Editing the Windows 11 Explorer context (right-click) top level menu

Ron Sipherd 276 Reputation points
2025-03-17T04:05:04.0966667+00:00

When I right-click on a folder or file in Win 11 Explorer, I get a short list of options and "Show more options" at the bottom.

I would like to move one or two of those second-level options up to the top list; how can I do that?

I'm not referring to restoration of the old full right-click menu, but just adding (and maybe deleting) some top-level entries.

I'm comfortable using regedit if no alternative exists, but I need to know what to do.

Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | User experience | Other
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  1. Anonymous
    2025-03-19T09:25:21.8933333+00:00

    Hello,

    Thank you for posting in Microsoft Q&A.

    Based on the description, I understand your question is related to editing the Windows 11 Explorer context (right-click) top level menu.

    Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter. Locate below paths:

    HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT*\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers

    HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers

    Look for the key corresponding to the item you want to move.

    Right-click on the key and select Export. Save it as a .reg file for backup.

    Right-click on the key and select Delete.

    Navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT*\shell for files or HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell for folders.

    Right-click on shell, select New > Key, and name it after the item you want to add.

    Inside this new key, create another key named command.

    Set the default value of the command key to the command you want to execute (you can find this in the original key you exported).

    Open Task Manager, find Windows Explorer, right-click on it, and select Restart.

    Have a nice day.

    Best Regards,

    Molly

    ============================================

    If the Answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it

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