- Methods to customize the context menu by editing the Windows Registry or using external tools.
- Procedures to restore the appearance of the classic Windows 10 menu and prevent the "Show more options" button.
- Techniques for managing the application list in the "Open with" function and the "Send to" submenu.
How to add programs to the right-click menu in Windows 11? You've probably experienced this: when installing Windows 11, you felt a bit frustrated with the new design of the right-click menu. Microsoft decided to simplify everything, but in the process... It left out a lot of options that we used to have with just one click and that now force us to navigate through the annoying "Show more options" section.
The good news is that we don't have to put up with this design if we're not convinced. There are various ways to to turn the tablesfrom quick tricks to Customize the right-click pop-up menu in Windows 11 even deeper changes to the system's inner workings so that the computer behaves exactly as we want.
Restore the classic Windows 10 menu
For many of us, the best upgrade is simply return to previous styleYou don't need to be a computer expert to achieve this, as there are tools like WinToys, available in the Microsoft Store, that allow you to restore the classic right-click menu with a simple switch in the Modifications > Desktop section.
If you prefer not to install extra programs, you can use the Registry Editor. Just go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID and create a new key called {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}Within this, create another subkey called InprocServer32 and leaves the default value empty. restart the computerThe old menu will come back to life.
Another much faster, though less permanent, alternative is hold down the Shift key While you right-click. This will force all the options to appear without going through the simplified menu, although we admit it's a bit cumbersome for everyday use.
Add programs and folders using the Registry
When we want a specific program to always appear when we right-click, the most powerful way is through Regedit. If we want the option to appear when clicking on the bottom of a folder or on the desktop, we need to navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shellThis is where we create the command entry that we want to execute.
The process involves creating a folder with the program's name and, within it, a subkey called commandIn the default value of the latter, we write the full path to the executable file (For example, notepad.exe (for Notepad). This allows for immediate and highly visible access.
For those who prefer more granular management, Windows uses what are called canonical verbs (such as open, print, or explore). These verbs allow the system to automatically locate the appropriate action based on the user's language. If you want to add a command to a specific file type, you must work on the ProgID of the associated application in HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.
Tips for the Send and Open with submenu
If you don't want to delve into the registry, there's a very convenient and safe option: the "Send to" menu. Just press Windows + R and type shell:sendtoA folder will open where you can create shortcuts to any folder or application on your PC. Everything you put there will magically appear in the submenu when you right-click on any file.
On the other hand, sometimes the "Open with" menu suggests programs that don't make any sense, like trying to open a PDF with WhatsApp. To clear this list, you can investigate the path HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts, looking for the desired extension and editing the OpenWithList to remove unwanted applications or add the correct ones.
External tools and startup management
If you're still finding the registration process complicated, there are programs like Easy Context Menu that simplify the whole process. These tools allow you to add quick shortcuts to the Task Manager or Command Prompt without risk. break anything in the operating system, even allowing you to adjust which menu appears depending on the click location.
Since we've optimized the system, it's a good idea to take a look at the programs that load when Windows 11 starts. Having too many active processes not only slows down PC startupInstead, it consumes unnecessary resources. Reviewing the Task Manager to disable superfluous processes will help your computer run faster.
Customizing your Windows 11 workspace is entirely possible if you know where to look, whether by using simple apps that restore the Windows 10 look and feel, precisely manipulating registry keys to add custom commands, or using special folders like the Send folder. With these adjustments, you can make the interface much more efficient and better suited to your daily workflow. Now you know how to add programs to the Windows 11 right-click menu.
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