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
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Supports Windows 7, 8, and 10 (32 and 64-bit). |
![]() Classic Shell
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Supports Windows 8, 8.1, and 10. |
![]() WinAeroTweaker
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Supports all Windows versions. |
![]() PowerToys
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Supports Windows 10 and later. |
![]() FreeCommander XE
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Supports Windows Vista, 7, 8, and 10 (32 and 64-bit). |
![]() StartIsBack
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Supports Windows 8.1 and 10. |
![]() Stardock Start8
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Supports Windows 8 and 8.1. |
![]() Nero TuneItUp
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Supports Windows 7 SP1 Home Premium, 8, and 10 Home/Pro (32/64 bit). |
![]() Open-Shell
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Supports Windows 8, 8.1, and 10. |
![]() WashAndGo
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Supports Windows 7, 8, and 10 (32 and 64-bit). |
![]() LicenseCrawler
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Supports Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10. |
Primary Functionality
![]() ExplorerPatcher
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Customization of Windows Explorer interface with advanced options. |
![]() Classic Shell
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Customizable classic style Start menu and file explorer enhancements. |
![]() WinAeroTweaker
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Tweaks various system and UI settings in Windows. |
![]() PowerToys
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Provides a set of advanced utilities enhancing Windows productivity. |
![]() FreeCommander XE
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Advanced file management with dual-panel interface and extensive features. |
![]() StartIsBack
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Restores a classic customizable Start menu for Windows. |
![]() Stardock Start8
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Replaces Windows Start menu with a familiar Windows interface. |
![]() Nero TuneItUp
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System optimization and maintenance tool with driver updater. |
![]() Open-Shell
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Customizable classic style Start menu as a continuation of Classic Shell. |
![]() WashAndGo
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System cleaning for junk files, registry entries, duplicates, and disk management. |
![]() LicenseCrawler
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Utility for retrieving software license keys from registry across multiple computers. |
Cost Model
![]() ExplorerPatcher
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Freeware application. |
![]() Classic Shell
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Free software (discontinued but available). |
![]() WinAeroTweaker
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Free utility software (open-source) with paid version available. |
![]() PowerToys
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Free open-source software provided by Microsoft. |
![]() FreeCommander XE
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Freeware for personal and commercial use (paid versions exist). |
![]() StartIsBack
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Paid software with a 30-day trial period available. |
![]() Stardock Start8
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Paid software with single-user license. |
![]() Nero TuneItUp
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Paid software tool with free limited version available. |
![]() Open-Shell
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Free open-source software forked from Classic Shell. |
![]() WashAndGo
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Paid system cleaning software with different pricing plans; free limited version available. |
![]() LicenseCrawler
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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.
Size
![]() ExplorerPatcher
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2.4MB |
![]() Classic Shell
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|
![]() WinAeroTweaker
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|
![]() PowerToys
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257.5MB |
![]() FreeCommander XE
|
|
![]() StartIsBack
|
|
![]() Stardock Start8
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10.4MB |
![]() Nero TuneItUp
|
|
![]() Open-Shell
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7.9MB |
![]() WashAndGo
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2.1MB |
![]() LicenseCrawler
|
1.3MB |
License
![]() ExplorerPatcher
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Commercial |
![]() Classic Shell
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Freeware |
![]() WinAeroTweaker
|
Freeware |
![]() PowerToys
|
Open Source |
![]() FreeCommander XE
|
Freeware |
![]() StartIsBack
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Freeware |
![]() Stardock Start8
|
Commercial |
![]() Nero TuneItUp
|
Freeware |
![]() Open-Shell
|
Open Source |
![]() WashAndGo
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Commercial |
![]() LicenseCrawler
|
Freeware |