Best ExplorerPatcher Alternatives in 2025

Looking for alternatives to ExplorerPatcher? In this comparison, we take a closer look at ExplorerPatcher alongside similar software solutions including ExplorerPatcher, Classic Shell, WinAeroTweaker, PowerToys, FreeCommander XE, StartIsBack, Stardock Start8, Nero TuneItUp, Open-Shell, WashAndGo and LicenseCrawler.

Our detailed comparison table highlights key features, pricing, and performance of these leading solutions, empowering you to make an informed decision. Whether you're seeking robust functionality, user-friendly design, or cost-effective alternatives, explore how ExplorerPatcher, Classic Shell, WinAeroTweaker, PowerToys, FreeCommander XE, StartIsBack, Stardock Start8, Nero TuneItUp, Open-Shell, WashAndGo and LicenseCrawler stack up to find the perfect software for your goals.

Supported Windows Versions

ExplorerPatcher
ExplorerPatcher
Supports Windows 7, 8, and 10 (32 and 64-bit).
Classic Shell
Classic Shell
Supports Windows 8, 8.1, and 10.
WinAeroTweaker
WinAeroTweaker
Supports all Windows versions.
PowerToys
PowerToys
Supports Windows 10 and later.
FreeCommander XE
FreeCommander XE
Supports Windows Vista, 7, 8, and 10 (32 and 64-bit).
StartIsBack
StartIsBack
Supports Windows 8.1 and 10.
Stardock Start8
Stardock Start8
Supports Windows 8 and 8.1.
Nero TuneItUp
Nero TuneItUp
Supports Windows 7 SP1 Home Premium, 8, and 10 Home/Pro (32/64 bit).
Open-Shell
Open-Shell
Supports Windows 8, 8.1, and 10.
WashAndGo
WashAndGo
Supports Windows 7, 8, and 10 (32 and 64-bit).
LicenseCrawler
LicenseCrawler
Supports Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10.

Primary Functionality

ExplorerPatcher
ExplorerPatcher
Customization of Windows Explorer interface with advanced options.
Classic Shell
Classic Shell
Customizable classic style Start menu and file explorer enhancements.
WinAeroTweaker
WinAeroTweaker
Tweaks various system and UI settings in Windows.
PowerToys
PowerToys
Provides a set of advanced utilities enhancing Windows productivity.
FreeCommander XE
FreeCommander XE
Advanced file management with dual-panel interface and extensive features.
StartIsBack
StartIsBack
Restores a classic customizable Start menu for Windows.
Stardock Start8
Stardock Start8
Replaces Windows Start menu with a familiar Windows interface.
Nero TuneItUp
Nero TuneItUp
System optimization and maintenance tool with driver updater.
Open-Shell
Open-Shell
Customizable classic style Start menu as a continuation of Classic Shell.
WashAndGo
WashAndGo
System cleaning for junk files, registry entries, duplicates, and disk management.
LicenseCrawler
LicenseCrawler
Utility for retrieving software license keys from registry across multiple computers.

Cost Model

ExplorerPatcher
ExplorerPatcher
Freeware application.
Classic Shell
Classic Shell
Free software (discontinued but available).
WinAeroTweaker
WinAeroTweaker
Free utility software (open-source) with paid version available.
PowerToys
PowerToys
Free open-source software provided by Microsoft.
FreeCommander XE
FreeCommander XE
Freeware for personal and commercial use (paid versions exist).
StartIsBack
StartIsBack
Paid software with a 30-day trial period available.
Stardock Start8
Stardock Start8
Paid software with single-user license.
Nero TuneItUp
Nero TuneItUp
Paid software tool with free limited version available.
Open-Shell
Open-Shell
Free open-source software forked from Classic Shell.
WashAndGo
WashAndGo
Paid system cleaning software with different pricing plans; free limited version available.
LicenseCrawler
LicenseCrawler
Freeware utility software.

Choosing the right software isn’t just about features. Size, license type, user ratings, and popularity also matter.

This quick comparison shows how ExplorerPatcher stacks up against ExplorerPatcher, Classic Shell, WinAeroTweaker, PowerToys, FreeCommander XE, StartIsBack, Stardock Start8, Nero TuneItUp, Open-Shell, WashAndGo and LicenseCrawler in these key areas—helping you find the best alternative for your needs.