Windows 11 introduces an entirely new user interface that places a greater emphasis on simplicity. The most recent version of Windows has a centered Start Menu and taskbar, rounded edges, and a streamlined right-click context menu for File Explorer that differs from the context menu in Windows 10. This post will guide you on how you can go back to the old right-click context menu on Windows 11.
How to Get the Old Right-Click Context Menu on Windows 11
The new context menu, by default, limits the number of choices available with a single click. File operations such as copy, paste, rename and compress are now one extra step away, which is annoying to many.
- The Windows 11 Solution
- By Making Changes to the Registry
Check which method works best for you!
1] The Windows 11 Solution
Well, if you’re looking for a way to locate the Copy, Paste, Rename, and other operations, here’s where these are hidden.
To bring back the old right-click context menu, start by making a right-click on the files or in an empty space, and choose Show More Options; and that’s it.
2] By Making Changes to the Registry
Now, if you’re annoyed by needing to make an extra click every single time, just like me, here’s what you can do to go back to the old familiar menu.
This procedure necessitates using the Registry Editor to make modifications to the Registry. A word of caution: the Registry Editor is a powerful and complicated tool. Making tweaks to your system might make it unstable, if not altogether inoperable. Before making any changes, we recommend that you make a backup of the Registry.
- Pull up the Start Search Box, key in Registry Editor, and choose the main listed result. (You’ll be required administrator privileges to make any changes).
- Next, either navigate to the following mentioned path or copy and paste the directory location into the address bar of the Registry Editor.
Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID
- Here, in an empty space, right-click and choose New > Key.
- Name it
{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}and press Enter. - Now, right-click the newly created key (in the left navigation pane) and choose New > Key.
- Name the new key InprocServer32 and press Enter to save.
- Once you navigate to the newly created InprocServer32 key, you’ll notice Default.
- Double click on Default and tap on OK without making any modifications.
- And, that’s it. Restart your computer for the changes to come into effect.
Well, if you’re bored and would like to return, delete the {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2} key, save and restart your computer to go back.
That said, what’s your reason behind the switch? Do let us know by dropping a comment down below.
Where Are My Copy, Paste, Rename, Zip, and Other Functions on Windows 11?
With Windows 11, commonly used functions such as Cut, Copy, Paste, and more are now hidden in the submenu, under Right Click > Show More Options. You could follow the guide mentioned above to revert to the classic old Windows 10 context menu.
Is There a Way to Edit the Windows Context Menu Without Registry Editing?
Broadly, the answer is No. You can not edit the Context Menu without making changes to the registry; however, you could use third-party tools that can simplify and automate the task for you.
Can I Add Custom Functions to the Context Menu in Windows?
No, you can not add custom functions to the context menu in any Windows version. In Windows 11, there is a new API that the software needs to use to integrate and is restricted for now.
