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How to enable the complete right-click context menu in Windows 11 File Explorer

Do you like to right-click on a file or folder to show the 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.

How to enable the complete right-click context menu in Windows 11 File Explorer

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 of the actions that can be performed, like open with or send to, and application-specific actions.

But Windows 11, by default, only shows a condensed context menu. The only way to get all the available actions to appear in the context menu is to select Show more options. But there is a way to enable the complete view of the context menu, but it does require editing the registry.

Note: Editing the registry incorrectly can cause your computer to run erratically or not even boot. It is highly recommended to backup your computer's registry before editing it. Creating a Restore Point will backup the current state of your computer, including the registry. If you do not feel comfortable editing the registry, please get in touch with a local computer technician for assistance.

How to backup and restore the registry in Windows 10 and Windows 11

How to enable the full right-click context menu inside of File Explorer

  1. Backup the registry (see the above article).
  2. Open the Registry Editor.
    • Left-click on the Start button Windows logo 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.
    • Left-click on Registry Editor. If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
  3. Navigate to the following registry key.
    Windows 11 CLSID registry key
    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID
  4. Right-click on CLSID and select New > Key.
    Windows 11 CLSID new key
  5. Type or paste the following code in the name field, then press Enter.
    {86CA1AA0-34AA-4E8B-A509-50C905BAE2A2}
  6. Right-click on {86CA1AA0-34AA-4E8B-A509-50C905BAE2A2} and select New > Key.
    Windows 11 InprocServer32 new key
  7. Type or paste the following name in the name field, then press Enter.
    InprocServer32
  8. In the right-hand column, you will find the default value listed under Data is (value not set).
    Changing the default Windows 11 InprocServer32 key
    Right-click on the default value and select Modify.
  9. The Edit String dialog box will appear. Leave the Value data field blank and left-click on OK.
    The revised default Windows 11 InprocServer32 key
    The default value for InprocServer32 should now be blank. Restart your Windows 11 computer for the registry changes to take effect.

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