Windows users favored the old right-click menu for years. But in the latest OS, Windows has introduced a relatively modern interface that all Windows 11 users have yet to embrace completely.
Some people still want to get hold of the old right-click menu. So, if you’re one of them and trying to replace the new context menu with the legacy context menu, here is how you can do it.
In this complete guide, we will dive deep into the aspects of the old right-click menu, thereby discussing it in detail.
So, let us now take up the journey and explore the Windows right-click menu.
How Can I Customize The Right-Click Context Menu In Windows 11?
Windows 11 has redesigned the right-click context menu that, according to some users, is improving their old computing experience.
If you feel that the new Windows 11 menu isn’t designed for you and want to stay with the old experience, you can do it easily by tweaking some settings.
There isn’t any need to permanently change your device to regain the full context menu.
There are some ways to view the Windows 10 menu if needed instead of permanently switching back to the old one.
Here are some easy ways of doing it:
1) Via Show More Options
Users can now use the “Show More Options” from the newly designed right-click context menu in Windows 11 to get back the old right-click context.
Follow the steps:
- Right-click on any file, folder, or desktop, then click “Show More Options”.
- Doing this will open up the old context menu options along with the options related to third-party apps.
2) Using Registry Editor
Using the Registry Editor is another way to regain the full right-click menu on Windows 11.
This is how it can be done:
- Open the Registry Editor by using the Windows Search menu.
- After displaying the registry editor, you can continue disabling “Show more options” in the new context menu and then find the CLISID folder.
- Copy the address below “HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\CLASSES\CLSID”
- Right-click on the CLSID folder, expand “New,” and select “Key.”
- Name the key {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2} and press “Enter.”
- Now, right-click on the newly created key, select the “New” menu, and then select the “Key” option.
- Rename the key “InprocServer32” and press “Enter.”
- Double-click on the newly created key and its value data to blank to enable the classic context menu on Windows 11.
- Finally, click the “OK” button and restart the computer.
3) Using The Command Prompt
The steps outlined below will help you to enable the classic context menu with the Command Prompt.
Here is how to do it:
- Open “Start” and then look for “Command Prompt”.
- Then, right-click on the Command Prompt and choose “Run as administrator.”
- Now, type the following command “reg add “HKCU\Software\Classes\CLSID\ {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2} \InprocServer32” /f /ve
- Type the following command to close the File Explorer and press “Enter.”
“taskkill /f /im explorer.exe”
- Now, type the next set of commands to start the File Explorer and press “Enter.”
“start explorer.exe”
- After the completion of the steps, you will be able to access the legacy right-click menu in File Explorer.
4) Using A Third-Party App
Users can also take the help of a third-party tool like “Easy Context Menu” to customize the right-click context menu items.
This is how you can do it:
- Download the Easy Context Menu from its official website.
- Then, extract the downloaded file and run the executable.
- Soon after, the Easy Context Menu opens up in a small window, displaying an entire list of all the tools and settings. Users can also add to their right-click context menu.
- Next, review the list and check the boxes you want to include.
- After the selection process, click “Apply” to save the changes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is There Any Benefit Of Using The “Old” Right-Click Menu In Windows 11?
Certain users prefer the “old” menu for its simplicity and familiarity. In contrast, others are known to appreciate the new menu’s added features.
So, it entirely depends on your personal preferences and needs.
- Can I Customize The Options In The “Old” Right-Click Menu?
Yes, you can easily customize the right-click menu by editing the Windows Registry. But you must be very careful while making the registry changes as it can affect the system if not done cautiously.
- Does The Windows 11 Updates Affect The Appearance Or Functionality Of The “Old” Right-Click Menu?
Yes, the Windows update can bring about specific changes in the operating system, including the context menus.
Final Words
Even though the new right-click menu is much simpler and easier to navigate, certain users prefer the older one. Users now have the liberty and flexibility to choose the right-click menu that is best for them.
Windows 11 users can access the files and folders more traditionally by using the “old” right-click menu. The new modern context menu in Windows 11 has some additional features and unique designs.
Therefore, it depends entirely on the users’ willingness to choose one to regain much control over their experience.
