To be frank, I like the new context menu on Windows 11. It is a good mix of old and modern UI elements and offers you a new “Copy as Path” option as well. Having said that, there are users who want the Windows 10 context menu on Windows 11 because of the multiple other options it has to offer. So if you are one of those users who want to disable “Show more options” and get back the old full-size context menu on their Windows 11 PC, follow this tutorial and restore it in seconds. Besides, you can also learn how to make Windows 11 look like Windows 10.
We have added two ways to restore the old right-click menu on Windows 11. The first one is the easiest and shortest way, whereas the second one is a manual method and requires more know-how of Windows. Hence, it also takes more time. Based on your expertise, you can choose whichever method from the table below.
- The Difference Between New and Old Context MenuBring Back Old Context Menu on Windows 11 (Easiest Method)Restore Old Context Menu on Windows 11 (Registry Method)
The Difference Between New and Old Context Menu
With Windows 11, Microsoft added a new context menu that follows the refreshed Fluent design language. It comes in a minimal design, has rounded corners, transparent UI, and design elements that follow the mobile interface. What’s noteworthy is that Microsoft has gone ahead and removed some of the traditional options from the right-click menu. For example, if you right-click on a file or folder, you won’t see the option to adjust the advanced sharing option or the option to create a shortcut right away.
The problem gets worse when you want to use an action from a third-party app. For example, the new context menu does not show any action from apps like WinZip or 7-Zip. You need to click on “Show more options” to see the old context menu and then perform any custom 7-Zip actions, which takes too many clicks and defeats the purpose.
So if you want to get back the trusty old context menu from Windows 10, follow our guide below.
Without getting your hands dirty, you can bring back the old context menu on Windows 11 with a third-party app called Winaero Tweaker. The popular program has added a Windows 11 tweaking section, and as always, it works like a charm. I tested this software on both stable (22000.194) and Dev builds of Windows 11, and I didn’t face any issues. So follow the steps below to get back the old right-click menu:
After enabling the checkbox, you will see a “Restart Explorer” option at the bottom. Click on it.
Now, go ahead and right-click on your desktop or any file and folder. You will find that the old context menu from Windows 10 is back on Windows 11. That’s super easy, right?
Now, if you ever want to revert to Windows 11’s new right-click menu, click the “Reset this page to defaults” option at the top and restart the Explorer. You will get back the rounded corner UI and “Show more options” button.
If you want a simpler tool, a one-click solution to switch back to the old context menu on Windows 11, go ahead and download this app called Windows 11 Classic Context Menu (Free). It removes the “Show more options” button and restores the classic, full-size Windows 10-style context menu on Windows 11.
If you are someone who likes to manually tweak stuff on your Windows computer, this method is for you. You can restore the old right-click menu on Windows 11 by adding some values to the Registry. Here is how to go about it.
Next, go ahead and paste the below address in the Registry Editor. It will take you to the CLSID entry.
Under the CLSID folder, right-click on the empty space in the right pane and select New -> Key.
After that, copy the below string and rename the new key.
Next, right-click on the new entry on the left pane and choose New -> Key.
Rename it to InprocServer32 and hit Enter.
Now, move to the “InprocServer32” folder and double-click on “Default” on the right pane. After that, click on “OK” without changing any values.
Now, close the Registry Editor and restart Windows Explorer from the Task Manager. Or, you can simply restart your PC. Finally, you will see that the old context menu is back on Windows 11. Enjoy!
If you ever want to restore the new Windows 11 context menu, delete the new Registry key and reboot your computer. That’s it.
