Windows™ shell refers to the graphical user interface (GUI) program that displays the Windows desktop, its icons, the system tray, and the taskbar. The Windows shell acts as the face that Windows presents to the user, making programs and files accessible through a landscape of point-and-click icons, pop-up menus, and toolbars. It may be news to learn that the Windows shell can be replaced by a third-party shell that can be used to radically customize the desktop and its elements, drastically changing the appearance of Windows.
Woman doing handstand with a computer
Since Windows 95, Microsoft™ uses explorer.exe as the Windows shell program. This program is also known as Windows Explorer™, as opposed to Internet Explorer, a web browser used to browse the Internet. Some readers may be familiar with Windows Explorer as the program used to open Windows’ resident file manager, not knowing that it also functions as the Windows shell.
Explorer starts with Windows automatically, but can be exited by using control + alt + delete to open Task Manager. Look for “explorer.exe” in running processes and end the task to remove the desktop and all of its items (something you probably don’t want to do if you don’t have a replacement shell). You can start the Windows shell again by clicking the Applications tab in Task Manager and then clicking the New Task button. Type “explorer.exe” in the field and click OK. Your desktop will reappear.
A third-party shell replaces the Windows shell, giving you a world of options to customize your desktop. Many third party shells are closed source programs, meaning their source code is not available for public scrutiny. Some of them include Desktop3D, Talisman Desktop, Aston Shell, and SphereXP. Open source third-party shells are also available and include options like Emerge Desktop, Geo Shell, LiteStep, bbLean, and BB4Win, among others.
There’s no need to replace the Windows shell, but users who like to customize their computers will probably enjoy taking a tour of some alternative shells. Before deciding on a replacement shell, check out the screenshots of the shell launch site. A good shell should have the customization features you want without overloading and cleanly uninstalling. Some programs are designed to overlay Explorer rather than replace the Windows shell, and many shell programs are free.
