How do I add Excel to the "new context menu" in my desktop shortcuts?

Question

I have noticed that I been able to use most of the office shortcuts from my desktop "new" context menu. Yet the one I need the most Excel is not on the list, how do I go about and add it. Also how do I get rid of the dual "Access Database shortcuts"? (Yes, I have had older version of office and have updated to new version.)

I have tried to add it thru registry, but I have no idea where I would alter the key. Any advice is appreciated, on either removing the 2nd Access shortcut or Adding the excel shortcut under "New".

Answer 1

Hello, how are you?

Welcome to the Microsoft community!

My name is Paloma B., I'm an independent advisor, I'm here to help you in the best possible way.

I understand that you would like to add Excel to the context.

Check if this option helps you.

If you need to run an application frequently, creating a shortcut to it in the Windows context menu can make your life easier. With some changes to the System Registry, you can add any application and access it with the right mouse click on Windows Explorer folders and on the desktop.

Step 1. Press “WinKey + R”, enter the command “regedit.exe” (without quotes) and press “OK”;

Step 2. In the “Windows Registry Editor”, go to “HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT/Directory/Background/shell”;

Step 3. Right-click on “shell”, point to “New” and click on “Key”. Name the folder with the name of the application you want to add;

Step 4. Right-click on the created key, point to “New” and click on “Key”. This time, type "command" (without quotes) for the key name;

Step 5. Inside the “command” key, in the right column, double-click on the “(Default)” item to edit it. In the “Value data” field, type the path to the application in quotes;

Step 6. To avoid typing errors, in Windows Explorer, press the “Shift” key and right-click on the application's executable file (.exe). In the context menu, click on “Copy as path”. That done, go back to the Registry Editor and paste.

That way, it will be possible to open the application through the context menu on the desktop or in any Windows Explorer folder. The change takes effect immediately without the need to restart the computer.

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