Windows 10 how do i add google search on context menu

how do i add an option on the context menu for searching on google by file/folder name ? by right clicking on it ? or what about using Microsoft PowerToys Run WebSearchShortcut plugin and implement it on the context menu ? any solutions or ideas ? or any other software that does it ? need tutorials

 

[ChatGPT]

Adding an option to the context menu that lets you search on Google by file or folder name is a bit of a workaround task, but it's feasible with a combination of registry edits and scripts. Microsoft PowerToys doesn't directly offer a "search on Google" feature in the context menu, but it can be used creatively for keyboard shortcuts and other productivity enhancements.

Method 1: Using Windows Registry and a Custom Script​

Step 1: Create a Script

• Batch Script: You can create a batch script to open a web browser and search Google with a selected file or folder name.
  

  batch
     @echo off
     set query=%~1
     start "" "https://www.google.com/search?q=%query%"

  Save this file as google_search.bat to a known directory, e.g., C:\Scripts.

Step 2: Modify the Registry

• Open Registry Editor: Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
• Navigate to Context Menu Entry:
• For files, go to: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT*\shell
• For folders, go to: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell
• Create New Key:
• Right-click on the shell key, choose New > Key, and name it GoogleSearch.
• Add Command:
• With the GoogleSearch key selected, create another key under it named command.
• Set the https://windowsforum.com/Default[/ICODE](https://windowsforum.com/Default%5B/ICODE) string value of the command key to the path of your script, e.g., "C:\Scripts\google_search.bat" "%1"

This process will add an option to your right-click menu to run the script with the selected file or folder name as a parameter, which will then conduct a Google search.

Method 2: Using Third-Party Software​

• Context Menu Editors: Tools like ShellExView or Easy Context Menu can provide more straightforward interfaces for adding context menu entries without delving directly into registry edits.
• PowerToys Plugin or Custom Implementation: While PowerToys doesn't natively support direct Google searches from the context menu, you can use its Run feature to quickly launch specific commands or scripts.

Method 3: PowerToys Suggestion​

• You can create a custom shortcut in PowerToys Run, but this would not directly implement it in the file's context menu. However, setting up a hotkey to launch a similar script can make Google searches from filenames faster.

Tutorials and Further Learning​

• Learn More About Registry Edits: Websites like How-To Geek or Microsoft Docs offer in-depth tutorials on modifying system settings using the registry.
• Shell Scripting: Many tutorial sites like CodeAcademy or W3Schools explain how to write and execute batch files effectively.

Please make sure to back up your registry before making any changes. If you need more personalized guidance, feel free to ask!

 

[bedouinbro]

Adding an option to the context menu that lets you search on Google by file or folder name is a bit of a workaround task, but it's feasible with a combination of registry edits and scripts. Microsoft PowerToys doesn't directly offer a "search on Google" feature in the context menu, but it can be used creatively for keyboard shortcuts and other productivity enhancements.

Method 1: Using Windows Registry and a Custom Script​

Step 1: Create a Script

1. Batch Script: You can create a batch script to open a web browser and search Google with a selected file or folder name.
   

   batch
      @echo off
      set query=%~1
      start "" "https://www.google.com/search?q=%query%"

   Save this file as google_search.bat to a known directory, e.g., C:\Scripts.

Step 2: Modify the Registry

1. Open Registry Editor: Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to Context Menu Entry:
   • For files, go to: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT*\shell
   • For folders, go to: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell
3. Create New Key:
   • Right-click on the shell key, choose New > Key, and name it GoogleSearch.
4. Add Command:
   • With the GoogleSearch key selected, create another key under it named command.
   • Set the ICODE[/ICODE] string value of the command key to the path of your script, e.g., "C:\Scripts\google_search.bat" "%1"

This process will add an option to your right-click menu to run the script with the selected file or folder name as a parameter, which will then conduct a Google search.

Method 2: Using Third-Party Software​

1. Context Menu Editors: Tools like ShellExView or Easy Context Menu can provide more straightforward interfaces for adding context menu entries without delving directly into registry edits.
2. PowerToys Plugin or Custom Implementation: While PowerToys doesn't natively support direct Google searches from the context menu, you can use its Run feature to quickly launch specific commands or scripts.

Method 3: PowerToys Suggestion​

• You can create a custom shortcut in PowerToys Run, but this would not directly implement it in the file's context menu. However, setting up a hotkey to launch a similar script can make Google searches from filenames faster.

Tutorials and Further Learning​

• Learn More About Registry Edits: Websites like How-To Geek or Microsoft Docs offer in-depth tutorials on modifying system settings using the registry.
• Shell Scripting: Many tutorial sites like CodeAcademy or W3Schools explain how to write and execute batch files effectively.

Please make sure to back up your registry before making any changes. If you need more personalized guidance, feel free to ask!

give detailed instructions for ShellExView or Easy Context Menu

 

[ChatGPT]

Sure, I'll provide you with detailed instructions on how to use either ShellExView or Easy Context Menu to add a Google Search option to the context menu.

Using ShellExView​

ShellExView is a utility that allows you to manage shell extensions on your system. Here's how you could go about adding a search option:

Step-by-Step Guide with ShellExView:​

• Download and Install ShellExView:
• Go to the https://www.nirsoft.net/utils/shexview.html page and download the latest version.
• Extract the downloaded ZIP file to a folder and run shexview.exe.
• Explore Existing Context Menu Extensions:
• When opened, ShellExView will display a list of all shell extensions installed in your system.
• Look for entries related to context menu items, although ShellExView primarily manages existing extensions and does not directly create new ones.
• Customization is Limited:
• ShellExView is not directly suited for adding new context menu entries; it is typically used for disabling/enabling extensions that are causing issues or modifying existing ones.
• For your task, this tool is more about managing rather than creating new entries.

Using Easy Context Menu​

Easy Context Menu is more focused on customizing the context menu and is ideal for adding new entries like a search option.

Step-by-Step Guide with Easy Context Menu:​

• Download and Install Easy Context Menu:
• Visit https://www.sordum.org/7615/easy-context-menu-v1-6/ and download the latest version.
• Extract the contents of the ZIP file and open the folder. Run ecm.exe.
• Add a Custom Context Menu Entry:
• In the application, you'll find categories for different types of context menu entries (e.g., Desktop, My Computer, Folder, Files).
• For adding a Google Search option, focus on the "Files" and "Folders" sections.
• Creating the Google Search Entry:
• Click the "New" button to create a new entry.
• In the dialog box:
• Enter the name as "Google Search".
• For the command, use:
  

  shell
         cmd.exe /c start https://www.google.com/search?q="%1"

• This command launches a Google search using the name of the selected file or folder.
• Apply and Save Changes:
• After creating your entry, click on "Apply Changes" to update the context menu.
• Ensure Windows Explorer restarts automatically or manually restart it for changes to take effect.

Conclusion​

Easy Context Menu is likely your best choice for adding new context menu entries like a Google search function, as it directly allows for new customizations. ShellExView is more geared toward managing what’s already there.
Please keep in mind that these customizations can impact system performance and should be handled with care. If you encounter any issues or need further customization, feel free to ask!

 

[bedouinbro]

theres no option for

1. Add a Custom Context Menu Entry:
   • In the application, you'll find categories for different types of context menu entries (e.g., Desktop, My Computer, Folder, Files).
   • For adding a Google Search option, focus on the "Files" and "Folders" sections.
2. Creating the Google Search Entry:
   • Click the "New" button to create a new entry.

 

[ChatGPT]

The screenshot indicates that you're viewing the Easy Context Menu application, but it seems you might not have located the option to create a new custom entry directly as described. Let’s go through a refined approach:

Steps to Add a Google Search Context Menu with Easy Context Menu​

• Launch Easy Context Menu:
• Ensure you have the latest version of Easy Context Menu running. If needed, download it from https://www.sordum.org/7615/easy-context-menu-v1-6/.
• Navigate to the Correct Context Menu Section:
• Look for the section where you want the new entry to appear, such as "Files" or "Folders".
• Creating a New Entry:
• Custom Method: Easy Context Menu does not have a straightforward "New Entry" button for arbitrary entries like the registry directly does, but you can customize existing templates.
• Since you may not find a direct way to add a new entry via the application's basic UI, here's an alternative approach:
• Manual Addition via Registry (If GUI Doesn't Support This Directly):
• Open Easy Context Menu and to enable editing, ensure any existing customizable entries closest to your needs are visible.
• Alternatively, use a Registry Edit to add a more custom entry from here:
• Follow the editing steps I outlined in the first method but employ terms similar to existing entries.
• Executing Scripts/Commands:
• You can copy an existing entry and modify its executable command through right-clicking it in Easy Context Menu.
• Set path entries like: cmd.exe /c start [url="https://www.google.com/search?q=%22%1%22%5B/ICODE"]https://www.google.com/search?q=%22%1%22%5B/ICODE[/url] for the direct file search. [*][B]Apply Changes[/B]: [*]After making changes, click "Apply Changes" in the software to update the system's registry effectively. [*]Optionally restart Windows Explorer to see immediate changes. [/LIST] [HEADING=1]Troubleshooting[/HEADING] [LIST] [*][B]Explore Templates[/B]: Check if other templates within Easy Context Menu might be adaptable to your needs. [*][B]Follow File/Folder Paths[/B]: Some applications simplify path setting but need manual checks from user input. [/LIST] If these suggestions do not meet your needs within Easy Context Menu, using manual Registry Edit as explained earlier may be the next best step to achieve your goal. If any steps remain unclear or further help is needed on customizing entries, feel free to reach out!

 

[bedouinbro]

The screenshot indicates that you're viewing the Easy Context Menu application, but it seems you might not have located the option to create a new custom entry directly as described. Let’s go through a refined approach:

Steps to Add a Google Search Context Menu with Easy Context Menu​

1. Launch Easy Context Menu:
   • Ensure you have the latest version of Easy Context Menu running. If needed, download it from here.
2. Navigate to the Correct Context Menu Section:
   • Look for the section where you want the new entry to appear, such as "Files" or "Folders".
3. Creating a New Entry:
   • Custom Method: Easy Context Menu does not have a straightforward "New Entry" button for arbitrary entries like the registry directly does, but you can customize existing templates.
   • Since you may not find a direct way to add a new entry via the application's basic UI, here's an alternative approach:
4. Manual Addition via Registry (If GUI Doesn't Support This Directly):
   • Open Easy Context Menu and to enable editing, ensure any existing customizable entries closest to your needs are visible.
   • Alternatively, use a Registry Edit to add a more custom entry from here:
   • Follow the editing steps I outlined in the first method but employ terms similar to existing entries.
5. Executing Scripts/Commands:
   • You can copy an existing entry and modify its executable command through right-clicking it in Easy Context Menu.
   • Set path entries like:

     cmd.exe /c start [URL='https://www.google.com/search?q=%22%1%22%5B/ICODE']https://www.google.com/search?q="%1"[/ICODE[/URL]] for the direct file search.
      [/LIST]
      [*][B]Apply Changes[/B]:
      [LIST]
      [*]After making changes, click "Apply Changes" in the software to update the system's registry effectively.
      [*]Optionally restart Windows Explorer to see immediate changes.
      [/LIST]
      [/LIST]
      [HEADING=2]Troubleshooting[/HEADING]
      [LIST]
      [*][B]Explore Templates[/B]: Check if other templates within Easy Context Menu might be adaptable to your needs.
      [*][B]Follow File/Folder Paths[/B]: Some applications simplify path setting but need manual checks from user input.
      [/LIST]
      If these suggestions do not meet your needs within Easy Context Menu, using manual Registry Edit as explained earlier may be the next best step to achieve your goal.
      If any steps remain unclear or further help is needed on customizing entries, feel free to reach out!

heres a post about this Add Google Search Option to the Right-Click context Menu - Windows 10 Help Forums
it also discusses about this and i have attached a screenshot detailing my settings, analyze the url and my attached image and give me a solution

 

[bedouinbro]

The screenshot indicates that you're viewing the Easy Context Menu application, but it seems you might not have located the option to create a new custom entry directly as described. Let’s go through a refined approach:

Steps to Add a Google Search Context Menu with Easy Context Menu​

1. Launch Easy Context Menu:
   • Ensure you have the latest version of Easy Context Menu running. If needed, download it from here.
2. Navigate to the Correct Context Menu Section:
   • Look for the section where you want the new entry to appear, such as "Files" or "Folders".
3. Creating a New Entry:
   • Custom Method: Easy Context Menu does not have a straightforward "New Entry" button for arbitrary entries like the registry directly does, but you can customize existing templates.
   • Since you may not find a direct way to add a new entry via the application's basic UI, here's an alternative approach:
4. Manual Addition via Registry (If GUI Doesn't Support This Directly):
   • Open Easy Context Menu and to enable editing, ensure any existing customizable entries closest to your needs are visible.
   • Alternatively, use a Registry Edit to add a more custom entry from here:
   • Follow the editing steps I outlined in the first method but employ terms similar to existing entries.
5. Executing Scripts/Commands:
   • You can copy an existing entry and modify its executable command through right-clicking it in Easy Context Menu.
   • Set path entries like:

     cmd.exe /c start [URL='https://www.google.com/search?q=%22%1%22%5B/ICODE']https://www.google.com/search?q="%1"[/ICODE[/URL]] for the direct file search.
      [/LIST]
      [*][B]Apply Changes[/B]:
      [LIST]
      [*]After making changes, click "Apply Changes" in the software to update the system's registry effectively.
      [*]Optionally restart Windows Explorer to see immediate changes.
      [/LIST]
      [/LIST]
      [HEADING=2]Troubleshooting[/HEADING]
      [LIST]
      [*][B]Explore Templates[/B]: Check if other templates within Easy Context Menu might be adaptable to your needs.
      [*][B]Follow File/Folder Paths[/B]: Some applications simplify path setting but need manual checks from user input.
      [/LIST]
      If these suggestions do not meet your needs within Easy Context Menu, using manual Registry Edit as explained earlier may be the next best step to achieve your goal.
      If any steps remain unclear or further help is needed on customizing entries, feel free to reach out!

??

 

[ChatGPT]

Based on the screenshot from the forum and the current image you have shared, let's summarize the information and provide a clear solution for adding a Google Search option to your context menu. It seems like you’re navigating a context menu editor or script-based approach to achieve this customization. Here's a detailed approach:

Utilizing Registry Edits for Context Menu​

Given your situation and discussions in the forum thread you linked, the method involves registry editing alongside optional scripting:

• Using Registry Editor:
• Open Registry Editor: Use Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
• Navigate to the Context Menu Section:
• For files: Navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT*\shell.
• For folders: Navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell.
• Adding the Google Search Option:
• Create a New Key:
• Right-click on the shell key and choose New > Key, name it GoogleSearch.
• Add Command:
• Right-click your new GoogleSearch key, choose New > Key, and name it command.
• Set the command's https://windowsforum.com/Default[/ICODE](https://windowsforum.com/Default%5B/ICODE) string value to:
  

  shell
         cmd.exe /c start https://www.google.com/search?q="%1"

• This command ensures that when you right-click an item and select "Google Search," it searches for the filename or folder name on Google.
• Apply the Changes:
• Close the Registry Editor.
• To see the changes, you might need to restart Windows Explorer (e.g., via Task Manager) or reboot your PC.

Notes on Forum Post Insights​

• Script Customizations: The discussion in the tenforums link suggests using a script to only extract the filename, without path or extension, for use in Google searches. AutoHotKey scripts or custom batch files could be used if needed, based on your preference.
• AutoHotKey Scripts: For more advanced manipulation (like stripping file paths or extensions), consider AutoHotKey scripts as mentioned in the forum discussions.

Troubleshooting​

• Ensure the path to the executable (if not using cmd.exe) is correct.
• Assess if file names are passed correctly; special characters or spaces might need additional handling.
• If you need the script to manage extensions or file path formatting, integrating a language like AutoHotKey would be beneficial for more complex parsing.

This should add a seamless Google search functionality to your context menu for rapid queries directly from file or folder names. If you need help with creating AHK scripts or further customization, feel free to ask!

 

[bedouinbro]

Based on the screenshot from the forum and the current image you have shared, let's summarize the information and provide a clear solution for adding a Google Search option to your context menu. It seems like you’re navigating a context menu editor or script-based approach to achieve this customization. Here's a detailed approach:

Utilizing Registry Edits for Context Menu​

Given your situation and discussions in the forum thread you linked, the method involves registry editing alongside optional scripting:

1. Using Registry Editor:
   • Open Registry Editor: Use Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
   • Navigate to the Context Menu Section:
     • For files: Navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT*\shell.
     • For folders: Navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell.
2. Adding the Google Search Option:
   • Create a New Key:
     • Right-click on the shell key and choose New > Key, name it GoogleSearch.
   • Add Command:
     • Right-click your new GoogleSearch key, choose New > Key, and name it command.
     • Set the command's ICODE[/ICODE] string value to:
       

       shell
              cmd.exe /c start https://www.google.com/search?q="%1"

     • This command ensures that when you right-click an item and select "Google Search," it searches for the filename or folder name on Google.
3. Apply the Changes:
   • Close the Registry Editor.
   • To see the changes, you might need to restart Windows Explorer (e.g., via Task Manager) or reboot your PC.

Notes on Forum Post Insights​

• Script Customizations: The discussion in the tenforums link suggests using a script to only extract the filename, without path or extension, for use in Google searches. AutoHotKey scripts or custom batch files could be used if needed, based on your preference.
• AutoHotKey Scripts: For more advanced manipulation (like stripping file paths or extensions), consider AutoHotKey scripts as mentioned in the forum discussions.

Troubleshooting​

• Ensure the path to the executable (if not using cmd.exe) is correct.
• Assess if file names are passed correctly; special characters or spaces might need additional handling.
• If you need the script to manage extensions or file path formatting, integrating a language like AutoHotKey would be beneficial for more complex parsing.

This should add a seamless Google search functionality to your context menu for rapid queries directly from file or folder names. If you need help with creating AHK scripts or further customization, feel free to ask!

give detailed tutorial on autohotkey based google search and how to implement it on the easy context menu
heres two forum posts about it, analyze it and give solution
Add Google Search Option to the Right-Click context Menu Win. Explorer - Windows 10 Help Forums
Add Google Search Option to the Right-Click context Menu - Windows 10 Help Forums

 

[bedouinbro]

Based on the screenshot from the forum and the current image you have shared, let's summarize the information and provide a clear solution for adding a Google Search option to your context menu. It seems like you’re navigating a context menu editor or script-based approach to achieve this customization. Here's a detailed approach:

Utilizing Registry Edits for Context Menu​

Given your situation and discussions in the forum thread you linked, the method involves registry editing alongside optional scripting:

1. Using Registry Editor:
   • Open Registry Editor: Use Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
   • Navigate to the Context Menu Section:
     • For files: Navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT*\shell.
     • For folders: Navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell.
2. Adding the Google Search Option:
   • Create a New Key:
     • Right-click on the shell key and choose New > Key, name it GoogleSearch.
   • Add Command:
     • Right-click your new GoogleSearch key, choose New > Key, and name it command.
     • Set the command's ICODE[/ICODE] string value to:
       

       shell
              cmd.exe /c start https://www.google.com/search?q="%1"

     • This command ensures that when you right-click an item and select "Google Search," it searches for the filename or folder name on Google.
3. Apply the Changes:
   • Close the Registry Editor.
   • To see the changes, you might need to restart Windows Explorer (e.g., via Task Manager) or reboot your PC.

Notes on Forum Post Insights​

• Script Customizations: The discussion in the tenforums link suggests using a script to only extract the filename, without path or extension, for use in Google searches. AutoHotKey scripts or custom batch files could be used if needed, based on your preference.
• AutoHotKey Scripts: For more advanced manipulation (like stripping file paths or extensions), consider AutoHotKey scripts as mentioned in the forum discussions.

Troubleshooting​

• Ensure the path to the executable (if not using cmd.exe) is correct.
• Assess if file names are passed correctly; special characters or spaces might need additional handling.
• If you need the script to manage extensions or file path formatting, integrating a language like AutoHotKey would be beneficial for more complex parsing.

This should add a seamless Google search functionality to your context menu for rapid queries directly from file or folder names. If you need help with creating AHK scripts or further customization, feel free to ask!

??

 

[ChatGPT]

Below is a comprehensive, step‐by‐step tutorial that combines creating an AutoHotkey (AHK) script for a customized Google search and integrating it into your Windows Explorer context menu using Easy Context Menu. This tutorial draws on insights from the two forum posts you referenced.

---

Part 1: Creating the AutoHotkey Script for Google Search
Step 1: Install AutoHotkey

• Download and install AutoHotkey from https://www.autohotkey.com/.

Step 2: Write the Script

• Open a text editor (such as Notepad).
• Copy and paste the following script. This script receives a file/folder path as a parameter, extracts just the filename (without its extension), and then opens your default browser to perform a Google search with that name.

;---------------------------------------------------------
; Google Search Script using AutoHotkey
; This script expects one parameter: the full path of the file/folder.
; It extracts just the filename (without extension) for a cleaner search.

; Get the input path (from command line parameter)
InputPath := %1%

; Use SplitPath to extract parts of the path.
; The variable NameNoExt will contain the filename without extension.
SplitPath, InputPath, FileName,,, NameNoExt

; (Optional) Debug: Uncomment the next line to see the extracted name.
; MsgBox, Extracted filename: %NameNoExt%

; Run the default browser to perform a Google search for the extracted name.
Run, http://www.google.com/search?q=%NameNoExt%

; Exit the script.
ExitApp
;---------------------------------------------------------

• Save this file as GoogleSearch.ahk (for example, in C:\Scripts).

Step 3: Compile the AHK Script

• Go to the folder where you saved GoogleSearch.ahk.
• Right‑click on the file and select Compile Script.
• After compilation, an executable (e.g., GoogleSearch.exe) will be created in the same folder.

---

Part 2: Integrating the Compiled Script into the Right‑Click Context Menu Using Easy Context Menu
Step 4: Download Easy Context Menu

• Download the latest version of Easy Context Menu from https://www.sordum.org/7615/easy-context-menu-v1-6/
• Extract and run ecm.exe on your system.

Step 5: Add a New Context Menu Entry

• In Easy Context Menu, locate the section corresponding to the context menu for files (or folders) where you want the “Google Search” option.
• Although the GUI might not have a direct “New Entry” button for arbitrary commands, you can modify an existing entry:
• Find an entry that launches a program (for example, an entry that opens a custom app).
• Right‑click on that entry and choose Edit (or use the provided options to modify its properties).
• Change the Title to something like "Google Search" which will appear in your right‑click menu.
• In the Command field, replace with the full path to your compiled AHK script. For example:
  

   "C:\Scripts\GoogleSearch.exe" "%1%"

  • Here, %1% represents the file (or folder) that you right-clicked.
  • The quotes ensure that paths with spaces are handled correctly.
• Save your changes by clicking Apply Changes in Easy Context Menu.

Step 6: Restart Explorer and Test

• Restart Windows Explorer (via Task Manager’s “Restart” option) or reboot your PC to apply the changes.
• In File Explorer, right‑click on a file (or folder). You should now see the new "Google Search" option.
• Click it – your default browser should open, performing a Google search using only the filename (without the extension).

---

Additional Tweaks & Troubleshooting:
• Handling Special Cases:
If you encounter filenames with multiple periods (e.g., “document.v2.pdf”), you might want to adjust the script to determine which token to search for.
– AutoHotkey offers StrSplit if you need more advanced splitting.
• Debugging:
– Uncomment the MsgBox line in your AHK script to display the extracted filename during testing, then recompile your script.
• Ensure Paths are Correct:
– Verify that the path used in the Easy Context Menu entry exactly matches where your compiled script is located.

---

Forum Insights Recap:
The two forum posts you referenced discuss similar implementations:

• They note that simply passing %1% in a registry command sends the full path, which might not be ideal.
• They demonstrate that using an AutoHotkey script to parse the path (using SplitPath) produces a cleaner search term.
• Adjustments and debugging (such as handling file extensions and dots) may be needed based on your specific requirements.

---

This complete solution combines AutoHotkey scripting with Easy Context Menu customization to add a robust “Google Search” option to your right‑click menu. If you have further questions or need additional customization, feel free to ask!