How to Change the Right-Click Menu in Windows 11

Windows 11 has entirely refreshed the right-click or context menu in Windows 11 and replaced it with a completely new menu. While this new redesign has removed some unnecessary shortcuts and options, the new look can be a bit daunting at first. Thankfully, it can be easily customized to suit your needs. In this article, we will guide you on how to change the right-click menu in Windows 11.

Now, you might ask yourself, ‘why would you want to change the right-click menu in Windows 11?’ The answer is simple – personalization and efficiency. Your PC should adapt to your preferences, not the other way around. Customizing the right-click menu streamlines your access to frequently used functions, saving you valuable time and improving your computing experience. With this understanding, let’s begin with the article.

Here’s how to change and customize the right-click menu in Windows 11.

How to Change the Right-Click Menu in Windows 11

Changing the right-click menu in Windows 11 is fairly simple and straightforward. There are two ways to go about it. We will explain each method in a step-by-step format.

Let’s begin with the first one.

Method 1: Change Right-Click Menu Options Using Registry Editor

This method may seem complex, but the steps are simple to follow. However, because we will use the Registry Editor, we recommend backing up the Windows Registry before proceeding with the steps below. 

Step 1: Firstly, press the Windows key on your keyboard. Then, type Registry Editor and click ‘Run as administrator.’

Note: Alternatively, press the Windows + R key to open the Run dialog box, type regedit.exe, and click OK to open Registry Editor.

In the prompt, select Yes.

Step 2: In the top address bar, enter the following path:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID

Note: You can manually navigate to the section too.

Step 3: Once the path opens, right-click and select New > Key.

This will create a new key on the left panel.

Step 4: Once done, rename the key with the following:

{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}

Step 5: Select the newly-created key. Then, right-click on the right panel and choose New > Key.

Step 6: Now, rename the newly created key to the name below;

InprocServer32

Step 7: Select the newly created InprocServer32 folder. On the right pane, double-click on Default.

Step 8: Finally, keep the Value Data field empty and hit the OK button.

That’s it. Now, all you need to do is restart your Windows 11 laptop/PC to be welcomed by the old context menu. However, if you want to bring back the new context menu, just delete the InprocServer32 key from the registry editor.

If the steps are too complicated for you to follow, move on to the next one.

Method 2: Edit Context Menu Using Command Prompt

Step 1: Press the Windows key on your keyboard. Then, type Command Prompt and click ‘Run as administrator.’

Step 2: Now, type or copy-paste the following command and hit Enter:

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

This simple action will add both keys in the correct sequence. And that’s about it. Reboot your PC to implement the changes. And once it boots back up, you will now see the old menu when you right-click on your PC.

Also Read: How to show seconds on Windows 11 clock

How to Add or Remove Menu Options to the Right-Click Menu

Now that you have your old menu back, if you want to take one step further, you can tweak it to add a couple of your frequently-used apps. The apps will appear in the first menu, saving you time in the long run.

Note: You can add only apps and not folders and files. For the latter, you have to take the aid of the Taskbar.

Method 1: How to Customize Context Menu Using Registry Editor

Adding apps to the context menu in Windows 11 also involves editing the registry entries. For demonstration, we will add Notepad to the right-click menu. Follow the below-mentioned steps.

Step 1: Firstly, open the Registry Editor and navigate to the path below:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shell

Step 2: Right-click on the right panel, choose New and select Key.

Step 3: Name the key as Notepad.

Step 2: Under the Notepad key on the right pane, double-click on Default.

Step 3: Double-click on Default and add ‘&Notepad’ under Value data.

Step 4: Select the newly created key, and right-click again to add a new key underneath the Notepad folder. Rename it as command.

Step 5: Under the Command key on the right pane, double-click on Default.

Step 5: Finally, in the Edit String, under Value data, enter the below command and click OK.

Notepad.exe

Head back to the desktop and right-click to see the new values in the context menu. If you, however, change your mind and want to remove an app from the right-click menu in Windows 11, follow the above steps and remove the entries under the Shell folder.

You can also add the apps directly to the right-click menu in Windows 11 without reverting to the old menu. The only limitation is that they will be available only when you click on Show more options.

If the steps are too long for you to follow, check out the next method.

Method 2: Change Right-Click Options Using Third Party Tool

There are multiple tools available to customize the items on the right-click context menu, especially if you don’t want to go through the hassle of changing the settings or adding keys to the Registry Editor. For this demonstration, we will go with the ‘Easy Context Menu’ tool. Follow the below steps.

Step 1: Firstly, go to the Easy Context Menu’s official site from your preferred browser on Windows 11.

Download Easy Context Menu

Step 2: Scroll down and click the Download button.

Step 3: Extract the file and double-click on the application to launch.

Note: The app is portable, so you don’t need to install it on your PC.

The tool will display a list of tools and settings you can add to your right-click context menu.

Step 4: Scroll through the options and check the box next to them if you want to include them in your right-click menu.

Step 4: Finally, once you have selected all the options you need, click Apply Changes.

There you have it. You have successfully customized the context menu on your Windows 11 PC. If you have any queries we missed addressing, check out the FAQ section below.

FAQs on Customizing the Right-Click Menu in Windows 11

Customize Right-Click Menu

Now that you know how to change the right-click menu in Windows 11, you can customize it as per your requirements and put the frequently used apps and options over there, thus enhancing your Windows experience. You may also want to read how to hide or delete the Recycle Bin icon in Windows 11.