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Guide to Using Open-Shell - Sneakyone - 09-10-2024
Guide to Using Open-Shell
**Open-Shell** (formerly known as Classic Shell) is a customizable start menu replacement for Windows that allows you to bring back the classic Start menu styles from Windows XP, Vista, and 7. It provides a wide range of features to customize your Start menu, taskbar, and other aspects of your Windows interface. This guide will walk you through downloading, installing, and using Open-Shell to enhance your Windows experience.
Step 1: Download Open-Shell
To begin, you need to download Open-Shell from the official GitHub repository.
Steps to Download Open-Shell:
1. Open your web browser and visit the official Open-Shell GitHub page: Open-Shell GitHub Page.
2. Scroll down to the `Releases` section and download the latest version of Open-Shell.
3. Once the download is complete, navigate to your `Downloads` folder and locate the installer file (`OpenShellSetup_x.x.x.exe`).
Step 2: Install Open-Shell
After downloading, you can proceed to install Open-Shell on your system.
Steps to Install Open-Shell:
1. Double-click the `OpenShellSetup_x.x.x.exe` installer file to launch the setup wizard.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
3. Once the installation is complete, Open-Shell will automatically replace your Windows Start menu with a more customizable one.
Step 3: Choose Your Start Menu Style
Open-Shell allows you to choose from different Start menu styles, such as Classic, Classic with two columns, and Windows 7 style.
Steps to Choose Your Start Menu Style:
1. Right-click the Start button and select `Settings` to open the Open-Shell settings window.
2. Under the `Start Menu Style` tab, choose your preferred style:
- **Classic style** (single-column layout similar to Windows XP).
- **Classic with two columns** (more detailed version with two columns).
- **Windows 7 style** (modern Start menu layout similar to Windows 7).
3. Click `OK` to apply the selected Start menu style.
Step 4: Customize the Start Menu Appearance
Open-Shell allows you to customize the appearance of the Start menu, including changing the skin, adjusting icon size, and customizing fonts.
Steps to Customize the Start Menu Appearance:
1. In the Open-Shell settings window, go to the `Skin` tab.
2. Choose from a variety of skins, such as `Classic Skin`, `Windows XP Luna`, or `Metro Skin`.
3. Customize the icon size and spacing by adjusting the `Icon Size` slider in the `Basic Settings` tab.
4. Modify the font size and style by clicking the `Customize Font` button under the `Menu Look` section.
5. Click `OK` to save your changes and apply the new appearance.
Step 5: Add or Remove Start Menu Items
Open-Shell allows you to add, remove, or rearrange items in the Start menu for easy access to frequently used applications and folders.
Steps to Add or Remove Start Menu Items:
1. In the Open-Shell settings window, go to the `Customize Start Menu` tab.
2. Use the list of available Start menu items on the left to add new items.
- Drag items from the `Available Commands` list to the Start menu layout on the right.
- You can add shortcuts to programs, folders, and system features like `Control Panel` or `This PC`.
3. To remove an item, select it from the Start menu layout on the right and click `Delete Item`.
4. Click `OK` to apply the changes.
Step 6: Customize the Taskbar
Open-Shell also allows you to tweak the appearance and behavior of the Windows taskbar.
Steps to Customize the Taskbar:
1. Open the Open-Shell settings window and click the `Taskbar` tab.
2. Enable taskbar transparency by checking the `Enable Taskbar Transparency` option.
3. Adjust the transparency level using the slider.
4. You can also customize the taskbar color, including changing it based on the active window color, by enabling the `Taskbar Color` option.
5. Click `OK` to save your taskbar customization settings.
Step 7: Use the Search Box for Fast Access
Open-Shell includes a powerful search box that allows you to quickly find and launch applications, files, and system settings.
Steps to Use the Search Box:
1. Click on the Start button to open the Open-Shell Start menu.
2. Start typing the name of the application, file, or setting you want to find.
3. Open-Shell will display results in real-time, and you can click on the result to open it immediately.
Step 8: Backup and Restore Open-Shell Settings
Open-Shell allows you to backup your settings, which is useful if you want to transfer your configuration to another PC or save it for future use.
Steps to Backup and Restore Settings:
1. In the Open-Shell settings window, click the `Backup` button in the lower-left corner.
2. Select `Backup Settings` and choose a location to save the configuration file.
3. To restore settings, click `Backup` again and select `Restore Settings`. Browse to the previously saved file and click `Open`.
Step 9: Update Open-Shell
Open-Shell is updated regularly with new features and bug fixes. You can manually check for updates or download the latest version from GitHub.
Steps to Update Open-Shell:
1. Visit the Open-Shell GitHub page: Open-Shell GitHub Page.
2. Download the latest release from the `Releases` section.
3. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to update Open-Shell.
Step 10: Uninstall Open-Shell (Optional)
If you decide to stop using Open-Shell, you can easily uninstall it from your system.
Steps to Uninstall Open-Shell:
1. Open the Start menu and search for `Add or Remove Programs`.
2. Scroll down to find `Open-Shell` in the list of installed programs.
3. Click `Uninstall` and follow the prompts to remove it from your system.
4. The Windows default Start menu will return once Open-Shell is uninstalled.
Conclusion
Open-Shell is a powerful tool for customizing the Start menu, taskbar, and other features of Windows. It brings back the familiar styles of earlier Windows versions while offering modern functionality and customization options. By following this guide, you can install, configure, and make the most of Open-Shell to create a tailored Windows experience that suits your workflow and preferences.