Alternatives · checked Nov 8, 2026

ExplorerPatcher alternatives

Looking for something instead of ExplorerPatcher (shell mod that brings the Windows 10 taskbar back to 11)? These are the options we checked, same kind first, with what each does best and where it stumbles.

The options at a glance

Doca

Dock with environments and widgets. US$ 9 one-time (7-day free trial, no card). Latest version: 1.0.26, Nov 3, 2026. We make Doca.

• Environments: one dock for each moment, with its own apps, widgets, color and windows.
• 40+ live widgets inside the dock, and you can build your own with a script.
• The Mac magnifier, with adjustable strength and width.

Doca vs ExplorerPatcher

Other alternatives

StartAllBack

Start menu and taskbar replacement (classic look). Paid, per-PC license, with a trial (the site doesn't show the price; secondary sources cite US$ 5 to 9). Latest version: 3.9.28, Oct 12, 2026.

• Best at: Brings back a Windows 7/10-style Start and taskbar for people who didn't like Windows 11's.
• Watch out: It isn't a dock: no magnifier, no widgets.

Doca vs StartAllBack

Windhawk

Mod platform for Windows (taskbar, Start and more). Free and open source. Latest version: 1.7.3 (2.0 em alpha), Dec 8, 2025.

• Best at: One app with many mods: vertical taskbar, ungrouping, taskbar height, icon size and more.
• Watch out: It works by injecting code into Windows processes, which can break with updates.

Doca vs Windhawk

Winstep Nexus

Mac-style dock. Free for personal use; Nexus Ultimate from US$ 29.95. Latest version: 26.9, Sep 21, 2026.

• Best at: It has a genuinely free version for personal use, with running apps, the tray and multiple monitors.
• Watch out: Multiple docks and sub-docks are Ultimate-only, from US$ 29.95.

Doca vs Winstep Nexus

MyDockFinder

MacOS-style dock and bar. Paid on Steam (R$ 23.00 in Brazil on Nov 8, 2026). Latest version: 1.19, Oct 28, 2026.

• Best at: The most macOS-like look on this list, with Mica-style blur and window previews.
• Watch out: Neither the official page nor Steam confirm magnification, multiple docks or side positions.

Doca vs MyDockFinder

Seelen UI

Full desktop environment (bar, dock, Start, tiling). Free and open source. Latest version: 2.8.10, Oct 22, 2026.

• Best at: Free and open source (AGPL-3.0).
• Watch out: It's a broad, more complex package if you only want a dock.

Doca vs Seelen UI

TranslucentTB

Taskbar transparency and effects. Free (Microsoft Store) and open source. Latest version: 2026.2, Aug 31, 2026.

• Best at: Very light: a few MB of memory.
• Watch out: Appearance only: doesn't move, ungroup or replace the taskbar.

Doca vs TranslucentTB

Windows 11 taskbar

The taskbar that comes with Windows. Included with Windows. Latest version: Posição alternativa na atualização de setembro de 2026, September 2026.

• Best at: It's built into Windows, nothing to install, and the most integrated with the system (search, Copilot, notifications).
• Watch out: In the top and side positions, auto-hide doesn't work yet (Microsoft notes from May 2026).

Doca vs Windows 11 taskbar

Sources

Each comparison (Doca vs …) lists each app's sources. This one's:

• github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher: GPL-2.0; barra, Iniciar e Alt+Tab do Windows 10; avisos de compatibilidade; instalador com elevação; ARM64
• api.github.com/repos/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/releases/latest: versão 26100.9711.71.1 publicada em 29/10/2026

We make Doca. The other apps' facts were checked against the sources below on Nov 8, 2026; spotted something outdated? Email contato@racoelho.com.br.