Customize Your Windows 11 New Context Menu: A Step-by-Step Guide

In the evolving journey of Windows 11, Microsoft introduced a more minimalist and streamlined interface in its context menus—a far cry from the all-encompassing right-click options of yore in Windows 10. One such area you may interact with almost daily is the “New” context menu, that quick-stepping tool when creating folders, shortcuts, or zipping up files. However, as handy as it is, the menu can easily become a cluttered wall of unnecessary options. But fret not! Whether you're a casual user or a hardcore system administrator, Windows 11 offers several ways to streamline this chaos and fully personalize your experience.
Below, we’ll break down how to customize the New context menu, empowering you to get rid of what you don't use and—more excitingly—add what you truly need.

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The Basics of the New Context Menu​

Before we dive into heavy-duty customization, let’s recap what the “New” context menu does. Found when you right-click on your Desktop or in a File Explorer window and hover over “New”, this drop-down menu allows you to:

• Create New Folders
• Spawn Shortcuts to quickly access files/folders
• Generate Compressed (zipped) Folders
• Activate Library creation for grouped file storage

Unfortunately, Windows 11's context menus can sometimes feel overly simplified (thanks to the crippling “Show More Options” feature), increasing the need for your intervention.

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Why Customize It?​

Let’s face it, not everyone needs to see the option to create "Compressed Folders" or generate Libraries every time. Some of us work better with lean, custom-tailored menus serving exactly what we want. Here’s what you can achieve:

• Add Frequently Used Options: If you zip files constantly, prioritize that tool. Similarly, integrate your daily-use commands.
• Remove Redundancies: Do you rarely create Libraries or Shortcuts? Why not eliminate those completely?
• Declutter and Simplify: A smaller menu means less time spent scrolling or searching through irrelevant choices.

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Paths to Customization​

Microsoft has left the doors to customization wide open. Whether you prefer a DIY approach with manual tools like Registry Editor or love the GUI simplicity of third-party utilities, customization is within your grasp. Below are the best-known methods based on your comfort level.

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Method 1: Mastering .REG Files for Simplified Edits​

The quickest and most user-friendly approach for most users involves utilizing pre-configured .REG files to control your registry entries. By importing these files, you can enable or disable specific features in the New context menu.

Steps To Customize via .REG Files:​

• Download Pre-Crafted Files: Look for a compilation of .REG files specifically designed for Windows 11’s context menu customization, like in the aptly titled “Add-Remove_Default_Items_on_New_Context_Menu” ZIP file.
• Extract and Choose:
• Extract the files using the built-in Extract tool.
• Choose files to add or remove (e.g., Add_Folder_on_New_Context_Menu.reg).
• Run the File:
• Double-click the desired .REG file.
• Accept the system’s security warning.
• Confirm by clicking “Yes”.
• Restart Windows Explorer:
• Open your Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
• Locate Windows Explorer, right-click, and hit Restart to apply changes.
• Verify and Validate: Right-click on your desktop > hover over "New" > check if your modifications worked.

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Method 2: Manual Changes Through the Registry Editor (Advanced)​

For those with a detailed-oriented streak—or if you’re looking for total manual control—this is your playground. The Registry Editor allows you to directly dive into the registry keys that create the “New” context menu. However, tinkering with the registry comes with risks, so please back up your registry or create a System Restore Point.

Editing Default Menu Items:​

• Open the Registry Editor:
• Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
• Accept the User Account Control prompt.
• Navigate to the Right Path:
• Each menu item resides in specific registry paths:
• Folder: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\ShellNew
• Shortcut: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.lnk\ShellNew
• Compressed Folder: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.zip\CompressedFolder\ShellNew
• Library: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.library-ms\ShellNew
• Backup Before Modifications:
• Right-click on the relevant key (e.g., ShellNew) > Export > Save to a secure location.
• Delete or Add Keys:
• To remove, right-click on ShellNew and select Delete.
• To add, recreate the ShellNew key under the proper registry path with values like:
• Handler IDs
• Icon Paths (%SystemRoot%\system32\shell32.dll,-30396)
• Restart Explorer & Verify Changes:
• Same steps as above (Task Manager > Restart Windows Explorer).

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Method 3: Elevating Your Game with Group Policy Editor​

For users running Windows 11 Pro/Enterprise editions, using the Group Policy Editor provides a GUI-driven way to implement wide-scale menu control, often desirable for system admins regulating multiple workstations.

Steps:​

• Launch GPE: Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.
• Navigate:
• Open: User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer.
• Use the Policy:
• Double-click Remove New menu items from the context menu.
• Enable or Disable it based on what you plan.

This method allows for systemic control without delving into one-off manual edits.

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Method 4: Leveraging Third-Party Tools​

Some users prefer third-party applications designed to simplify these tasks. Options like Easy Context Menu, ShellExView, and Right Click Enhancer provide user-friendly interfaces that abstract the complexities of registry hives and Group Policy rules.

Recommended Tools:​

• Easy Context Menu: Drag-and-drop simplicity for adding/removing context menu items. Perfect for personalization junkies.
• ShellExView by NirSoft: Offers unrivaled granularity, listing shell extensions and handlers for every context-menu item on your system.
• Right Click Enhancer: Allows you to build your menu from scratch, creating new commands, submenus, and enhanced menu flow.

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Common Pitfalls & FAQs​

Common Mistakes:​

• Applying unverified .REG files: Always open and examine these files in a text editor for transparency.
• Forgetting to back up: Even one wrong tweak in the registry can destabilize your system. Export your keys or use Restore Points as a safety net.

FAQs:​

• Can I restore the classic Windows 10 context menu in Windows 11?
  Yes! Add the key:
  HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}
  And create a subkey called InprocServer32. Leave its default value blank, restart Explorer, and voila!
• What’s the purpose of “Show More Options”?
  This feature (Shift + F10) brings back the classic context menu temporarily, allowing you to bypass Windows 11’s streamlined minimalist approach.

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Conclusion: Empowering Your Right-Click Game​

Windows 11 may have overcomplicated it with the "Show More Options" headache, but getting the New context menu right isn’t rocket science when you know the tools. Whether you go all manual with Registry Keys, automate things with .REG files, or make life simpler with third-party tools—you’re in control.
Right-clicking just got a whole lot smarter, don’t you think? Happy customizing! Let us know how you’ve tailored your menu below!

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Source: WinBuzzer How to Customize the "New" Context Menu in Windows 11 - WinBuzzer