If Tom's Hardware's Avram Piltch has done his research, this subtle change should return old-school context menus to Windows 11. Close Registry Editor and reboot your system.With InprocServer32 selected, check that the value of the (Default) key on the right is '(value not set).' If it isn't, double-click the key, ensure its value is blank and hit OK.Using the same method as before, create a key under your newly-created folder and name it InprocServer32.With the CLSID folder open and selected, right-click any empty space on the right side of the interface and select New > Key with the name.Navigate through it like so: HKEY_CURRENT_USER > SOFTWARE > Classes > CLSID. Once the Editor is open, you'll see a file tree on the left side of the interface.The easiest way to do this is to boot Windows' 'Run' menu by pressing the Windows key and R together, then typing regedit into the dialogue box that pops up. The first step is, of course, to open Windows 11's Registry Editor.If that's fine with you, here's how to make the necessary changes (thanks, Tom's Hardware): At least, until you undo the changes, which we'll explain later. By following the steps below, you will lose the fancy rounded corners of Windows 11's context menu, as well as its updated icons. For the time being, you can restore the old context menu through a small registry change.Ī quick note: when we say restore, we mean it. If you don't need all those extra options, why have them?įortunately, if you're in the former camp, all is not lost. For the average user, though, this change might be a boon. The 'advanced' context menu options are still present but only accessible through the new 'Show more options' button.įor those of us that use custom apps like Notepad++ and menus like Display settings frequently, that button is an unnecessary inconvenience. These include Open, Open with, Copy as path, Properties, and standard cut, copy, and paste controls. Instead of showing options like Display Settings, Personalize, or any number of custom context menu entries (such as 'edit with Notepad++' for text files), it shows only a few 'common' ones. The right-click context menu, for example, has been significantly truncated in Windows 11, shedding many of its predecessor's more advanced features. However, there are arguably downsides, such as the OS' rather simplified UI elements. Windows 11 will ship with a whole new look, in addition to fresh features like Auto HDR, command line tabs, and enhanced DirectStorage. In context: Love it or hate it, the next generation of Windows is arriving for all in just a few short days.

Notepad++ windows 10 context menu