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

Supported Windows Versions

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

Primary Functionality

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

Cost Model

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

	Size	License	Popularity
ExplorerPatcher	2.4MB	Commercial	0%
Classic Shell		Freeware	65%
WinAeroTweaker		Freeware	12%
PowerToys	257.5MB	Open Source	98%
FreeCommander XE		Freeware	70%
StartIsBack		Freeware	16%
Stardock Start8	10.4MB	Commercial	29%
Nero TuneItUp		Freeware	66%
Open-Shell	7.9MB	Open Source	54%
WashAndGo	2.1MB	Commercial	100%
LicenseCrawler	1.3MB	Freeware	16%

Size

ExplorerPatcher	2.4MB
Classic Shell
WinAeroTweaker
PowerToys	257.5MB
FreeCommander XE
StartIsBack
Stardock Start8	10.4MB
Nero TuneItUp
Open-Shell	7.9MB
WashAndGo	2.1MB
LicenseCrawler	1.3MB

License

ExplorerPatcher	Commercial
Classic Shell	Freeware
WinAeroTweaker	Freeware
PowerToys	Open Source
FreeCommander XE	Freeware
StartIsBack	Freeware
Stardock Start8	Commercial
Nero TuneItUp	Freeware
Open-Shell	Open Source
WashAndGo	Commercial
LicenseCrawler	Freeware

Rating

ExplorerPatcher
Classic Shell
WinAeroTweaker
PowerToys
FreeCommander XE
StartIsBack
Stardock Start8
Nero TuneItUp
Open-Shell
WashAndGo
LicenseCrawler

Popularity

ExplorerPatcher	0%
Classic Shell	65%
WinAeroTweaker	12%
PowerToys	98%
FreeCommander XE	70%
StartIsBack	16%
Stardock Start8	29%
Nero TuneItUp	66%
Open-Shell	54%
WashAndGo	100%
LicenseCrawler	16%