replacements
- Designed primarily for Windows 8 rather than current Windows versions
- Fewer customization options than Start11 or StartAllBack
SharpEnviro is an open-source Windows shell replacement that provides an alternative desktop, taskbar, menu, and file-management environment. It is aimed at users...
Pros
- Replaces more of the Windows shell than utilities such as Open-Shell
- Open-source and free to use
- Offers configurable desktop, menus, taskbar, and shell components
Cons
- No longer actively maintained and lacks support for modern Windows features
- Older interface and compatibility limitations compared with Cairo Desktop
- More difficult to install and troubleshoot than partial shell customizers
Open Shell is a software that brings classic Start Menu back to Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10.
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