Windows 11 introduced a sleek and modern interface, but change isn’t always easy. If you miss the old right-click context menu from previous Windows versions, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll walk you through two methods to bring back the classic right-click context menu in Windows 11. The first method involves a simple keyboard shortcut, while the second method dives into the registry for more advanced users.
Method 1: The Shift Key Shortcut
The quickest and easiest way to access the classic right-click context menu in Windows 11 is by holding down the Shift key while right-clicking. This handy keyboard shortcut instantly reverts to the familiar menu you’ve grown accustomed to in earlier Windows versions.
- Navigate to the folder or file you want to right-click on.
- Hold down the Shift key on your keyboard and Right-click the desired item.
- Voila! You’ll see the classic context menu appear.
This method is perfect for those who want to switch between the new and classic context menus effortlessly.
Method 2: Using the “reg.exe” Command
This method involves using the “reg.exe” command to add a Registry key, which will enable the classic right-click context menu in Windows 11.
- Open Start, then type “cmd,” and select “Run as administrator” to open Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
- In the Command Prompt window, copy and paste the following command and press Enter:
reg.exe add “HKCU\Software\Classes\CLSID\{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}\InprocServer32” /f /ve
- This command adds a key to the Registry that enables the classic right-click context menu.
- After executing the command, you may need to log out and log back in or restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
The classic right-click context menu should now be enabled on your Windows 11 system. If you ever wish to revert to the default Windows 11 context menu, you can delete the Registry key using the “reg.exe” command or restore your system to a previous state using a system restore point.
Reverting the Changes using cmd
If you decide to revert to the default Windows 11 right-click context menu, follow these steps:
- Open Start, then type “cmd,” and select “Run as administrator” to open Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
- In the Command Prompt window, copy and paste the following command and press Enter:
reg.exe delete “HKCU\Software\Classes\CLSID\{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}\InprocServer32” /f
- This command will remove the key responsible for enabling the classic context menu.
- After executing the command, you may need to log out and log back in or restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
The changes made to enable the classic right-click context menu will be reverted, and you will return to the default Windows 11 context menu.
Remember to use these commands with caution, and only perform it if you are confident enough.