The new context menu continues to appear when we click with the right mouse button somewhere like the Desktop, inside File Explorer, selecting a file, etc. This is different from Windows 10 and is responsible for automatically hiding the added options of third-party programs in order to make it more compact.
It must be taken into account that we find this in many locations of the operating system and we use it for all kinds of tasks. Even on many occasions we are so used to its use that the new contextual menu can lead us to serious confusions.
In the event that we want to access the full contextual menu, we will need to click on its section show more options that is present at the bottom of the new contextual menu or press the key combination Shift+F10 to access directly.
This basically means that we have two contextual menus in Windows 11. The first, the compact one, and the second, the extended one with all the available options. Here, how could it be otherwise, those that we have been used to for years in previous versions of the operating system are included.
Modify the Registry
If we are determined to change the right-click menu of Windows 11 for the classic one that we used in Windows 10, Microsoft is not going to make it easy for us and we will not have any graphic element to be able to carry out this option. That is why we will have to carry out modifications in the Registry either manually or automatically.
In order to carry out the restoration of the contextual menu by the classic from the Registry, we can do it in two different ways, both equally valid, either by doing it automatically with a .reg file or by changing the parameters manually.
Automatic context menu switching
The fastest way is to create a registry file with specific commands that we must execute so that it automatically takes charge of editing the Windows Registry. To do this we are going to open Notepad and write the following code as shown in the image.
Next, we need to save the file as a format so that it can be read by the Registry. To do this, we are going to click on File and then on Save As. In the Type section, we display and select the option of All the files. Now we give the file a name followed by the .reg extension to create a log file.
Once this is done, we simply have to double click on the file created so that it is executed in the registry file. Finally, we restart the PC for the changes to take effect and we will see the classic context menu again when we right-click.
Manual shift
Changing the Registry manually is intended for expert and advanced users who have knowledge and experience in modifying the system registry.
In this case, the first thing to do is to press the keyboard shortcut “Windows + R” to launch the Run command. here we write regedit and press Enter or the OK button.
Once it is inside the Windows Registry and before modifying anything, we will make a backup, as a preventive measure. We cannot forget that any unwanted modification can cause damage to the system. To do this, click on “File” and “Export”. We then specify Everything in the export range, give it a name, select the .reg format, and click “Save.”
Next, we navigate to the following location:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER/Software/Classes/CLSID
Now right-click on the CLSID key and select “New” and “Key”. This will make us create a key under the CLSID key that we will give by name {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}.
Again we right-click on the key {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2} and select “New” and “Key”, to create a key within it which we will name InprocServer32.
Now we only have to close the Registry Editor and restart the computer for the changes to take effect. Once restarted we will get the old Windows 10 context menu.
If later we want to return to the default context menu of Windows 11, it will be enough to access the Registry and delete the key {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}.
Try apps for free
A very simple way to re-enable the classic right-click menu in Windows 11 is through third-party applications. By using these programs we will be able to carry out this operation with just a simple mouse click.
Win 11 Classic Context Menu
In exchange for downloading a simple free portable application called Win 11 Classic Context Menu, we are going to find a solution to be able to disable and enable the new Windows 11 context menu quickly, avoiding having to go around changing Registry parameters. We can download it from the .
It has a minimalist interface and in Spanish, so everything is done in a simple way. We will only have two options:
- Enable classic context menu styling
- Enable the default context menu style.
Just click on the first option to make the Windows 10 context menu available again. In the event that we want to return to the one used in Windows 11 by default, click on the second option.
To confirm the changes, it will only be necessary to press the “Restart explorer” button.
winaero tweaker
We are talking about a free Windows customization and settings tool that will allow us to modify the hidden configuration of the operating system that does not allow us to change the interface, giving us the possibility of recovering the classic menu in Windows 11. The application is safe to use , free of ads and scripts. we can download it
Once downloaded and installed, we run it to bring up its main menu. In the left column we look at its Windows 11 section and select “Classic Full Context Menus”. Finally, in the right column, we click on the section of Enable classic full context menus. Once this is done, we restart the computer and verify that the changes have taken effect.
Ultimate Windows Tweaker 5
Another interesting option that we have at our disposal to return to use the classic Windows 10 context menu It is using the Ultimate Windows Tweaker application, an application with which we can activate or deactivate this design without having to go into the Windows registry, with all that this entails. But, in addition, it also allows us to return to the original file explorer ribbon, another of the functions that many users miss after upgrading to Windows 11.
In addition, it also makes available to us a large number of functions that allow us to customize the user experience, such as eliminating the option to open files in Terminal from the context menu (a feature that very few users use), disable quick action buttons, increase the taskbar transparencydeactivate the recommendations of the start menu and deactivate the transparency effects, both of the menus and when starting and shutting down the computer.
We can download this application through the following . The application has been created for the web, a web of recognized prestige on the Internet. It is likely that Windows will block the application during installation, since it includes functions that allow system elements to be modified, so we can create an exception with this application in order to install it without problems. The application does not include any type of ads or purchases to unlock new features, so we are not going to bring any surprises during its use.
Is it worth going back in time?
The launch of Windows 11 has brought about a change that has lasted more than 30 years, a change in the position of the start button on the taskbar. But, in addition, it has also put a very important change in the context menus and in the configuration options of Windows. These changes will be retained in future versions of WindowsSo it really isn’t worth staying stuck in the past. Sooner or later we must get used to these changes in the interface, changes that will be present in the next versions.
There is no use trying to try to undo the changes in the design that Microsoft is implementing since, over time, it is possible that these applications stop working if Microsoft wants to, so it is a matter of starting to get used to it. In fact, it is a very simple process that will take us a few days, no more, especially if we spend many hours in front of the computer. Also, unless we are very intensive Windows users, it is likely that the additional options of the mouse context menu will not be useful on a day-to-day basis.
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