Start Menu WARS! Open-Shell VS Start11 VS StartAllBack - The Best Windows Start Menu Replacement is?

Whokeys 25% code：TS25
#whokeys #windows11

-----------------------------

The #windows start menu has shifted. It used to be a tool for you to organize your system. Now, it's still that, but it's also a way for MS to force their garbage into your computer. However, there are some great ways to take back control of your start menu.

We are going to look at the three big start menu replacements: #open-shell, #shart11, and #startallback. Check out the video and let me know which one you like best?

TOC:
Intro: 00:00
Open-Shell: 02:50
StartAllBack: 06:46
Start11: 11:03
Explorer Patcher: 14:15
Which is Best? 14:35
What if You Break Something? 16:16

As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases... even though Amazon is ugly.

[DeadPixel]

0:21 Sorry to rant here, but I'm actually really fed up with this trend that countless companies have been following the last several years: companies deciding that they're going to just flat-out ignore what the customer wants and instead will DECIDE for the customer. No longer does a business have the attitude of: "What are customers demanding? What do they want? Okay, let's give that to them." Now it's just: "Nah, you guys don't know what you want. We're gonna give you this instead. Yeah, we know you didn't ask for that and most of you actually hate this. But this is what you're getting. You're gonna like it, don't worry about it."
Countless companies are like this now and it really needs to end. End rant. I apologize.

[ceed]

I'm partial to Open Shell. Started with Classic Shell years ago. then when the developer of Classic turned it over to the new team and they rebranded it as Open Shell I stayed with it. The main reason I have stuck with Open Shell is that I can save a current setup as am XML file and load it to another computer and be up and running in seconds. That comes in extremely handy when you support as many Non Prophets as I do (as a volunteer) and have older volunteers that can't figure out the Fisher Price Start MS ships with 8, 10, or 11. Greatly reduces the amount of support calls., plus it's free.

[Vicorcivius]

I still remember when I was told that it was the linux users that were the masochists. Oh how the times have changed.

[UltraCenterHQ]

Openshell really looks like it hasn't had an update since I first tried it.
While Start11 and StartAllBack are focusing on two different things. 11 focuses on the start menu designs, while AllBack focuses more on the consistency and function

[feralshadw]

I finally upgraded to windows 11 over the weekend and while I can do all my work stuff, the interface is so inefficient and slow to navigate... this video has saved my sanity!

[Dr-CthulhuOfRlyeh]

I have been using Startback10 (The Windows 10 version of Startallback) for a few years now. I got my daughter Startallback for her laptop.
I always forget I even use it and when I go to a vanilla Windows 10 or 11 install I always have my mind blown thinking that's what the majority of people use. When I do finally upgrade my Windows (probably when 12 comes out) I'll look into any upgrades to Open-Shell. I love customization and I wish Windows would just copy KDE Plasma already.

[DrTucker]

Using classic shell/Open shell since windows 8 and never looked back. 😊

[dieglhix]

I use Startallback in my Win11 laptop and classic shell in my Win10 gaming rig. Why Microsoft hates its users? Everyone agrees Win7 was the best UI. I understand why people hate Windows, because of the start menu. But it's a simple fix

[Ryftrr]

I personally use StartAllBack, in fact I switched from OpenShell (which I started using as Classic Shell back at the dawn of Microsoft's inaugural dumpster fire UX shift that came with the dreaded Windows 8)

OpenShell is also very very nice but I prefer StartAllBack's GUI and the way it fixes Explorer and the Taskbar instead- the "segmented" taskbar is one of my favorite options, in fact I was doing something similar with my DE's taskbar on Linux before I learned of StartAllBack from a TekSyndicate video several years ago.

Thanks for doing these vids, this is the holy grail of Windows PC videos for IT gods and power users

[PatrickMcMahon]

The first thing i do with a fresh install is set the start menu back to the left. I hate the new default center mode.

[maamold]

So glad I found Start11. Great program and gave me my Win10 start menu back. Although I have to admit the old Windows XP start menu and fill out menu's gave me a nostalgic twinkle in my eye.

[Boaxiho]

throwback - cool you’re still out here man 🎉❤

[Trevor_Bennett]

Been using Classic Start Menu since Windows 8 was released. Will keep installing it on every new Windows they release. I cannot stand the "updated" start menu.

[multiversehacking]

I might be in a minority, but the deal-breaker in W11 vs W10 for me, was that I put my taskbar on the right. It's much more efficient to go back and forth from side to top (for Windows task bar to app menus) vs. bottom to top. I think StartAllBack is the only one that offers this side taskbar, but could be wrong.

[ryanbartlett]

I watch a lot of You Tube. Over time you can sense plain speakers vs. Company men. Thanks. Your quote on the start button as another method for companies to push their message is spot on.

[TommyCrosby]

I use Startallback. It does a bit of everything without being too much, and while it costs money, it doesn't have a DRM like Stardock to limit the amount of active installs.

[abellius]

Very nice video to see how all 3 generally work and look. Thanks!

[Atem_S.]

Open shell for the win! Been using since I left W7 and never looking back! Using during W8 now W10 and also when moving to the next Windows.

[jerichothegrey]

Are you.. by chance... running this on a mini pc?

[sjoblin]

Very much enjoyed your video! Concise and quick paced! I like how you netted it out in the end.... Try StartAllBack first... if you don't like it, then try using both Open-Shell in conjunction with Start11. Nicely stated! Just the advise I was looking for!