# valinet/ExplorerPatcher

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31,593 stars · 1,282 forks · C · gpl-2.0

## Links

- GitHub: https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher
- awesome-repositories: https://awesome-repositories.com/repository/valinet-explorerpatcher.md

## Description

ExplorerPatcher is a system utility designed to modify the behavior of the Windows shell by injecting custom code into core operating system processes. It functions as a background patching tool that intercepts internal function calls and replaces modern interface components with legacy alternatives, allowing for the restoration of traditional taskbar, menu, and task switcher behaviors.

The project distinguishes itself through its use of dynamic link library injection and side-by-side binary replacement to alter the desktop environment at runtime. By redirecting execution flow within the system explorer process, it enables granular customization of workspace layouts and navigation patterns that are otherwise unavailable in modern operating system versions.

Beyond its core restoration capabilities, the tool provides a comprehensive suite of settings for managing desktop workspace configurations and visual preferences. It includes an integrated update management system that automates the retrieval of binary packages, supports custom update server definitions, and offers an opt-in channel for pre-release features. All user preferences and configuration settings are persisted through the system registry to ensure consistency across reboots.

## Tags

### Operating Systems & Systems Programming

- [Shells & Scripting](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/operating-systems-systems-programming/terminal-command-line-environments/shells-scripting.md) — Injects custom code into core operating system processes to extend functionality.
- [Binary Patchers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/operating-systems-systems-programming/binary-analysis-capabilities/binary-patchers.md) — Intercepts and overrides default operating system shell operations to provide extended feature sets.
- [Instrumentation & Hooking](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/operating-systems-systems-programming/binary-analysis-capabilities/instrumentation-hooking.md) — Loads dynamic link libraries into system processes to extend or modify desktop environment components. ([source](https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/tree/master/ep_extra))
- [System Optimization Tools](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/operating-systems-systems-programming/system-administration-maintenance/system-optimization-tools.md) — Swaps modern system shell components with legacy versions to restore classic interface functionality.

### User Interface & Experience

- [Classic Shell Restorers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/user-interface-experience/classic-shell-restorers.md) — Restores traditional taskbar and menu features on modern operating systems. ([source](https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher#readme))
- [Desktop Shell Customizers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/user-interface-experience/desktop-shell-customizers.md) — Modifies system interface components to restore legacy behaviors and personalize the desktop environment.
- [Legacy Interface Restorers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/user-interface-experience/legacy-interface-restorers.md) — Brings back familiar navigation patterns and visual styles from older operating system versions.
- [Classic Task Switcher Restorers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/user-interface-experience/classic-task-switcher-restorers.md) — Replaces the modern task switcher with a traditional interface to improve window management. ([source](https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/tree/master/ep_extra_valinet.win7alttab))
- [Interface Modifiers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/user-interface-experience/interface-modifiers.md) — Replaces modern system UI elements with classic alternatives to improve workflow.
- [Desktop Environment Customizers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/user-interface-experience/desktop-environment-customizers.md) — Modifies the appearance and behavior of the operating system interface.
- [Desktop Workspace Customizers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/user-interface-experience/desktop-workspace-customizers.md) — Provides settings to adjust taskbar styles, menu layouts, and file navigation preferences. ([source](https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher#readme))

### DevOps & Infrastructure

- [Update Orchestrators](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/devops-infrastructure/update-orchestrators.md) — Manages automated replacement of system files to ensure the environment remains current.

### System Administration & Monitoring

- [Update Management Systems](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/system-administration-monitoring/update-management-systems.md) — Provides an opt-in mechanism for users to access and test pre-release software versions before general availability. ([source](https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/wiki/Configure-updates))