- Restore the classic menu in Windows 11 It is possible with manual methods or external programs.
- Modifying the registry or using .reg files are the most effective and reversible methods.
- Programs like OpenShell or StartAllBack make customization and restoration even easier.
The arrival of Windows 11 brought numerous visual and functional changes to Microsoft's operating system, especially related to menus and user interaction with File Explorer. Many users have found themselves somewhat lost when trying to access certain options in the context menu or the browser's classic top bar. This change, while visually appealing and providing performance improvements, has meant a step backward in convenience for those accustomed to advanced features and traditional shortcuts.
If you're one of those who miss the old File Explorer menu or the classic context menu when right-clicking on files and folders in Windows 11, here's the ultimate guide to getting it back. Drawing on all the knowledge from the most relevant websites and complemented with practical contributions, we'll cover simple and advanced methods, explain the reasons for the change, the risks, and give you alternatives so you feel at home when using your PC.
Why did Microsoft change the menus in Windows 11?
With Windows 11, Microsoft opted for a more minimalist, modern line adapted to usability and design trends.The context menu (the one that appears when you right-click) and the classic top bar of the browser have been simplified to highlight the most common functions and leave the rest neatly hidden behind an extra button: "Show more options." The official motivation was to offer a cleaner, faster, and more optimized experience, as well as to prevent the context menu from growing uncontrollably due to the intervention of third-party software.
However, this change caused some frustration among advanced users. Those who used less common or customized options on a daily basis now require an extra click—or less accessible shortcuts—to access them. The classic "File, Start, Share, View" menu in the browser has also been relegated, making it difficult to perform quick actions like copying the path or accessing advanced functions.
Methods to restore the previous menu in Windows 11 File Explorer
There are several ways to restore the traditional menu in both File Explorer and the right-click context menu, depending on the level of customization you're looking for and your computer skills. We'll review the most effective and proven methods, with detailed instructions and warnings so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
Simple method from the browser's own options
If you just want to get back the classic window menu (with the top tabs) in File Explorer, there's a very basic way that still works in many cases:
- Open File Explorer in Windows 11.
- Click on the three horizontal dots and select “Options.”
- On the “View” tab, enable the “Open folder window in a separate process” and “Always show menus” options.
- Click "Apply" and then "OK." Restart your computer to see the changes.
This method may restore some of the classic visual functionality, although it doesn't always restore all menus. If it doesn't work, you'll need to use more advanced methods.
Restore the classic window menu using the registry editor (regedit)
The most powerful and definitive way to restore the previous menu (both at the top of the explorer and in the right-click context menu) is by modifying some keys in the Windows registry. It's a safe process if you follow the steps carefully, but as always when touching the registry, it's recommended to make a backup before proceeding.
To return to the classic browser menu:
- Press the key combination windows+r, type “regedit.exe” and press Accept.
- Navigate to route: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Shell Extensions\
- Right click on “Shell Extensions” and choose New> Password. Name the new key as blocked.
- In the “Blocked” folder, right-click and select New > String value. Name it: {e2bf9676-5f8f-435c-97eb-11607a5bedf7}
- Close the registry editor and restart Windows.
With this procedure, the browser should now show you the classic window menu, with tabs and shortcuts along the top edge, just like in versions prior to Windows 11.
Restore the classic context menu (right-click) using the registry and PowerShell
Windows 11's simplified context menu, designed to reduce clutter and overload, can be restored to its traditional look using the Registry. It is especially useful for those who need advanced or custom options that are otherwise hidden behind “Show more options.”
Manual option with regedit
- Opens regedit same as in the previous method.
- Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID\
- Right click and create a new key with the name {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2} (copying exactly the string between braces).
- Inside this folder, create another key called InProcServer32.
- Select the “(Default)” text key on the right, double-click on it, and leave the value blank (just accept).
- Close the registry and restart your computer.
From now on, the classic Windows 10 context menu should be active on your Windows 11.
Quick method with PowerShell
If you prefer to avoid manually browsing the registry, you can use the following command instead PowerShell run as administrator to perform the same action automatically:
reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID\{86CA1AA0-34AA-4e8b-a509-50C905BAE2A2}\InprocServer32" /f /ve
Then, to restart the browser and apply the changes instantly, run:
Stop-Process -Name explorer -Force; Start-Process explorer
If you want to revert the change, simply delete the key created in the registry or use a restore .reg file.
Use .reg files to automate the process
If you don't want to do the steps manually, you can create or use a .reg file to automate the process of restoring the classic menu. Download (or create yourself) a file containing the correct instructions for modifying the registry, run it, and accept any security warnings. Always remember to restart Windows or at least your browser for the changes to take effect.
Are there any programs to bring back the classic menu in Windows 11?
In addition to manual methods, there are specific programs that will help you not only recover menus, but also radically change the appearance of the system to emulate previous versions (Windows 10, Windows 7 or even XP). Here are the most popular tools:
- Open shell: The free and open-source successor to Classic Shell allows you to emulate the Start menu and classic menus. It's ideal for nostalgic users and those seeking security, as the community can audit its code.
- StartAllBack: A paid (but inexpensive) app that transforms the Start menu, taskbar, and explorer, allowing you to customize every last detail and choose between classic Windows 10 or Windows 7 styles. It usually receives frequent updates.
- Start11Developed by Stardock, it offers advanced options for modifying the Start menu, the Start bar, and more. It offers a free trial, detailed visual settings, and several styles to choose from.
- Start Menu X: Allows you to switch between the classic Start menu and the Windows 11 Start menu by simply pressing Shift+Win. There are free and paid versions, but the free version is usually sufficient to change the menu.
All of these programs can be downloaded from their official websites and generally have a good reputation for security and reliability, as long as you avoid pirated versions from third parties.
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