Updated April 12, 2026
Do you like right-clicking a file or folder to open its context menu? Have you noticed that Windows 11 only displays a condensed context menu? Here is how to enable the complete context menu in Windows 11.
One of the most time-saving features in Windows 11 has to be the context menu that appears when you right-click on a file or folder. It usually displays all the actions that can be performed, such as open with or send to, as well as application-specific actions.
But by default, Windows 11 only shows a condensed context menu. The only way to display all available actions in the context menu is to select Show more options. But there are two (2) ways to get all available context menu actions to appear: a keyboard shortcut you can use on an as-needed basis, or a registry modification that permanently enables the complete right-click context menu.
How to enable the full right-click context menu as needed
To bring up the full right-click context menu as needed, hold the Shift key while right-clicking a file to bypass the simplified Windows 11 version and see all options immediately.
How to enable the full right-click context menu permanently
Note: Editing the registry incorrectly can cause your computer to run erratically or not even boot. It is highly recommended that you back up your computer's registry before editing it. Creating a Restore Point creates a snapshot of your computer's current state, including the registry. If you do not feel comfortable editing the registry, please contact a local computer technician for assistance.
How to use System Protection and Restore Points in Windows 11
How to back up and restore the registry in Windows 10 and Windows 11
How to edit the registry to enable the complete right-click menu permanently
- Left-click on the Start button
to bring up the Start menu.
- In the upper right-hand corner of the Start menu, left-click on All apps.
- Scroll down the list of programs and left-click on Windows Tools.
- Right-click on Registry Editor and select Run as administrator. If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
- Navigate to the following registry key.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID
- Right-click on CLSID and select New > Key.
- Type or paste the following code in the name field, then press Enter.
{86CA1AA0-34AA-4E8B-A509-50C905BAE2A2}
- Right-click on {86CA1AA0-34AA-4E8B-A509-50C905BAE2A2} and select New > Key.
- Type or paste the following name in the name field, then press Enter.
InprocServer32
- In the right-hand column, you will find the default value listed under Data as "(value not set)".
Right-click on the default value, then select Modify.
- The Edit String dialog box will appear. Leave the Value data field blank and left-click on OK.
The default value for InprocServer32 should now be blank. Restart your Windows 11 computer for the registry changes to take effect.