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Open-Shell vs Cairo Desktop: catalog facts
Open-Shell	Cairo Desktop
Free Free and open source under the MIT licence.	Free Free and open source.
Windows	Windows
A classic hierarchical Start menu on Windows 7 through 11, in several styles Explorer toolbar and a status bar showing file size and free disk space	Full replacement for the Windows taskbar and shell Customizable interface
On Windows for ARM, installing a version before 4.4.196 locks you out of your account after reboot Windows only	Windows only Replacing the shell can conflict with how Windows expects to behave
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License: MIT	License not stated
No account needed	No account needed
Works offline	Works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 21, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 24, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.