Overview

ExplorerPatcher focuses on changing the working environment rather than adding a separate desktop. Its practical appeal is that taskbar, Start menu and window-switcher choices are configurable after installation. But those choices are not universal: Windows version and build can determine which options work, and the release notes say the Windows 10 Start menu option was removed on some newer builds that lack required system components.

Installation deserves care. The project names its GitHub repository as the only official distribution channel and warns that downloads elsewhere may contain malware. It also advises turning off Smart App Control before installation and warns that SentinelOne may prevent uninstallation. Those cautions make this a better fit for users comfortable checking compatibility and weighing system-level risks than for anyone seeking a casual, low-friction customization.

Key features

Taskbar controls: Users can choose the Windows 10 taskbar style and adjust taskbar positioning, sizing, app grouping and multi-monitor behavior. That range makes ExplorerPatcher relevant to people whose main goal is reshaping how the taskbar works across one or more displays.
Start menu and Alt+Tab: It offers a Windows 10 Start menu style where supported, plus a configurable Windows 10 Alt+Tab window switcher. The Start menu limitation matters: users on newer builds may not have the required system components, so this should not be the deciding feature without checking build compatibility.
Built-in updates: Updates can be configured, checked for and installed through the program’s Properties interface, keeping update management within the utility.
Processor-specific installers: Setup programs are provided for Intel or AMD processors and for Snapdragon processors, covering those processor families.

Pricing

ExplorerPatcher is free: its ExplorerPatcher plan costs 0.00 USD per free on Windows. There is no paid tier or trial to weigh against a limited free version; the plan includes the utility’s listed taskbar positioning, app grouping, multi-monitor and sizing controls. The trade-off is compatibility rather than a feature-gated subscription: some features may be unavailable on some Windows versions.

Platforms

ExplorerPatcher is for Windows. Its project lists tested Windows OS builds and cautions that feature availability varies across versions, so confirm that your build is among those supported before relying on a particular adjustment. The project invites users who need support to join its Discord server. Its repository lists a GPL-2.0 license.

Who it's for

Choose ExplorerPatcher if you want Windows 10-style taskbar or Alt+Tab behavior, need taskbar controls such as grouping or multi-monitor support, and are prepared to verify build compatibility and follow the installation cautions. Look elsewhere if you need a guaranteed Windows 10 Start menu on a newer build or prefer not to change installation security settings.

Pros and cons

Pro: A free plan combines several taskbar adjustments with Windows 10-style taskbar and window-switcher options, giving customization-focused Windows users multiple controls in one utility.
Pro: Built-in update controls let users check for and install updates from the Properties interface.
Con: Some options depend on Windows build, and the Windows 10 Start menu has been removed on some newer builds lacking required components.
Con: Smart App Control and SentinelOne cautions make installation and removal a more consequential choice than ordinary preference-setting.

Alternatives

For narrower taskbar-focused choices, compare Taskbar Customization Software and Start Menu Customization Software. Among individual tools, 7+ Taskbar Tweaker is another free Windows taskbar utility. YASB Reborn is a free, open-source option for Windows 10 and 11, while TaskbarX offers a free portable ZIP with the same features as its Microsoft Store version.

RetroBar is worth considering if your Windows version is 7 SP1, 8.1, 10 or 11. RainbowTaskbar is another free, open-source Windows taskbar customization option. For a dock rather than ExplorerPatcher’s interface adjustments, Winstep Nexus Dock has a free personal-use plan and paid business and Ultimate plans. Taskbar Groups is a free MIT-licensed Windows utility; MonitorDock is a free GPL-3.0 option for 64-bit Windows 10 and 11.

Verdict

ExplorerPatcher is a strong fit for Windows users who want several taskbar adjustments and Windows 10-style interface options without paying. Its breadth is the reason to choose it; build-dependent features and the installation cautions are the reasons to look elsewhere if you need predictable compatibility or a lower-risk setup.

	ExplorerPatcher	Starling
Free plan	Yes	No
Free trial	No	No
Paid from	Free	—
Open source	No	No
Platforms	Windows	Linux, Windows
Free plan	Yes	—
Supported Windows	—	both
Replacement mode	—	shell_replacement
Custom search	—	No

ExplorerPatcher vs Starling

ExplorerPatcher

Starling