How to Customize the “New” Context Menu in Windows 11

We show you how to customize the New context menu in Windows 11 using .REG files, the Registry Editor, or Group Policy Editor. Follow our step-by-step guide to add or remove items like Folder, Shortcut, and Compressed Folder efficiently.

The New context menu in Windows 11 offers quick access to create items such as folders, shortcuts, compressed (zipped) folders, and libraries. While convenient, it can become cluttered with options you may not need. Customizing this menu can help streamline your workflow and improve efficiency.

This guide will walk you through the process of adding or removing default items from the New context menu using a universal, straightforward method with pre-configured .REG files. For those who prefer more control, we also provide step-by-step instructions for manual customization via the Registry Editor. These methods are particularly useful for administrators and power users looking to optimize their systems.

Before proceeding, ensure you have administrative privileges, as changes to the registry require elevated permissions. We recommend backing up your registry or creating a system restore point to safeguard your settings.

How to Add or Remove Items on the “New” Context Menu using .REG Files

This universal method involves using pre-configured .REG files to quickly add or remove default items from the New context menu. It is the easiest and fastest way to make changes, especially for users who want a reliable and efficient solution without manually editing the registry.

Steps to Customize the New Context Menu Using .REG Files

  1. Download the ZIP file containing the .REG files
     
    Download our ZIP file named Add-Remove_Default_Items_on_New_Context_Menu_in_Windows11.zip, which contains pre-configured registry files for adding or removing each item.

  2. Extract the ZIP file
     
    Right-click the downloaded ZIP file and select “Extract All”. Choose a destination folder and click “Extract” to access the .REG files.
     
    01.1 Windows 11 - File Explorer - Extract All Zip Folder

  3. Run the appropriate .REG file
     
    Identify the file you need based on your desired action:

    • To add items, use:
       
      Add_Folder_on_New_Context_Menu.reg,
      Add_Shortcut_on_New_Context_Menu.reg,
      Add_Compressed_Zipped_Folder_on_New_Context_Menu.reg, or
      Add_Library_on_New_Context_Menu.reg.
    • To remove items, use:
       
      Remove_Folder_on_New_Context_Menu.reg,
      Remove_Shortcut_on_New_Context_Menu.reg,
      Remove_Compressed_Zipped_Folder_on_New_Context_Menu.reg, or
      Remove_Library_on_New_Context_Menu.reg.
       
      Double-click the chosen .REG file. A warning message will appear, informing you about changes to the registry. Click “Run”.
       
      01.3 Windows 11 - File Explorer - Open Reg File
  4. Click “Yes”
     
    01.4 Windows 11 - File Explorer - Open Reg File - Continue
  5. Click “OK”
     
    01.5 Windows 11 - File Explorer - Open Reg File - Continue - Accept
  6. Restart Windows Explorer
     
    Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc, locate Windows Explorer, right-click it, and select “Restart” to apply the changes.

  7. Verify the customization
     
    Right-click on your desktop or inside a folder, navigate to “New”, and confirm whether the selected item is added or removed as intended.

How to Add or Remove “Folder” from the “New” Context Menu in Windows 11

For users who prefer a hands-on approach, this method provides detailed steps to manually edit the registry and add or remove the “Folder” option from the New context menu. This method offers precise control but requires caution.

Steps to Add or Remove “Folder” via Registry Editor

  1. Open the Registry Editor
     
    Press “Windows + R”, type “regedit”, and press Enter. If prompted by User Account Control, click Yes to proceed

  2. Navigate to the Folder registry key
     
    Go to:

    HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\ShellNew
  3. Backup the registry key
     
    Right-click ShellNew, select “Export”, and save the backup in a secure location.

  4. Remove the “Folder” option
     
    Right-click the ShellNew key and select “Delete”. Confirm the deletion when prompted.

  5. Add the “Folder” option (if removed)
     
    If the “Folder” option is missing, recreate it by right-clicking Folder, selecting “New > Key”, and naming it ShellNew. Add the following string values:

    • Directory: Leave blank.
    • IconPath: 
       

      %SystemRoot%\system32\shell32.dll,3
    • ItemName: 
       

      @shell32.dll,-30396
  6. Restart Windows Explorer and verify changes
     
    Use Task Manager to restart Windows Explorer, then check the New context menu to confirm your changes.

How to Add or Remove “Shortcut” from the “New” Context Menu in Windows 11

This method allows you to manually add or remove the “Shortcut” option from the New context menu via the Registry Editor. The “Shortcut” feature is useful for creating links to applications, files, or folders. However, it can be removed if unnecessary, or restored if missing.

Steps to Add or Remove “Shortcut” via Registry Editor

  1. Open the Registry Editor
     
    Press “Windows + R”, type “regedit”, and press Enter. When prompted by User Account Control, select Yes to allow access.

  2. Navigate to the Shortcut registry key
     
    In the Registry Editor, go to:

    HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\ShellNew
  3. Backup the registry key

    Right-click ShellNew, select “Export”, and save the backup to a secure location for future restoration if needed.

  4. Remove the “Shortcut” option
     
    Right-click the ShellNew key, select “Delete”, and confirm the action when prompted.

  5. Add the “Shortcut” option (if removed)
     
    If you want to restore the “Shortcut” option, recreate the ShellNew key under HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.lnk.

    • Right-click .lnk, choose “New > Key”, and name it ShellNew.
    • Add the following string values within the key:
       

      • Handler: 
         

        {ceefea1b-3e29-4ef1-b34c-fec79c4f70af}
      • IconPath:
         

        %SystemRoot%\system32\shell32.dll,-16769
      • ItemName: 
         

        @shell32.dll,-30397
      • NullFile: Leave blank.
  6. Restart Windows Explorer
     
    Open Task Manager using “Ctrl + Shift + Esc”, locate “Windows Explorer”, right-click it, and select “Restart”.

  7. Verify the changes
     
    Check the New context menu by right-clicking on your desktop or inside a folder to confirm whether the “Shortcut” option appears or is removed as expected.

How to Add or Remove “Compressed (zipped) Folder” from the “New” Context Menu in Windows 11

This method allows you to manually add or remove the “Compressed (zipped) Folder” option, a useful feature for creating zip files directly from the New context menu. If you no longer need this option or wish to restore it, follow the steps below.

Steps to Add or Remove “Compressed (zipped) Folder” via Registry Editor

  1. Open the Registry Editor
     
    Use “Windows + R”, type “regedit”, and press Enter. Approve the User Account Control prompt.

  2. Navigate to the zip folder registry key
     
    Go to:

    HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.zip\CompressedFolder\ShellNew
  3. Backup the registry key

    Right-click ShellNew, select “Export”, and save the file as a backup.

  4. Remove the “Compressed (zipped) Folder” option
     
    Delete the ShellNew key by right-clicking it and selecting “Delete”. Confirm the action.

  5. Add the “Compressed (zipped) Folder” option (if removed)
     
    To restore the option, recreate the ShellNew key under 

    HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.zip\CompressedFolder
    • Add the following values inside the key:
       

      • Data: Hexadecimal value:
         

        50,4b,05,06,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00
      • ItemName: 
         

        %SystemRoot%\system32\zipfldr.dll,-10194
  6. Restart Windows Explorer
     
    Restart Windows Explorer through Task Manager to apply the changes.

  7. Verify the changes
     
    Check the New context menu to ensure the “Compressed (zipped) Folder” option has been added or removed.

How to Add or Remove “Library” from the “New” Context Menu in Windows 11

The “Library” option in the New context menu lets you create libraries to organize files across multiple locations. If you rarely use this feature, removing it can declutter your menu. If missing, it can be restored by following these steps.

Steps to Add or Remove “Library” via Registry Editor

  1. Open the Registry Editor
     
    Press “Windows + R”, type “regedit”, and press Enter. Click Yes to approve the prompt.

  2. Navigate to the library registry key.
     
    Go to:

    HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.library-ms\ShellNew
  3. Backup the registry key
     
    Export the ShellNew key to back it up. Right-click the key, select “Export”, and save it to a secure location.

  4. Remove the “Library” option
     
    Right-click the ShellNew key, select “Delete”, and confirm.

  5. Add the “Library” option (if removed)
     
    Recreate the ShellNew key under HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.library-ms.

    • Add the following values:
       

      • Handler: 
         

        {c7ca6167-2f46-4c4c-98b2-c92591368971}
      • IconPath: 
         

        %SystemRoot%\system32\imageres.dll,-1001
      • NullFile: Leave blank.
  6. Restart Windows Explorer
     
    Restart Windows Explorer to implement the changes.

  7. Verify the changes
     
    Right-click and open the New context menu to confirm the “Library” option is added or removed.

How to Remove the Complete “New” Context Menu in Windows 11 Using Group Policy Editor

For users running Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise editions, the Group Policy Editor provides a powerful tool to manage and customize system behaviors, including the New context menu. This method allows administrators to enable or disable specific items in the New context menu without editing the registry directly.

Steps to Manage New Context Menu Items Using Group Policy Editor

  1. Open the Group Policy Editor
     
    Press “Windows + R” to open the Run dialog box. Type “gpedit.msc” and press Enter. This opens the Local Group Policy Editor.

  2. Navigate to the File Explorer policies
     
    In the Group Policy Editor, use the left pane to navigate to:
    User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer

  3. Locate the policy for disabling new menu items
     
    Scroll through the File Explorer settings and find the policy named “Remove New menu items from the context menu”.

  4. Edit the policy
     
    Double-click the “Remove New menu items from the context menu” policy to open its configuration window.

  5. Enable or disable the policy

    • To disable the New context menu entirely, select “Enabled” and click “Apply” followed by “OK”.
    • To retain the New context menu, select “Disabled” or “Not Configured”, then click “Apply” followed by “OK”.
  6. Apply the changes
     
    Close the Group Policy Editor. To apply the changes immediately, restart Windows Explorer using Task Manager. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, locate Windows Explorer, right-click, and choose “Restart”.

  7. Verify the changes
     
    Right-click on your desktop or inside a folder to check the New context menu. Confirm whether the changes have been applied based on the configured policy.

How to Add or Remove Items on the “New” Context Menu Using Third-Party Tools

Customizing the New context menu in Windows 11 can be efficiently achieved using various third-party tools. These applications offer user-friendly interfaces to add, remove, or modify context menu items without manual registry edits. Here are some notable tools:

  1. Easy Context Menu: This freeware utility allows users to add or remove context menu entries effortlessly. It supports a wide range of customizations, enabling the addition of frequently used applications or commands directly to the right-click menu.

  2. ShellExView: Developed by NirSoft, ShellExView provides detailed information about shell extensions installed on your system. It enables users to disable or enable context menu entries, helping to declutter and optimize the right-click options.

  3. Right Click Enhancer: This tool offers comprehensive features to customize the right-click context menu. Users can create new menu items, submenus, and even add commands to the desktop context menu, enhancing accessibility to preferred applications and functions.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Customizing the Context Menu in Windows 11

How do I get the classic context menu back in Windows 11?

To temporarily access the classic context menu, right-click anywhere and hold down the “Shift” key while selecting “Show more options”. For a permanent solution, you can use a registry tweak by creating a new key under HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID\{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2} and adding a subkey named InprocServer32. Leave its default value blank. Alternatively, use tools like ExplorerPatcher, which simplify restoring the classic menu.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using .REG files?

Avoid running .REG files from untrusted sources, as they can cause system instability. Always verify the contents of the file by opening it in a text editor to understand its purpose. Backup your registry by creating a restore point or exporting the key you plan to modify. Additionally, avoid applying multiple registry changes simultaneously to ensure you can track and revert specific adjustments.

How do I customize the context menu in Windows 11 beyond the New menu?

Use tools like ShellExView or Easy Context Menu to manage and organize other sections of the context menu, including options for files, folders, and desktop. These tools allow you to add or remove items, disable unnecessary entries, or rearrange options for better usability. For manual adjustments, navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT in the registry and edit keys related to specific file types or folders.

What is the difference between the Windows 10 and Windows 11 context menu?

The Windows 11 context menu is streamlined, displaying commonly used actions like “Cut”, “Copy”, “Rename”, and “Delete” upfront, while grouping less-used options under “Show more options”. Windows 10, by contrast, featured a single, comprehensive context menu without grouping, which many users found quicker for advanced tasks. The changes in Windows 11 aim to reduce visual clutter but may require extra clicks for some operations.

How do I add a “Send to” option in the Windows 11 context menu?

To customize the “Send to” menu, open File Explorer and navigate to “C:\Users\\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\SendTo”. Add shortcuts to frequently used destinations by right-clicking in the folder, selecting “New > Shortcut”, and specifying the target path. These shortcuts will appear in the “Send to” context menu for quick file transfers.

Are there tools to automate context menu customization in Windows 11?

Yes, several tools simplify context menu customization without requiring manual registry edits. ShellExView lets you enable or disable shell extensions that control context menu entries. Easy Context Menu offers an intuitive interface for adding or removing options for files, folders, and desktop. These tools are ideal for streamlining the menu and reducing clutter.

How do I add custom commands to the context menu in Windows 11?

Add custom commands by editing the registry. Navigate to “HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell” for general file types or the specific file type key (e.g., “HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.txt\shell”). Create a new key for the command and add a subkey named “command”. Set the default value of the “command” subkey to the executable path of the program or script you want to run. This allows you to perform tailored actions directly from the context menu.

Can I create submenus in the context menu for better organization?

Yes, you can create submenus by nesting registry keys. For example, under “HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell”, create a key for the main menu item and add a subkey named “SubCommands”. Define each submenu item by creating additional keys under “HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell\\SubCommands” and linking them to specific commands. Alternatively, use tools like Easy Context Menu to simplify this process.

What is the purpose of the “Show more options” in Windows 11?

The “Show more options” button in Windows 11 expands the simplified context menu into the full classic-style menu. This feature provides access to options that are not displayed in the streamlined menu, preserving legacy functionality while reducing visual clutter in the default view. It is particularly useful for advanced users who rely on lesser-used context menu items.

How do I disable specific options in the context menu without removing them?

Specific options can be disabled without removing them by deactivating their associated shell extensions. Use tools like ShellExView to identify and disable the extensions responsible for the unwanted options. This approach hides the entries from the context menu while keeping them available for future reactivation if needed.

Related: How to Disable “Show More Options” in Windows 11 to See the Full Context Menu

The “Show More Options” line in the Windows 11 context menu is a departure from the traditional, instantly accessible full menu that users have become accustomed to in previous versions of Windows. While visually appealing, this change can disrupt the workflow by adding an extra step to access commonly used functions. In our other guide, we show you how to restore the classic context menu in Windows 11, removing the need to click “Show More Options”.
 
https://winbuzzer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Featured-How-to-Disable-Show-more-options-to-always-show-full-context-menu-in-Windows-11.jpg

Related: How to Add Take Ownership to the Right-Click Context Menu in Windows 

Permissions in Windows 10 are vital for safety and security, but they can also be frustrating. Users often run into file permissions errors that stop them from modifying files, sometimes because they were created by a different user, but often because they’re in locations Microsoft doesn’t like you to edit. In our other guide, we show you how to add Take Ownership to the context menu in Windows for fast permissions switching.
 
Take Ownership in Context Menu

Markus Kasanmascheff
Markus Kasanmascheff
Markus has been covering the tech industry for more than 15 years. He is holding a Master´s degree in International Economics and is the founder and managing editor of Winbuzzer.com.
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