Ever wanted to simplify your right-click menu on Windows 11, or add handy shortcuts for apps you frequently use? If you’ve ever thought, “It would be nice if I could tweak this a bit,” you’re in the right place! In this post, we’ll walk through how to customize the right-click context menu in Windows 11, even if you’re not a tech wizard. Let’s make your menu work for you!
What is the Right-Click Context Menu?
First things first—what are we talking about? When you right-click on your desktop or a file, that handy list of options that pops up (like “Copy,” “Paste,” or “Properties”) is called the context menu. Windows 11 has revamped this menu with a sleeker look, but it can still feel cluttered or missing key options you want.
The great news? You can customize it! Here’s how to make it more efficient and personalized.
Method 1: The Simple Way (Using Built-In Windows Features)
While Windows 11 doesn’t have an easy, direct way to fully edit the context menu without a little digging, you can still control some elements, like removing extra apps you rarely use. Here’s what you can do:
Remove Extra Items from the Context Menu
- Click the Start button, then select Settings (that little gear icon).
- In the left sidebar, click Apps, and then Installed apps.
- Scroll through the list of installed apps and find the ones that added unnecessary items to your right-click menu. You can click on the three dots next to an app and choose Uninstall if you no longer need it.
This won’t remove every app from the menu, but it will help trim things down a bit!
Method 2: A Deeper Dive with a Third-Party Tool
Want more control over the right-click menu? You can go a step further by using third-party apps designed to edit the context menu, like ShellExView or CCleaner. These tools make it easier to add or remove items without touching complicated system files.
Below is a quick guide using ShellExView.
How to Use ShellExView to Customize Your Context Menu
- Head over to ShellExView’s website and download the tool.
- Once installed, open ShellExView. You’ll see a list of all the extensions in your system, including the ones that control what appears in your right-click menu.
- In the list, look for items related to third-party apps or actions you rarely use. Right-click on the item and choose Disable Selected Items. This won’t delete the option—it just hides it.
- After making your changes, restart your computer to see the new, cleaner right-click menu in action.
Method 3: Get Techy with the Windows Registry
If you’re feeling adventurous and want more granular control over what appears in your right-click menu, you can edit the Windows Registry. The Registry is like the brain of Windows—it controls nearly everything your PC does.
⚠️ Warning: Be careful when editing the Registry. If you delete the wrong thing, it can cause problems with your system. If you’re not sure, it’s always a good idea to back up the Registry before making changes.
How to Edit the Registry to Customize the Context Menu
- Press Windows + R, type
regedit, and hit Enter. - In the left-hand sidebar, go to
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT > * > shellex > ContextMenuHandlers. - Here, you’ll see folders for different apps and actions that appear in your right-click menu. Right-click on any item you don’t want, and select Delete.
- Once done, restart your computer to apply the changes.
Wrapping It Up
Customizing your right-click context menu in Windows 11 is a great way to streamline your workflow and get rid of clutter. Whether you go the simple route of uninstalling unnecessary apps, use a third-party tool like ShellExView, or dive deep into the Windows Registry, you now have the power to make your menu your own.
Feel free to take it slow—try removing one or two things and see how it feels. Soon, you’ll have a cleaner, faster menu that works exactly how you want!
Have any questions or run into issues? Let me know in the comments, and I’ll be happy to help!