Windows shell replacement

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In Windows 95 and later versions of Microsoft Windows, the Windows shell is by default explorer.exe (in the Windows folder or one of its subfolders, System32) which displays the icons on the desktop, the taskbar, the Start menu and the file browser. By default, explorer.exe runs automatically when Windows starts. Mostly the shell simply launches other programs on request.

Computer users with the desire can modify explorer.exe extensively. It is also possible to completely replace explorer.exe with another shell.^{[citation needed]} Such a desktop shell replacement provides an alternative to the standard Windows shell. Alternatives such as those below can replace visual elements and windowing layout on a Microsoft Windows-based system. Many of these also provide more options for customization, or use fewer resources. The two most advanced and popular are Emerge Desktop and SharpE.

Former versions of Windows relied on different default shells, which could also be replaced. In particular, this was a fairly common software enhancement in the days of Windows 3.x, due to the limitations of its default shell, Program Manager (progman.exe).

List of Windows shells

Open Source

• bbLean
• Calmira (for Windows 3.1x)
• Emerge Desktop
• GeoShell
• GreenGnome
• KDE (Project KDE on Windows)
• LDE(X)
• LiteStep
• SharpE (now SharpEnviro)

Proprietary

• Aston
• BumpTop
• Packard Bell Navigator
• Program Manager
• Secure Desktop
• Talisman Desktop
• TabWorks
• Wayfarer

See also

• Windows Shell
• Shell (computing)

References