Menu right click on Windows It has been, for years, one of the users' favorite tools for accessing different options for files, folders, and the operating system itself. However, with the arrival of Windows 11, many have been surprised to discover that the classic context menu that everyone knew has changed substantially. It is the extended right click.
In this article we are going to address, in great detail, How the new context menu works in Windows 11, why Microsoft opted for this change, how you can bring back the classic menu both manually and automatically, and what alternatives exist through applications if you're not into fiddling with the registry.
What's changed in the Windows 11 right-click menu?
With the arrival of Windows 11, the context menu has undergone one of its biggest redesigns to date. Microsoft has opted for the visual simplicity, seeking to make the menu cleaner, more compact, and more in line with the rest of the operating system. While it's a cosmetic improvement, for those accustomed to working quickly and accessing multiple functions from the immediate menu, the change poses a barrier.
The biggest criticism of the new context menu is that many of the advanced options, as well as third-party application integrations (compressors, editors, antivirus, etc.), have been hidden behind an additional step: the infamous "Show more options." That is, if you want to see the menu as it was in Windows 10 or earlier versions, you have to make an extra click, which is unnecessary and ends up slowing down the workflow of more advanced users.
This new approach has also created compatibility issues. Many programs haven't been updated to appear directly in the new Windows 11 context menu. Quickly accessing its functions has become more tedious.
Reasons to change the right-click menu in Windows 11
Not everyone needs the classic menu, but for advanced users or those who customize their environment a lotThe "lite" version of the context menu is insufficient. Here are some of the most common reasons people want to restore the Windows extended menu:
- Direct access to advanced functions: copies, advanced pastes, print, open with specific programs, compress, and more.
- Compatibility with third-party applications: Many programs that are integrated into the context menu do not appear in the new menu.
- Custom and speed: Those who have been using Windows for years appreciate being able to access all the options with a single click.
- Avoid unnecessary steps: “Show more options” adds friction to routine workflows.
Microsoft does not currently offer an official or visual way to restore the classic menu., but there are several solutions that we will see below.
How to quickly access the extended menu in Windows 11
Before entering permanent changes or touching the registry, you have a way quick to open the classic menu from Windows 11:
- Right click on the desktop or any fileThe new compact menu will be displayed.
- At the bottom of the menu, select the option «Show more options» to see the full classic menu.
You can also press the key combination Shift + F10 right after selecting the file or folder, and this will open the classic extended menu directly, without any intermediate steps. This solution is straightforward, simple, and risk-free, but it's impractical if you need to access the classic menu many times a day.
Edit the Windows Registry to Restore the Classic Context Menu
The most popular and effective method for retrieve the extended context menu is by modifying the Windows' registerIt's important to do this with caution, as changing the registry can have consequences if the instructions aren't followed correctly.
Before modifying the registry, we recommend that you create a restore point of the system. So if something goes wrong, you can easily return to the original state.
Steps to restore the classic menu using the registry:
- Open the start menu, type "Registry Editor" or press Windows + R and type regedit, then press Enter.
- Navigate to the address:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID - Right click on the folder CLSID and select New> Password. Name the new key: {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}
- On that new key, right click > New> Password, and assigns the name InprocServer32
- Double-click on the default key value InprocServer32 and leave the data field blank, then accept.
- Close the registry editor and reboot the system (or restart the Windows Explorer process from Task Manager for the change to take effect).
With this, The context menu returns to the classic Windows 10 format throughout the system. If a Windows Update reverses the change, simply repeat the previous process.
To revert the modification and return to the modern menu, simply delete the key {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2} created in the registry and restart again.
Use a .reg file to automate the process
If you prefer to avoid manual steps, you can create a .reg file to automatically modify the registry. This simplifies restoring and reverting changes.
- Open the Memo pad and copy the appropriate code to create the key mentioned above.
- Save the file with extension .Reg (for example, restore-classic-menu.reg).
- Double-click the saved file and accept the prompts to merge the information into the registry.
- Restart your computer to apply the changes.
This method is just as effective, but much faster if you have to apply the change to multiple computers.
Other ways to modify the menu: third-party applications
Not all users feel comfortable changing the registry. Fortunately, there are free and secure applications that allow you to do so. Restore the classic right-click menu in Windows 11 with just a couple of clicks and without risk.
Some of the most recommended:
- Win 11 Classic Context Menu: A free, portable application in Spanish that switches between the classic and modern menus without manually manipulating the registry. Its interface is simple, with just two buttons: one to activate the classic menu and another to return to the new one. After each change, simply restart the browser.
- winaero tweaker: universal tool to customize Windows, allows among many other things enable classic full context menus in the section dedicated to Windows 11. It requires installation, but it is safe and very complete.
- Ultimate Windows Tweaker 5: It also allows you to quickly switch between the classic and modern menus, as well as adjust other advanced options such as the explorer ribbon, transparencies, and shortcuts that do not usually appear in the standard configuration.
These applications avoid having to remember paths or registry commands and are generally updated to continue working after Windows changes or updates.
What is a context menu and how is it structured in Windows?
Un contextual menu This menu appears when you right-click on a file, folder, desktop, or even some programs. This menu displays a list of commands related to the selected object and adapts depending on the file type or location.
Windows provides default commands such as cut, copy, paste, open, print, and "open with." Additionally, installed programs often add their own options to facilitate quick actions.
The customization of these menus is managed mainly from the registry of Windows. Each command or option is called verb (verb), which the system associates with an action, and can be accompanied by a text string to display it correctly in any language. Some verbs, such as "open," "print," or "browse," are canonical, that is, Windows is responsible for automatically translating them and always placing them in the menu, while custom verbs are managed by the application that creates them.
Extended commands are those They only appear when you right-click while holding the SHIFT key.They're ideal for advanced functions and can be added from the registry. This way, context menus aren't cluttered with options, displaying the most relevant options by default and advanced options only when the user requests them.
Extend and customize context menus using the registry
For those who want customize the right-click menu as much as possibleThe Windows registry opens up many possibilities. You can add custom commands for specific file types, change the order, add program shortcuts, or create your own context menus. The procedure involves creating specific subkeys under the path HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT, associated with the file type (by extension, such as .txt, .jpg, etc.) or the system object (folders, desktop icons, etc.).
Each new option is defined as a "verb" with its associated command, and optionally, a visible string. You can also define the default command for double-clicking the file.
For example, for custom file types you can structure the log with tags like ShellNew to add a quick creation option from the Explorer “New” menu.
What about Windows updates?
A vital aspect that you must take into account is that Microsoft may revert changes to the context menu With every major Windows update, it's not uncommon for the system to restore the modern menu and undo manual registry modifications after updating, especially with major patches.
The most practical solution is save the .reg file that you use in a safe place and run it after each update if you notice that the menu returns to its default state. You can also resort to third-party applications which are frequently updated to maintain compatibility even after the latest operating system versions.
Finally, Microsoft is moving toward limiting support for classic menus, so in the future, methods may need to be adapted as the system evolves.
The features related to customizing the context menu in Windows offer many possibilities, but it's important to stay tuned for official updates that may affect these changes. This way, you can maintain a flexible workflow tailored to your needs.
