Restore Classic Windows 11 Context Menu with Regedit

Windows 11 introduced a redesigned, minimalist context menu that hides many common options behind a “Show more options” button. This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to use the Windows Registry Editor (Regedit) to permanently restore the full, classic Windows 10-style right-click context menu without third-party software.

Step 1: Open the Registry Editor

  1. Press Windows Key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type regedit into the field and press Enter (or click OK).
  3. If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to grant administrator permissions.

Step 2: Navigate to the CLSID Key

In the Registry Editor’s left sidebar, navigate to the following path:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID

You can also copy and paste this path directly into the address bar at the top of the Registry Editor window and press Enter.

Step 3: Create the New Registry Keys

  1. Right-click on the CLSID folder in the left pane.
  2. Select New > Key.
  3. Name the new key: {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}
  4. Right-click on the newly created {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2} key.
  5. Select New > Key.
  6. Name this subkey: InprocServer32

Step 4: Modify the Default Value

  1. Click on the InprocServer32 key to select it.
  2. In the right pane, double-click on the (Default) entry.
  3. Ensure the Value data field is completely empty, then click OK. (Note: Setting the value to blank ensures the Data column changes from (value not set) to an empty state, which activates the classic context menu override).

Step 5: Restart Windows Explorer

To apply the changes immediately without restarting your computer:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
  2. Locate Windows Explorer under the Processes tab.
  3. Right-click Windows Explorer and select Restart.

Once Explorer restarts, right-click anywhere on the desktop or on a file to view the classic context menu.

How to Revert to the Modern Windows 11 Context Menu

If you ever want to switch back to the default Windows 11 menu:

  1. Open regedit and navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID
  2. Right-click the {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2} key and select Delete.
  3. Confirm the deletion and restart Windows Explorer via the Task Manager.