The Windows shell is the GUI program that displays the desktop, icons, system tray, and taskbar. It can be replaced with third-party shells for desktop customization. Explorer.exe is the default Windows shell program, but third-party options include closed-source and open-source programs. Customization enthusiasts should research before choosing a replacement shell.
The Windows shell refers to the graphical user interface (GUI) program that displays the Windows desktop, its icons, system tray, and taskbar. The Windows shell acts as the face Windows presents to you, making programs and files accessible through a landscape of icons, pop-up menus, and point-and-click toolbars. It might be news to know that the Windows shell can be replaced with a third-party shell that can be used to radically customize the desktop and its elements, drastically changing the look of Windows.
Since Windows 95, Microsoft has used explorer.exe as the Windows shell program. This program is also known as Windows Explorer, which is different from Internet Explorer, a web browser used to browse the Internet. Some readers may be familiar with Windows Explorer as the program used to bring up the file manager as resident in Windows, unaware that it also functions as a Windows shell.
Explorer starts automatically with Windows, but can be closed using control + alt + delete to bring up the Task Manager. Find “explorer.exe” within running processes and finish the task to remove the desktop and all its elements (which you probably don’t want to do if you don’t have a replacement shell). You can start the Windows Shell Backup by clicking the Applications tab in Task Manager, then clicking the New Task button. Enter “explorer.exe” in the field and click OK. Your desktop will reappear.
A third-party shell takes the place of the Windows shell, providing a world of desktop customization options. Several third-party shells are closed-source programs, meaning their source code is not available for public scrutiny. Some of these include Desktop3D, Talisman Desktop, Aston Shell and SphereXP. Open source third-party shells are also available and include choices like Emerge Desktop, Geo Shell, LiteStep, bbLean, and BB4Win, among others.
A replacement Windows shell isn’t necessary, but tweakers who enjoy customizing their computers will probably enjoy giving a few alternative shells a pass. Before deciding on a replacement shell, check out the screenshots from the shell’s main website. A good shell should have the customization features you want without bloat and uninstall cleanly. Some programs are designed to overlay Explorer rather than replace the Windows shell, and many shell programs are free.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
