Restore the Classic Context Menu in Windows 11

Key Notes

  • Two methods available: Registry edit and Command Prompt.
  • Registry method requires accurate key entries for success.
  • Command Prompt offers a quicker way to achieve the same result.

Reviving the Classic Right-Click Menu in Windows 11

Windows 11 has brought a fresh design to the context menu, enhancing some features but leaving users longing for the traditional menu’s extensive options. This guide outlines effective methods to restore the classic right-click context menu, enhancing your workflow.

Step-by-Step: Restore Classic Right-Click Context Menu via Registry

Follow these detailed steps to restore the classic context menu:

    Step 1: Open the Registry Editor

    Click on Start and type regedit. Select the Registry Editor from the search results.

    Step 2: Navigate to the CLSID key

    In the Registry Editor, navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\CLASSES\CLSID.

    Step 3: Create a New Key

    Right-click on the CLSID folder, go to New, and select Key.

    Step 4: Name the Key

    Name the new key {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2} and press Enter.

    Step 5: Add InprocServer32 Key

    Right-click on the new key, select New, and choose Key again. Name this new key InprocServer32.

    Step 6: Set the String Value

    Double-click the InprocServer32 key to edit its value. Leave the value blank and click OK. Pro Tip: This step is crucial — ensure it is set to blank for the change to take effect.

    Step 7: Restart Your Computer

    Reboot your computer to apply the changes.

Upon restarting, the classic context menu should now be available when right-clicking in the File Explorer or on the desktop.

Step 8: Restore Modern Menu (if needed)

If you wish to revert to the modern context menu, delete the {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2} key following the previous instructions.

Step-by-Step: Restore Classic Right-Click Context Menu via Command Prompt

The following command-line method provides a swift way to restore the classic context menu:

    Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator

    Type Command Prompt into the Start menu search, right-click the top result, and select Run as administrator.

    Step 2: Input the Registry Command

    Copy and paste the following command, then hit Enter : reg add "HKCU\Software\Classes\CLSID\{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}\InprocServer32" /f /ve.

    Step 3: Restart File Explorer

    To apply the changes without a complete reboot, execute taskkill /f /im explorer.exe to close File Explorer, then run start explorer.exe to launch it again.

Following these steps should activate the legacy right-click menu in File Explorer.

Step 4: Reverting the Changes

To restore the modern context menu, simply run the command: reg delete "HKCU\Software\Classes\CLSID\{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}".

Additional Tips

  • Always back up the registry before making any changes to avoid potential issues.
  • Consider creating a restore point for your system prior to modifications.
  • If you encounter any issues, troubleshoot by ensuring all commands were entered correctly.

Summary

This guide provided detailed instructions on how to restore the classic right-click context menu in Windows 11 through both the Registry and the Command Prompt. Users can choose the method most suitable for their preferences and needs.

Conclusion

Restoring the classic context menu enhances the usability for many Windows 11 users who prefer more options at their fingertips. Follow the provided steps to easily toggle between the modern menu and the classic style as needed.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I reverse the changes made to restore the classic context menu?

Yes, you can follow the same steps in reverse to delete the registry keys associated with the classic context menu.

What should I do if I encounter an error while editing the registry?

If you receive errors, ensure you have administrative rights and that you’ve followed the steps precisely. Seek help from the Windows support community if issues persist.