If you’ve recently upgraded to Windows 11 and find yourself missing the old right-click menu, you’re not alone. The new streamlined context menu looks sleek, but sometimes you just want all your options right there, no extra clicks needed. Fortunately, there’s a way to make the “Show more options” feature display by default, offering you the full range of functions right from the get-go. This involves a simple tweak in the Registry Editor.
Windows 11: How to Show More Options by Default
In this section, we’ll guide you through a step-by-step process to ensure the classic right-click menu is what you see every time. Don’t worry; it’s easier than it sounds!
Step 1: Open the Run Dialog Box
Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
This is your starting point for accessing the Registry Editor, where all the magic happens. A small window will pop up at the bottom-left of your screen.
Step 2: Type “regedit” and Hit Enter
Enter “regedit” into the Run dialog box and press Enter.
This command opens the Registry Editor, where you can make changes to how your system behaves. You might be prompted to allow this app to make changes to your device, so be sure to click “Yes.”
Step 3: Navigate to the CLSID Key
In the Registry Editor, go to the path: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareClassesCLSID.
The CLSID path is like an address pointing to all the different settings you can modify for user-specific software configurations.
Step 4: Create a New Key
Right-click on CLSID, select New > Key, and name it {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}.
Creating this key essentially tricks Windows into showing the full context menu by default. Think of it as setting a new rule for how the right-click menu should behave.
Step 5: Create a New Subkey
Right-click on the new key, select New > Key, and name it InprocServer32.
This subkey completes the setting that tells Windows to revert back to the classic menu. Without it, your changes won’t take effect.
Step 6: Set the Default Value
Click on InprocServer32, then double-click on the (Default) value in the right pane and leave the value data empty, then click OK.
Leaving the value data empty is crucial. It’s like flipping a switch without adding any new instructions, letting the system know it’s ready to use the classic context menu.
Once you’ve completed these steps, restart your computer. Upon rebooting, you’ll notice that the right-click menu now defaults to showing more options, saving you from extra clicks.
Tips for Windows 11: Show More Options by Default
- Always back up your registry before making any changes, as incorrect tweaks can affect system stability.
- If you want to revert the changes, simply delete the key you created.
- Consider using third-party software if you’re uncomfortable editing the registry manually.
- Keep your system updated to ensure compatibility with these tweaks.
- Familiarize yourself with the new menu layout; it might be more efficient for certain tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I revert back to the original settings?
Yes, you can revert to the original settings by deleting the keys you created in the Registry Editor.
Is editing the Registry Editor safe?
Editing the Registry Editor is safe if done correctly, but it can cause system issues if not handled properly. Always back up your registry first.
Do I need to restart my computer after making these changes?
Yes, a restart is necessary for the changes to take effect.
Will these changes affect system performance?
Generally, these changes shouldn’t impact performance. However, any registry modification carries some risk, so ensure you follow instructions carefully.
Can I use a third-party tool to make these changes?
Yes, there are third-party tools designed to customize Windows 11 settings without manually editing the registry.
Summary
- Open the Run dialog box.
- Type “regedit” and hit Enter.
- Navigate to CLSID key.
- Create a new key: {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}.
- Create a subkey: InprocServer32.
- Set the default value to empty.
Conclusion
Tinkering with your computer’s settings can seem like a daunting task, especially when it involves the Registry Editor. However, gaining control over your right-click menu on Windows 11 by showing more options by default can significantly streamline your workflow. Whether you’re a power user who needs quick access to all features or just prefer the familiarity of the classic menu, this trick can save you time and clicks. Just remember: with great power comes great responsibility. Always back up your system before making changes, and don’t hesitate to revert if things don’t go as planned.
If you’re feeling adventurous, plenty of other tweaks await in the Registry Editor, each capable of transforming your Windows experience. Explore further, but proceed with caution. And if you find yourself stuck, there are plenty of resources and community forums ready to lend a hand. So go ahead and make Windows 11 work the way you want it to!
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.