Cairo Desktop
Open-source desktop environment for Windows that replaces the standard taskbar and shell.
These buttons open the developer's own site, repository or store listing in a new tab. wares.gg does not host downloads.
1 more ways to get Cairo Desktop
Other download sites
Run by third parties, not by The Cairo Desktop contributors. Prefer the official page above when it works.
About Cairo Desktop
Cairo Desktop is a customizable desktop environment for Windows. It replaces the standard shell with its own interface, with the stated aim of a desktop that focuses on stability, performance and productivity.
The project is developed on GitHub, has a long commit history and ships with an installer and the WinSparkle updater. It suits Windows users who want a different taskbar and desktop layout from the one Microsoft provides.
Strengths
- Full replacement for the Windows taskbar and shell
- Customizable interface
- Installer with built-in updates
Limitations
- Windows only
- Replacing the shell can conflict with how Windows expects to behave
Details
- Pricing
- FreeFree and open source.
- License
- Open source, license not stated
- Developer
- The Cairo Desktop contributors
- Platforms
- Windows
- How it runs
- Downloadable app
- Account
- Not required
- Works offline
- Yes
- Best suited for
- Windows users who want an alternative taskbar and desktop shell
- Categories
- System utilities, Window tools
- Last verified
- Added
- Provenance
- Facts checked against the developer's own pages and store listings, 1 sources on file.
Alternatives to Cairo Desktop
Compare allSoftware that can replace Cairo Desktop for an important use case, and what changes if you switch.
Seelen UI
Customize the Windows desktop with replacement interface components.
Seelen UI also replaces parts of the Windows desktop with configurable panels, launching and window-management features, and is open source under AGPL-3.0.
RetroBar
A replacement Windows taskbar with classic Windows 95, 98, Me, 2000, XP or Vista styles.
RetroBar replaces only the Windows taskbar, in classic Windows 95 to Vista styles, rather than the whole shell, and remains free and open source.
StartAllBack
Customize the Windows 11 Start menu, taskbar and Explorer interface.
StartAllBack customises the existing Windows 11 Start menu, taskbar and Explorer instead of replacing the shell, but it is paid and closed source.
ExplorerPatcher
Brings the Windows 10 taskbar, Start menu and Alt+Tab back to Windows 11, along with a lot of other interface options.
ExplorerPatcher patches Explorer to restore the Windows 10 taskbar and Start menu on Windows 11, is open source under GPL-2.0, and major Windows updates can break it.
Similar software
Related functionality, not necessarily a direct replacement.
Open-Shell
The continuation of Classic Shell, bringing a classic Start menu and Explorer toolbar back to Windows 7 through 11.
Start11
Replace the Windows Start menu with customizable layouts and organization.
TranslucentTB
Makes the Windows taskbar transparent, blurred or tinted, and changes it depending on what is on screen.
7+ Taskbar Tweaker
Change grouping, clicking and other behavior of the classic Windows taskbar.
SmartTaskbar
Hide the Windows taskbar automatically when it overlaps a window.
Rainmeter
Puts customisable widgets on the Windows desktop, from hardware meters and clocks to full audio visualisers.
