Alternatives · Utilities
Windhawk alternatives
As of Nov 13, 2026, the highest-graded Windhawk alternative is Open-Shell (3.0 GPA). It's also the best free one.
Windhawk compared with 4 alternatives: Microsoft PowerToys, Open-Shell, StartAllBack and AutoHotkey.
Windhawk is free to use. 3 of the 4 alternatives are free or have a free plan. One more offers a free trial.
Listings checked up to Nov 13, 2026 · Where the facts come from
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| WindhawkThis tool | Free | Free | Windows |
| Microsoft PowerToys | Free | Free | Windows |
| Open-Shell | Free | Free | Windows |
| StartAllBack | Free trial · from $4.99 one-time | Trial only | Windows |
| AutoHotkey | Free | Free | Windows |
Price against what you get
Windhawk has no paid plan and scores 2.0 out of 4 on features, ease of use and platforms. None of the 2 alternatives on this chart both scores higher and starts lower.
Open-Shell scores higher without starting lower.
Features, ease of use and platforms, averaged
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
- The best score at each price
- Has a free plan
- No free plan
How each one differs from Windhawk
Microsoft PowerToys
Free Microsoft utilities for customizing Windows 10 and 11
- Microsoft PowerToys is free.
- Microsoft PowerToys also covers launcher, file management and keyboard and mouse remapping.
Suits: Windows users who want window layouts, a launcher and key remapping from one free install
Open-Shell
Free classic-style Start menu and Explorer tweaks for Windows
- Open-Shell is free.
- Open-Shell also covers launcher.
- Open-Shell does not cover window management, which Windhawk does.
Suits: Windows users who prefer the older Start menu layout
StartAllBack
Windows 11 taskbar, Start menu and Explorer restyling tool
- StartAllBack starts at $4.99 one-time for a personal license.
- StartAllBack has no free plan, only a free trial, unlike Windhawk.
- StartAllBack can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- StartAllBack also covers menu bar app.
- StartAllBack does not cover window management, which Windhawk does.
Suits: Windows 11 users who miss the older taskbar and Start menu
AutoHotkey
Free, open-source scripting language for Windows automation
- AutoHotkey is free.
- AutoHotkey also covers workflow automation, text expansion and keyboard and mouse remapping.
- AutoHotkey does not cover window management, which Windhawk does.
Suits: Windows users who want custom hotkeys and key remaps at no cost
Limits worth knowing in Windhawk
- Windows only; no macOS or Linux version is listed.
- Mods are written by community authors, so what a mod changes depends on its author.
- Some mods target specific Windows versions, such as the Windows 11 Start menu styler.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to Windhawk?
The alternatives to Windhawk in this directory are Microsoft PowerToys, Open-Shell, StartAllBack and AutoHotkey. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Windhawk.
Is there a free alternative to Windhawk?
Yes. Microsoft PowerToys, Open-Shell and AutoHotkey are free to use.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 5, 2026 to Nov 13, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.
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