How to enable classic context menus in Windows 11

The Windows 11 update introduced a streamlined right-click menu, hiding many familiar options under “Show more options.” This change reduces visible commands and slows down workflows for those accustomed to the classic menu from earlier Windows versions.

The minimalist design, while aiming for consistency, makes common commands like “Copy” and “Properties” harder to access, frustrating many users. As more people experience Windows 11, reactions vary—some feel nostalgic, while others are upset about these UI choices.

The new design also omits familiar options like “Refresh” and “New” on the desktop. Fortunately, the classic menu can be restored with a simple registry edit or pre-made registry files.

1. Disable ‘Show More Options’ from Registry Editor Using CMD

Changing the Registry Editor lets you directly adjust Windows settings, like the right-click menu. By tweaking registry values, you can turn off “Show More Options” to immediately return to the classic menu. It’s wise to back up the registry first so you can restore it if necessary.

If you don’t want to use commands, download the bat files, then run them as an administrator to enable or disable the old classic context menu.

1. Press the Windows key and type Command Prompt and run it as Administrator.

   

2. Enter this command and press Enter.

   reg add "HKCU\Software\Classes\CLSID\{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}\InprocServer32" /f /ve

   

3. Right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager.

   

4. In Task Manager, right-click Windows Explorer and click Restart.

   

5. After that, right-click the desktop to see the old menu.
6. If you want the Show More Options back, restore the registry backup or run this command to delete the registry entry:

   reg.exe delete "HKCU\Software\Classes\CLSID\{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}" /f

   

7. Restart Windows Explorer.

2. Disable ‘Show More Options’ Using WinAero Tweaker

WinAero Tweaker is a useful tool for Windows that helps you bring back the old right-click menu. It turns off the “Show More Options” feature, letting you see all the commands right away when you right-click, which makes it easier to navigate files.

1. Download WinAero Tweaker.

   

2. Install it following the instructions.
3. Open it and select Classic Context Menus.
4. Select Enable classic full context menus.
5. Click Restart Explorer to activate the old menu.

   

6. To revert, uncheck Enable classic full context menus and restart Explorer.