Windows Context Menu

The context menu in Windows 11's File Explorer allows users to execute various actions linked to installed applications. Users can create personalized shortcuts using the Registry Editor or third-party applications. Modifications made via the Registry Editor will not affect the modern context menu; users must access the classic context menu by selecting "Show more options" or holding the Shift key while right-clicking. To add items using the Registry Editor, users should: 1. Open Registry Editor. 2. Navigate to the appropriate folder based on the desired context menu location: - For files: HKEYCLASSESROOT*shell - For folders: HKEYCLASSESROOTDirectoryshell - For empty areas: HKEYCLASSESROOTDirectoryBackgroundshell - If lacking admin permissions, use HKEYCURRENTUSERSoftwareClasses. 3. Right-click the shell folder, select New > Key, and name it. 4. Edit the (Default) value to display text in the context menu. 5. To add an icon, create a new String value named Icon and enter the path of the application's executable file. 6. Create another Key named Command, edit its (Default) value to enter the command to execute, and append %1 or %v as needed. 7. Repeat for additional entries. To remove entries, delete the created key. Users can also create shortcuts to websites by including the URL in the command. Certain Windows features can be accessed using CLSIDs in the Command key. For those who prefer not to edit the registry, third-party applications like Custom Context Menu and Open++ can simplify the process of adding options to the context menu.