Customize the right-click menu in Windows 11 to your liking

The menu that appears when you right-click on Windows 11 It's one of those corners of the system that we touch daily without realizing it; if the button ever doesn't respond, you can check The right button is not working.From there we copy and paste, print, share, view properties or launch utilities in a snap. Precisely because of their constant use, fine-tuning them to our liking is one of the best ways to save time and improve comfort..

The good thing is that the context menu isn't a fixed block: you can add shortcuts, delete entries you don't use, activate the classic menu, and so on. Windows 10 and adjust sections such as Send to the New list. There are two ways: mess with the Windows Registry (carefully) or use third-party tools that do it for you in a couple of clicks..

What's changing in Windows 11 and why you'll want to customize it

With Windows 11, Microsoft debuted a minimalist context menu (and experiments such as a floating menu) with rounded edges and fewer options at first glance. Aesthetically, fine; practically, questionable. Most functions are now hidden behind the Show more options buttonwhich adds an extra click every time you need something from the "regular menu".

The good news is twofold. On the one hand, you can access the classic menu whenever you want with a quick trick: hold down the Shift key and right-click. And if you want to expand on this behavior, check out how the [missing information - likely a specific function or feature] works. right-click extended. For another, You can restore the classic menu as the default. by editing a Registry key or using apps like Winaero Tweaker or Win 11 Classic Context Menu.

Beyond style, it's worth cleaning up third-party entries that slow down the menu, adding shortcuts for everyday use (for example, "open with your favorite editor"), and reorganizing sections such as Send to o New. We're talking about small adjustments that, added together, make a big difference in everyday life.If you also encounter problems when using the right-click function on specific documents, here's a guide on how to fix them. right-click blocks.

Always show all options: return to the classic menu

First of all, caution. Editing the Windows Registry is safe if you follow the steps exactly and create a backup or restore point.A typo in the wrong place can cause problems, so take it easy.

The most effective method to bring back the classic menu (Windows 10 style) is to create a specific empty key. The change affects the entire system menu and you can revert it at any time..

Step by step from the Registry Editor

1. Open Run with Win + R, type regedit and press Enter.
2. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID.
3. Right click on CLSID > New > Key and name it {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}.
4. Right-click on that key > New > Key and enter it InprocServer32.
5. Choose InprocServer32, double click (Predetermined) in the right panel and confirm by leaving the value empty.
6. Restart your PC or, if you prefer, restart Windows Explorer from the Task Manager.

After the restart, the menu that appears when you right-click will be the classic one directly, without having to click on Show more options. If you're not satisfied or want to undo it, delete the key {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2} and restart..

Do it with a single command (CMD)

If you're comfortable using the command line, you can apply the same change with a command and by restarting Explorer. Run the Symbol of the system as administrator and paste the following:

reg.exe add "HKCU\Software\Classes\CLSID\{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}\InprocServer32" /f /ve

Then refresh the shell with these two commandsOne to close and one to restart the Explorer: You'll see the new behavior instantly..

taskkill /IM explorer.exe /f
explorer.exe

Note that Future Windows 11 updates could reverse the change or render this technique unusable.If that happens, repeat the process or use an updated third-party tool.

Add program shortcuts to the context menu

One of the most useful settings is being able to launch your favorite app from a right-click, whether on a specific file, a folder, or the desktop background. This is achieved by adding entries to the Registry under the shell and command branches.

For all types of files

1. Open the Registry Editor and go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell.
2. Create a new key with the access name, for example, Open with MyEditor.
3. Within that key, create another call command.
4. In value (Predetermined) In the command line, type the path to the executable in quotes and add "%1" to transfer the selected file. Example:

   "C:\\Program Files\\MiEditor\\mieditor.exe" "%1"

If you do it correctly, you will see the new entry when you right-click on any file. Use it for your editors, compressors, viewers, or any tool you constantly open..

For desktop backgrounds or inside folders

1. For the Desktop: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shell.
2. For folders: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell.
3. Repeat the same key and subkey structure command with the path of the program to open.

This way you can, for example, open the Bus Terminal, the Command Prompt or your alternative file manager from any folder. Once you get the hang of it, creating contextual shortcuts becomes addictive..

Copy or move to specific folders (add Copy To / Move To)

If you frequently move files between the same destinations, you'll want to add the classic options Copy to folder y move to folder to the context menu. This still works on Windows 11 using the official GUIDs.

1. Open the Registry Editor and go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\AllFilesystemObjects\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers.
2. To “Copy to”: create a key called Copy To and its (Predetermined) Enter this GUID:

   {C2FBB630-2971-11D1-A18C-00C04FD75D13}

3. To “Move to”: create move to with this GUID in (Predetermined):

   {C2FBB631-2971-11D1-A18C-00C04FD75D13}

When you right-click on files or folders, you will see both options to choose a destination in an Explorer dialog box. It's a fast and official way to order without scripts or external utilities..

Adjust and expand the Send to menu

The section Send to It is very flexible and you don't need to touch the Registry to expand it. Simply open its internal folder and add or remove shortcuts..

1. Press Win + R, type shell: sendto and press Enter.
2. The SendTo folder will open. Delete any shortcuts you don't use and Add shortcuts to folders, apps, or locations where you usually send files.
3. Optional: Rename them to make the menu clear and organized.

From there you can quickly send a file to your editor, a compressor, OneDrive, or any recurring folder. It's a simple adjustment that saves many clicks.

Clear the "New" list (create Text Document, BMP Image, etc.)

With There, the list New > You accumulate things you never use. You can do two things: edit it manually from the Registry or use specific utilities that make it easier.

Manual method (for advanced users)

Each type of file that appears in New is defined in the corresponding extension under HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT. If any extension has the ShellNew subkey, the system offers it in the menu..

1. Open the Registry Editor and visit HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.extensión (for example, .txt, .bmp).
2. If the subkey exists ShellNewReview its contents. You can rename the subkey to disable it or export it and delete it (right-click > Export before deleting).
3. Repeat for each extension you want to hide from the menu. New.

This method gives you total control, but it's not the most convenient if you have many entries to review. If you prefer something visual and reversible, skip to the next section.

Clean up "New" and the rest of the menu with dedicated apps

There are very lightweight utilities for viewing and disabling elements of New Risk free. They are portable, free, and allow you to revert changes instantly..

• ShellNewHandler: shows everything that appears in New It also lets you uncheck anything you don't want. After clicking Apply, they disappear from the menu without deleting the settings. It's ideal for a quick cleanup.
• ShellMenuNew: lists the associated Registry entries, extensions, and keys. You can disable the selected entry with a click (F7) and re-enable it (F8) when needed.

Both are portable, require no installation, and are perfect if you're intimidated by the Registry Editor. You will leave the menu New reduced to what you actually use.

Remove annoying "right-click" entries (ContextMenuHandlers)

Many applications add context menus that you don't need and that also slow down the right-click opening. You can remove handlers from the Registry with caution..

1. Open the Registry Editor and navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers.
2. Explore the subkeys. Identify those that correspond to programs you don't want in the menu.
3. Right-click > Delete on the unnecessary entries. Avoid deleting anything you don't recognize. And if you're unsure, export the key first.

Repeat these steps if you want to clear menus in specific contexts: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers, HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers y HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\AllFilesystemObjects\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers. A lighter menu is immediately noticeable..

Useful tips and safety recommendations

If you've spent years opening cluttered menus and now hate the extra layer of Windows 11, you're not alone. Restoring the classic menu and clearing entries returns you to your usual speed.Even so, there are a few things to keep in mind.

• Create a restore point Before touching the Registry: Control Panel > System > System Protection.
• Export any key you are going to delete (right click > Export) to revert if something doesn't go as expected.
• If it makes you feel respectful, use portable utilities such as Easy Context Menu, ShellNewHandler or ShellMenuNew.
• Remember the shortcut: Shift + right click opens the classic menu on the fly.

Finally, keep in mind that Some major Windows 11 updates may undo settingsIt's not common, but it can happen; if it does, repeat the method or wait for your favorite tool to update.

With all this in hand, you can customize the context menu perfectly to your liking: classic style always visible, useful shortcuts, a simple Send to and a New without noise. The result is a Windows 11 that is faster to use, more organized, and adapted to your actual habits..

Related article:

Extended right-click in Windows 11: How it works, its benefits, and how to restore the classic menu

Isaac

Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.