Windows 11 offers a streamlined look, but sometimes you might want to access more options in your right-click menu. By default, Windows 11 hides these under “Show more options.” You can change this setting permanently so you always see the full context menu with a few simple tweaks. This guide will help you alter the settings so you won’t have to click an extra time every time you need more options.
How to Always Show More Options in Windows 11
This section will guide you through the steps to ensure that Windows 11 always displays more options in the right-click context menu. We’ll make a small change in the Windows Registry, so follow each step carefully.
Step 1: Open the Run Dialog Box
Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. This little box is your shortcut to accessing hidden files and settings on your computer.
Step 2: Launch the Registry Editor
Type “regedit” into the Run dialog box and hit Enter. The Registry Editor is where you can make changes to the core settings of your Windows operating system. A prompt might appear asking for permission to make changes; select “Yes.”
Step 3: Navigate to the Context Menu Key
Find your way to the following path: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareClassesCLSID. The CLSID folder contains many settings that control how Windows behaves.
Step 4: Create a New Key
Right-click in the CLSID folder, choose “New,” then “Key.” Name this new key “{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}” and hit Enter. This key will be used to modify the context menu settings.
Step 5: Create a New Subkey
Right-click the new key, choose “New,” then “Key” again, and name this one “InprocServer32.” The subkey will hold the necessary information to change the context menu behavior.
Step 6: Verify and Close
Double-click the “(Default)” entry in the right pane and ensure its value is empty. Close the Registry Editor once you’ve made sure of this. Your changes will take effect shortly.
After completing these steps, your Windows 11 context menu will always show more options by default. You can now access all the hidden features without having to click “Show more options” every time.
Tips for Windows 11 Show More Options
- Backup Your Registry: Before making any changes, it’s always a good idea to back up your registry. This ensures you can restore your system if something goes wrong.
- Use Shortcut Keys: Familiarize yourself with keyboard shortcuts to navigate the Registry Editor quickly.
- Take Your Time: Carefully read each step to avoid making unintended changes.
- Be Careful with Editing: Only modify the parts of the registry you are familiar with to prevent accidental issues.
- Restart if Needed: If changes don’t take effect, try restarting your computer to ensure they apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Windows Registry?
The Windows Registry is a database that stores low-level settings for the Windows operating system and installed applications.
Is it safe to modify the registry?
Modifying the registry is safe if you follow instructions carefully. However, mistakes can cause system issues, so always back up your registry first.
Can I revert the changes if I don’t like them?
Yes, you can delete the keys you created to revert the changes.
Will these changes affect system performance?
No, these changes will not impact system performance. They only alter how options are displayed in the context menu.
What if I can’t find the CLSID folder?
Ensure you navigate to the correct path. If the folder is missing, double-check the spelling and location.
Summary
- Open the Run dialog box.
- Launch the Registry Editor.
- Navigate to the CLSID key path.
- Create a new key.
- Create a new subkey.
- Verify the entry and close the editor.
Conclusion
Changing the settings in Windows 11 to always show more options is a handy tweak for those who frequently use the context menu. By making a minor adjustment in the registry, you can save yourself the hassle of clicking “Show more options” every time. Remember, while modifying the registry may seem daunting, it’s straightforward if you follow the steps above.
Make sure you always back up your registry before making changes. That way, you have a safety net if something doesn’t go as planned. While the process might seem a bit technical, think of it as a small adventure into the inner workings of your computer.
For those who love tinkering with technology, exploring the Windows Registry can be like finding the secret passageways of a grand castle. Once you master these small tweaks, you’ll be able to customize your computer in ways you never thought possible. Take your time, follow the steps, and soon you’ll have Windows 11 working just the way you want! If you’re curious and want to learn more, consider delving into other customization options that Windows offers.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.