We've previously explored different methods to install OpenShell on Windows 11 even without official compatibility, but that's all behind us now. With its new build 4.4.191, this Start menu replacement joins Windows 11 without sacrificing customization options, and it doesn't require advanced hacks for the Start button or taskbar.
We can't say much more about the Windows 11 Start menu: its rigidity, its regressions, and the general lack of customization options. From every point of view, Redmond's new design is a serious step backward, and the most effective strategy for many users is to replace it completely. Commercial projects like StartIsBack/StartAllBack or Start11 do an excellent job, and ExplorerPatcher essentially restores the Windows 10 taskbar... but now it's OpenShell's turn.
How to replace the Start menu in Windows 11 with OpenShell
On July 24, its official GitHub profile released stable version 4.4.190, which finally includes official support under Windows 11. Three weeks later, build 4.4.191 appeared with patches for some bugs, and we decided to download a copy. The experience is exactly the same as always, with three general designs (classic, classic with two columns, and Windows 7), and more than half a dozen skins. The ability to replace the Start button hasn't gone anywhere, however, it's very important that OpenShell works correctly with the original Windows 11 button.
When you enable the Show all settings option, OpenShell becomes a true festival of customization. We can add and remove items as we like, change their position, turn links into menus (and vice versa), modify colors and transparencies, adjust the behavior of our clicks, enable animations, and many other things that the standard Start menu forbids us.
As always, OpenShell's memory usage is minimal, and we haven't found any compatibility conflicts in the latest Windows 11 22H2 build. To conclude, I must admit I'm relieved: Microsoft has no legitimate interest in enabling advanced customization of the Start menu, and OpenShell simply responds to that demand with stable, free, open-source software.
Official website and download: Click here
