Fine-tune your Windows 11 context menu: a complete and risk-free guide

¿How to customize the right-click menu in Windows 11 to your liking? The context menu that appears when you right-click in Windows 11 is one of those elements that's always there and that we use constantly without even realizing it; from copying and pasting to printing, sharing, or opening file properties, everything goes through that familiar little window. For many, this panel is a true Swiss Army knife, and precisely for that reason, Having it custom-made makes a big difference in comfort and speed.

With the jump to Windows 11, Microsoft opted for a cleaner design that hides many of the options behind the "Show more options" button, requiring an extra click each time. If you find this change inconvenient, or simply want to add your favorite shortcuts and remove what you don't use, you've come to the right place: You can adjust the menu to your liking. by editing the Registry or using third-party tools that make the process easier.

Precautions before touching anything

Although customizing the context menu is relatively simple, it's best to proceed with caution: The Windows Registry is not a toyA value that is incorrectly deleted or a key that is incorrectly created can cause strange behavior or errors in the system.

Before you begin, it's highly recommended that you create a system restore point. That way, if something doesn't go as planned, you can revert to a previous state in just a couple of clicks. Similarly, back up the Registry if you're going to modify it manually. A timely backup saves you a lot of headaches..

Also, keep in mind that a Windows 11 update could revert some changes (especially those that force a return to the classic menu). If after an update you see that everything reverts to its original state, don't worry: Repeat the adjustment and you're done. if you still need the previous behavior.

Make all options appear when right-clicking (classic style)

The new Windows 11 context menu is more minimalist and hides many entries in "Show more options." If you prefer to see the full menu as soon as you right-click, there's a direct Registry setting that brings it back. As a temporary alternative, remember that if you hold down the Shift key while right-clicking The classic menu opens directly without touching anything in the system.

To set the classic menu as the default, follow these steps carefully and exactly as indicated, as The process works 100% if you don't skip anything:

1. press Win + RType Regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
2. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Classes \ CLSID (You can paste the route in the top bar to go faster).
3. Right-click on CLSID, choose New > Key and name it exactly: {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}. Respect curly braces and hyphens.
4. Within that new key, create another key called: InprocServer32.
5. Select InprocServer32 and, in the right panel, double-click (Default). Leave the data field empty and click OK. It must become worthless.
6. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer, or restart Explorer to apply the change instantly.

After restarting, the menu that appears when you right-click will be the classic one, without having to click "Show more options". If you later want to return to the modern Windows 11 menu, simply... eliminar la clave {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2} (and its subkey InprocServer32) and restart again.

The same with a single command (CMD)

If you're comfortable using the command line, you can apply the above change with a command in Command Prompt. Open CMD as administrator and run the following: It's fast and doesn't require navigating through the Registry.:

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

To make it take effect immediately, restart Windows Explorer from the same console. This way you avoid restarting your PC:

taskkill -IM explorer.exe -f
explorer.exe

Add program shortcuts to the context menu

One of the most useful customizations is placing your favorite applications directly in the context menu. Technically, this can be achieved by adding entries to the "ContextMenuHandlers" keys or to specific menus based on file type, but it's more convenient and secure to use dedicated utilities. With Easy Context Menu, for example, You can add programs and actions in just a few clicks without manually touching the Register.

Easy Context Menu includes a "List Editor" where you drag the program's executable file, drop it into the window, and save the changes. The application creates the necessary entry, and it appears in the context menu. If you later don't want it, simply uncheck the corresponding box. It's that simple and reversible.

Furthermore, this tool differentiates between the Desktop, Folders, Files, and Executables menus. This allows you, for example, to add your image editor only when you right-click on images, or a cache cleaner only on the Desktop. Fine customization, hassle-free.

Move or copy files to specific folders

Many people want shortcuts to frequently used folders (for example, "Copy to Projects" or "Move to Photos 2025") directly from a right-click. There are several ways to achieve this; the simplest for most users involves using the "Send to" options, and if you need something more advanced, you can use utilities like Easy Context Menu. Both routes avoid complex Registry edits.

If you choose Easy Context Menu, you'll find pre-configured actions for "Copy to folder" or "Move to folder." Activate them, and you'll have the classic Windows dialogs that let you choose a destination on the fly. For fixed destinations, you can create custom shortcuts from its List Editor, pointing to scripts or commands that perform the copy to the desired directory. A practical solution for repetitive workflows.

Adjust the "Send to" submenu

The "Send to" section is perfect for shortcuts to specific destinations like folders, applications, or even compression programs. The best part is that it can be modified without touching the Registry. You just have to open its special folder and add or remove shortcuts.

Do the following: Press Win + R, type shell:sendto, and confirm. The "SendTo" folder will open. Here you can paste shortcuts to folders (create shortcuts by right-clicking and selecting "Create shortcut") or to executable files. Anything you place here will appear in the "Send To" menu instantly. If something is in the way, delete it or move it. It's direct, reversible, and very useful..

Clean up and remove annoying entries from the context menu.

Over time, many programs add elements to the right-click menu that we don't always want. To remove them, a direct way is to check the context menu handlers branch in the Registry and delete what you don't need. Again, be careful when doing this: Only act if you know what you're taking away..

Open the Registry Editor (Regedit) and navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers. You'll find a list of entries added by Windows and third-party apps. Right-click on the ones you don't want and choose Delete. If you make a mistake, you could lose useful options or affect the stability of the shell, so don't delete them blindly. A safer alternative is to disable it with tools and not delete.

Customize the "New" submenu (Windows 10 and Windows 11)

The context menu includes the "New" submenu, with shortcuts like "Text Document," "Bitmap Image," etc. On many computers, the list grows to an absurd length. You can narrow it down to the essentials. Doing this manually involves editing the ShellNew keys for each file extension, but the most efficient approach is to use dedicated utilities. This way you avoid manually entering dozens of entries..

With ShellNewHandler, you can see all the items in the "New" menu and uncheck the ones you don't want. It's portable, free, and very straightforward: check or uncheck, apply, and you're done. If you change your mind, simply recheck the box and it will reappear. You don't need to know about registration to use it..

Another lightweight option is ShellMenuNew (from NirSoft). This portable tool lists the "New" menu items, showing their extension, menu type, status, and the associated registry key. Right-clicking lets you choose "Disable Selected Menu Items" (or press F7) to disable them, and "Enable Selected Menu Items" (or press F8) to re-enable them. Total transparency about what you play.

If you're using Windows 10 and your goal is to limit the "New" field to just two or three entries, these utilities are ideal. And if you prefer complete control, you can use the keys provided by both programs to go directly to the ShellNew paths of each extension. Only recommended if you know what you're doing.

Recommended third-party tools

Easy Context Menu

A free, portable suite that lets you add or remove items from various context menus: Desktop, Computer, Disks, Folders, Files, and Executables. It includes very practical predefined items (task management, command prompt, shell restart, etc.) and a List Editor for adding your programs by dragging the EXE file into the window. Compatible with 32 and 64 bits and very intuitive.

ShellNewHandler

Specializing in the "New" submenu, it displays all available entries and lets you activate or deactivate them with checkboxes. It requires no installation, and its minimalist approach avoids complications. Ideal for cleaning "New" in seconds.

ShellMenuNew

Also focused on "New", it lists the extension, text, type, status, and associated Registry key, and allows you to disable or enable entries with F7/F8. It's portable, lightweight, and designed for users who want to know exactly what's behind each option. Perfect for fine and reversible adjustments.

MainMaid

This free tool manages context menu entries for both Windows and Internet Explorer. It has tabs for each environment and groups entries by category (menu items, directories, drives, and folders) so you can quickly find what you're looking for. Check to enable or uncheck to disable. without complications or unnecessary risks.

CCleaner

In addition to cleaning and optimizing, www.ccleaner.com/ includes a section for managing context menu entries added by applications. You can disable (recommended) or remove them. Disabling them gives you the flexibility to re-enable them when needed, which is useful if you're unsure whether you'll miss them. A prudent and reversible approach.

winaero tweaker

Popular for consolidating dozens of Windows settings in one place, this utility offers a straightforward way to restore the classic Windows 10 context menu in Windows 11 without manually editing the Registry. Simply select, apply, and you're done. A great ally if you don't want to go into Regedit.

Win 11 Classic Context Menu

As its name suggests, its purpose is simple: to replace the Windows 11 context menu with the classic Windows 10 one. It's free and gets straight to the point. If you're only bothered by the extra "Show more options" click, it will solve your problem in an instant. Single-purpose and effective solution.

Quick tricks worth knowing

When you're on the Desktop or in File Explorer, remember that holding down the Shift key and right-clicking will instantly bring up the classic menu. This is useful if you only need the traditional menu occasionally. No permanent changes or resets.

If you want to access the classic menu without shortcuts, you'll always find "Show more options" at the bottom of the modern menu. It might seem obvious, but sometimes we forget what's right in front of us, and it ends up being faster than you think. Use it when it's not worth changing anything..

Keep in mind that Registry modifications may be affected by future system versions. That's okay: simply restore the setting by repeating the steps or use tools like Winaero Tweaker or Win 11 Classic Context Menu. It's a matter of two minutes.

To get the most out of "Send to", organize your folder with well-named shortcuts and, if you work with multiple drives, consider adding destinations such as "Projects folder", "Downloads to organize" or your favorite cloud. Small shortcuts that save hours.

If you notice an overloaded context menu, start by disabling unused entries with CCleaner or MainMaid before deleting them from the Registry. This strategy saves you trouble if you later miss an option. Less is more in everyday life.

For those coming from Windows 10 and bothered by the extra click in Windows 11, adjusting the {86ca1aa0-…} key is a lifesaver. If you're comfortable with the new design and don't mind the extra step, you might prefer to leave it as is and focus on cleaning up "Send to" and "New," which is where you'll really see speed improvements. You decide how far to customize.

Customizing the context menu in Windows 11 isn't just about aesthetics: it optimizes your daily workflow, avoids unnecessary clicks, and lets you keep what you actually use at your fingertips. Whether it's reverting to the classic menu, refining "Send to," trimming "New," or adding shortcuts to your programs, With the right tools and a little care, you can make it perfect. for your way of working.