A shell replacement is a program that will integrate with Windows and replace the default shell. The shell is a GUI interface that you use to run programs or view files, etc.

You can completely change the look and feel of the GUI by replacing the Windows shell. This usually includes more control and customization options than what is available in Windows.

A lot of shells end up using less resources than the default shell. There used to be a lot of different shell replacement programs out there, but for whatever reason, almost all have stalled development.

Instead, it seems nowadays there are more desktop customization utilities than shell replacements. I’ll also mention some of the most popular programs for customizing the Windows 10 GUI. Some popular desktop customization utilities include: -GIMP: A free and open source image editor that can be used to make changes to the look and feel of images on a computer. -Cura: A free and open source software suite for 3D printing, CAD, and other industrial applications. -SFX Customizer: A program that allows users to customize sounds in Windows 10. ..

Active Shells:

  1. Bash: Bash is a versatile and popular shell that can be used to run commands on your computer. It is easy to uninstall, and it is a good replacement for Windows’ default shell, Windows PowerShell.
  2. Zsh: Zsh is another popular shell that can be used to run commands on your computer. It is easy to uninstall, and it is a good replacement for Windows’ default shell, Windows PowerShell.
  3. Ubuntu Bash: Ubuntu Bash is a Debian-basedshell that can be used to run commands on your computer. It has been ported to many different languages, and it can be used as a replacement for Windows’ default shell, Windows PowerShell. Stalled Shells:
  4. cmd: cmd is a command line tool that was once the standard tool for managing your computer’s tasks. However, its popularity has waned in recent years, and it no longer ranks as the best replacement for Windows’ default shell, Windows PowerShell. cmd may still be useful if you need it occasionally but don’t want to use the full range of features ofWindows PowerShell.

CarioShell (active)

CarioShell is the fastest, most modern looking and active Windows shell alternative. It allows you to access your files and programs faster from the desktop. ..

Windows 10’s desktop look is a little more like the Mac OS X desktop. It’s not highly customizable, but it does give your desktop a unique look.

Classic Shell (stalled)

After 8 long years of development, the classic shell, Shell, has come to an end. The developer has decided to stop working on it and leave it for someone else to take up. It is definitely a good shell replacement and would be a great addition to any computer. ..

The Windows 10 Anniversary Update includes a new feature called “Windows 10 Anniversary Mode.” This mode allows you to change the look and feel of your Windows 10 computer by using a few simple steps.

Emerge Desktop (stalled)

Emerge Desktop was a popular Windows replacement shell that stopped developing in 2015. It replaces Windows Explorer, the taskbar, the start button, and pretty much everything else.

Sharpenviro (stalled)

Sharpenviro is a good shell alternative for Windows XP, Vista and 7. It includes customizable toolbars and real-time information like monitoring CPU. ..

You can customize pretty much everything with a shell replacement program like Sharpenviro. It also supports multiple monitors, which is essential nowadays since a lot of people have more than one monitor. You can also create virtual desktops to manage your desktop windows.

LiteStep (stalled)

LiteStep is a lightweight replacement for your Windows PC. Just install it and then start installing themes, scripts or modules. You can customize your desktop in a multitude of ways and it’s all open source and free. ..

LiteStep is a great program for beginners who want to create simple websites or blogs. It has a lot of modules that can be used to create more complex websites or blogs.

LiteStep is a popular Windows 10 theme that has been around for a while. It’s not compatible with the latest Windows 10 release, but the themes and modules are still being updated/created by users.

Talisman Desktop (stalled)

The Dekstop commercial shell replacement is a great way to customize your desktop environment. You can create multiple levels of desktops, desktop panels, and more.

Customize your Windows 7 computer to the way you want it, using just a few simple steps.

AstonShell (stalled)

AstonShell is a shell replacement program that might be great for some people. If you like themes with Christmas or Disney characters, for example, you can use AstonShell to download and install themes with those themes. ..

AstonShell is a desktop conversion tool that is not for those who want a minimalistic or modern look. It also isn’t free, so you’ll have to cough up $30 if you want to convert your desktop into something crazy. Additionally, it hasn’t been updated in over 10 years!

bbLean (stalled)

bbLean is a minimalist desktop shell replacement program that has been around since 2009. It’s simple to use and has a lot of fans because of its minimalistic interface. However, like most programs, new themes are always being created.

Desktop Customization Tools

There are still a decent number of desktop customization tools available, even though there are few active shell replacement programs left. These tools let you change the look and feel of the desktop, taskbar, start menu, etc., just like a shell replacement. ..

Rainmeter is a popular desktop customization tool that lets you display customizable skins on your desktop. It has a very active developer community and can be used to customize your desktop in many ways.

WindowBlinds is a tool that allows users to customize their windows in a way that is unique to them. This can be helpful if you want to change the look of your windows without having to go through the hassle of changing every window in your computer.

This program lets you add custom skins to your desktop windows. You can then add backgrounds, textures and colors to the skin. You can adjust the fonts and create your own skins too.

Windows customization tools like Start10, Groupy, Fences, Tiles, etc. are popular and still being developed. ..

There are not many shell replacement or desktop customization programs available, which makes choosing one easier. If you are using a Windows shell replacement program that I haven’t mentioned here, please let us know about it in the comments. Enjoy! ..