Gives you access to tools removed from newer versions of Windows.
As Windows continues to develop and release newer versions like Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8, Microsoft was bound to cut off some programs and stop including them with the default Windows installation. The developers who created the freeware application Classic Shell have put together a set of tools in order to allow Windows owners to continue to use older sets of tools they've gotten used to.
Classic Tools includes a bunch of things which have been removed, but the most important to mention are some of the re-additions to the Windows Explorer including shell menus to Goto parent directory, Copy/Paste/Delete buttons and others which may be added. Some of the UIs which were changed in Windows Vista are now also accessible again in newer versions of Windows so that you're able to maintain Windows XP functionality. One of our favourites was the replacement of the new Windows Explorer breadcrumb with something a little more simple from older versions of Windows.
Another interesting thing to mention is that Classic Tools allows users to replace the new Windows Vista/Windows 7 Start Menu with the classic one you'll remember from Windows XP, or if you're so inclined, go back to an even older Start Menu from Windows 95 or Windows 98.
Classic Tools also offers the ability to revert your Control Panel, Favorites, Show Recent Documents and more. The Sourceforce page of Classic Tools offers a few add-ons such as themed Start Menus submitted by users at Deviantart.
Features of Classic Shell
- Compatibility: Open source, Windows versions.
- Customization: Skins, themes, layouts.
- Customization: Toolbars, menus, context menus.
- Features: Tooltips, themes, file management.
- File Explorer: Add-ons, toolbar, navigation pane.
- Maintenance: Uninstaller, registry cleaner, defrag.
- Navigation: Keyboard, mouse, hotkeys.
- Navigation: Tabbed browsing, folder trees.
- Performance: Fast loading, low resource usage.
- Search: Folders, libraries, indexed locations.
- Security: UAC, taskbar groups, auto-logon.
- Start Menu: Classic mode, search box, skinning.
- Support: Documentation, user forums, video tutorials.
- Tools: Screen capture, media player, calculator.
- Visuals: Aero effects, animations.
Compatibility and License
Classic Shell is released under the MIT License for the Windows operating system from desktop enhancement software. This means you can download, install, run and share the program freely without any restrictions. The source code is also open which means anybody can freely modify this software.
Gaurav Kale accepts donations for the continued development of this free software.
Is Classic Shell for Windows 10 or Windows 11?
Yes. It can run on a PC with Windows 11 or Windows 10. Previous versions of the OS shouldn't be a problem with Windows 8 and Windows 7 having been tested. It comes in both 32-bit and 64-bit downloads.
Filed under:
- Classic Shell Download
- Free Desktop Enhancement Software
- Open source and GPL software
- Windows 8 Menu Starting Software
- Software for Windows 11
