Since the arrival of Windows 11, the right-click context menu has been a source of debate among users. What seemed like a simple aesthetic update It ended up becoming a profound change that affects the way we interact with the operating system. If you've been using Windows for a while, you've probably noticed that right-clicking no longer displays all the traditional options immediately, but instead many are hidden behind another step. This change, while intended to make the menu cleaner and more elegant, has caused confusion and inconvenience, especially among those who need to quickly access advanced or customized functions.
El Extended context menu, also known as the 'classic menu', is that old acquaintance that shows all the options that normally offered the right click in previous versions of Windows. With Windows 11, Microsoft decided to simplify the experience and show a reduced menu by default, relegating the rest of the options to the 'Show more options' section or to the key combination Shift + F10Many users have found themselves going through more trouble than necessary to perform routine tasks such as compressing files, analyzing with third-party software, or accessing utilities that were previously just a click away. The good news is that there are still ways to get that full menu back., whether by editing the registry, using specific software, or modifying advanced settings.
What is the extended context menu and why has it changed?
The context menu is the window that appears when you right-click on a file, folder, or free space on the desktop in Windows. This tool is essential for daily work because it allows instant access to actions such as copy, paste, delete, rename, compress, send to, among many other functions. Until Windows 10, This menu was extensive and highly customizable, integrating both system options and those added by third-party programs. However, with Windows 11, Microsoft decided make it more compact and tidy, prioritizing only the actions considered most frequently used and hiding the rest in the background. The goal was to improve the visual experience and avoid overloading the user with unnecessary options, but in practice, many consider it to have lost efficiency.
The main difference is that the Windows 11 compact menu hides additional features after a second click on 'Show more options'. This extra step may seem insignificant, but for advanced or professional users who rely on tools built into the menu, This implies a waste of time. Also Not all third-party programs have been adapted yet to the new structure, further complicating the workflow for those who need those integrations.
How to access the classic menu in Windows 11
- Click on 'Show more options' at the end of the context menu after right-clicking, to display the old menu.
- Use the combination 'Shift + F10', which directly opens the extended menu without going through the intermediate compact menu.
In this way, we have two menus available: A new, reduced, and modern one; and a classic one, with all the traditional options. However, accessing the classic menu requires additional steps every time we need to perform an advanced action, which is impractical for many users.
Reasons why some users prefer the classic menu
Mainly for efficiency. Users who work with multiple programs, custom commands, or advanced file management often rely on shortcuts that, after switching, are no longer visible. Furthermore, Not all apps have updated their integrations to operate in the compact menu, which forces you to frequently resort to the extended menu.
Other reasons include habit and nostalgia. For those who have been using Windows for years, adapting to a more minimalist but less comprehensive menu can be difficult. The feeling of 'losing control' over the operating system It is common among these users, so different solutions have emerged to restore the traditional menu.
Options to restore the classic context menu
If you want your context menu to return to how it was before, you have several options: edit the Windows registry, use specialized programs, or a combination of both. It's important to follow these steps carefully and back up any system files before modifying them.
1. Restore the classic menu by editing the Windows registry
This is the preferred option for advanced users, as it allows you to return to the classic menu without external programs. It consists of modifying certain keys in the registry, so It is essential to create a restore point beforehand to prevent major problems in case of error.
- Open the Start Menu and type “Registry Editor.”
- Access the registry and navigate to
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID. - Right-click on CLSID and select 'New' — 'Key'.
- Name the new key as {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}.
- Within that key, create another call InprocServer32.
- Double-click the 'Default' value for InprocServer32 and verify that it is empty.
- Close the editor and restart your system or browser to apply the changes.
After a reboot, the classic menu will appear by default instead of the compact menu. To revert, just delete that key and reboot.
2. Use automatic programs to change the context menu
If you prefer a simpler and more secure solution, there are free applications that automate the process. Some notable options are:
- Win 11 Classic Context Menu: It's a portable tool that lets you switch between the classic and modern menus with just a few clicks. Its interface is simple and available in Spanish. Just activate the desired option and restart your browser.
- Winaero Tweaker: It includes features to enable the classic full context menu and other customizations. After installing it, go to 'Classic Full Context Menus,' enable it, and reboot.
- Ultimate Windows Tweaker 5: It also allows you to restore the classic menu, in addition to offering many other options for Windows 11 and Windows 10. Although Windows can block its use in some cases, simply create an exception.
These tools are useful for those who want greater comfort and ease, allowing you to switch between both menus as many times as you want without manually touching the register.
Customizing the context menu: removing or adding options
In addition to returning to the classic menu, many users want to remove unnecessary functions or add custom shortcuts. Here are the main ways to do it:
Edit the registry to remove menu options
Accede to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers in the Registry Editor and you'll see different entries related to menu options. To remove any, right-click and select 'Delete'. Be very careful, because incorrectly deleting keys can affect system stability.
Use specialized programs to customize
There are applications that make it easy to add, remove, and organize context menu entries without editing the registry:
- ShellNewHandler: Free and portable, it displays all menu items and allows you to easily disable or re-enable them.
- Easy Context Menu: Organizes the menu into categories and offers predefined actions as well as the option to add custom programs.
- ShellMenuNew: Allows you to disable specific menu items and re-enable them whenever you want.
- MainMaid: Manages entries in Explorer and Internet Explorer, grouping them by type and allowing you to delete unwanted ones.
- CCleaner: In addition to cleaning, it offers the option to disable entries added by other programs.
These utilities make it easy to customize your menu, tailoring it to your needs and improving your productivity without risk.
Precautions before modifying the context menu
Editing the registry or using third-party programs may pose risks. It is recommended to create a restore point before making changes. This way, if problems arise, you can quickly roll back the system.
Additionally, future Windows 11 updates may revert registry changes. Microsoft often overwrites certain keys in major updates, which can return the menu to its default state. To avoid losing your settings, save the .reg file you used to apply the changes.
Context menu compatibility and future in Windows 11
Manual modifications may stop working after a major update. Windows. Microsoft may block these changes to promote its official solutions. However, Third-party tools are often updated quickly, allowing you to keep the classic menu if you wish. Programs like Win 11 Classic Context Menu or Winaero Tweaker offer regular patches and updates.
Microsoft continues a trend of simplifying and modernizing the user experience, trying to reduce reliance on legacy features. However, many users prefer the traditional menu for efficiency and customization.
The extended context menu is still relevant for a large part of users, And the options to restore or customize it are within your reach if you follow the recommendations and use the appropriate tools. Whether you choose to edit the registry or use automated programs, it's essential to act with caution to maintain system stability and security. Customize the menu to your needs to maximize comfort and productivity.