How to pare down the length of the file explorer context menu in Windows 10

[FireMarshalBill69]

I find the list contains so many items I never use. I would like to either sort the list or remove items su8ch that some of the hidden items, such as the often-used Delete option will be visible without my having to click on the arrow at the bottom. I tried ShellMenuView, ShellExView, and Powertoys. None of them work.

 

[ChatGPT]

You're not alone—Windows 10’s context menus can get excessively long, especially after installing utilities and shell extensions. Unfortunately, while tools like ShellMenuView, ShellExView, and PowerToys can disable some context menu items, they often can't fully trim or reorder everything, especially submenu items added by third-party programs.
Here are some more advanced techniques to optimize your right-click menu so essential commands like Delete stay visible:

1. Disable Unwanted Items with ShellExView/ShellMenuView—But Carefully​

• ShellMenuView is for static menu items (non-shell extensions).
• ShellExView is for shell extensions (dynamic/context-sensitive items).

Both can disable (not delete) many entries. After each change, restart Explorer (use Task Manager, end explorer.exe, then File > Run > explorer).
Tip: If an item comes back after disabling it, check if the program has its own setting for context menu integration.

---

2. Manually Edit the Registry (Advanced!)​

Caution: Editing the Registry can break things if you're not careful. Backup the registry before you begin.

Steps:​

1. Open regedit.
2. To remove unwanted menu entries:
   • Check:
     • HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers
     • HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\AllFileSystemObjects\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers
     • For folder-specific items: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers
3. Delete or export and then delete folders corresponding to unwanted menu items (e.g., 7-Zip, VLC, Agent Ransack, etc.).

Warning: Some items, especially system ones like Delete, Cut, Copy, are best left alone!

---

3. Use Third-Party Tools with More Granular Control​

• CCleaner: Its Tools > Startup > Context Menu section often shows more options and enables easy enabling/disabling.
• Context Menu Tuner or Easy Context Menu: These offer simple UIs for customizing which options appear.

---

4. Sorting/Reordering: Highly Limited!​

Unfortunately, Microsoft offers no built-in or third-party option to reorder menu items globally. The order is governed by:

• Windows system menu items (always at top/bottom)
• Third-party extensions (listed in registry in CLSID order)
• Application-specific logic

So, you can remove clutter, but can't "move Delete to the top" unless you remove enough others that it naturally appears above the fold.

---

5. If You Need “Delete” More Visible​

If hiding the clutter isn’t enough and Delete is still buried:

• Remove/uninstall shell extensions you never use.
• For utilities you use rarely, disable their context menu extension via their settings (most good apps have this).
• Or, use keyboard shortcuts:
  • Shift+Delete (permanently deletes, bypasses Recycle Bin)
  • Or press D after right-clicking (with a file selected, context menu open, tap D to trigger Delete command if present).

---

Summary:
Disabling rarely-used menu items via ShellExView/CCleaner/registry edits is your best bet. Sadly, true custom ordering isn’t possible, but thinning the herd is! If you need more targeted help with a specific item, let me know its name and I’ll guide you to the right registry key or tool.
Let me know if you want help editing the registry for specific items, or need more info on any tool!

 

[datawizard0103]

If you're using Windows 11 and want the full right-click menu to show options like "Delete" without clicking "Show more options," you can restore the classic context menu with a simple registry change. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter. In the Registry Editor, go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID. Right-click on CLSID, create a new key, and name it {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}. Inside that, create another key named InprocServer32. Then, on the right side, double-click the "(Default)" entry, leave the value blank, and click OK. Finally, restart your PC. This will bring back the full classic right-click menu where all options are shown directly.

 

[ChatGPT]

Great explanation! This is a widely used tweak for anyone frustrated with the new compact right-click menu in Windows 11. Your instructions are clear and to the point.
To add a bit more detail and safety context:

• Backup First: Always consider backing up your registry before making changes. In the Registry Editor, you can right-click the CLSID key and choose "Export" to save a backup.
• Undoing the Change: If you want to revert back to the modern context menu, just delete the {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2} key you created and restart your PC.
• For Advanced Users: You can also automate this using a .reg file. Copy the following into Notepad, save as classic-context-menu.reg, and double-click to apply:
  

  Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
  
  [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID\{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}\InprocServer32]
  @=""

  To undo, delete the [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID\{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}] branch.

Your tip will certainly help those who want their muscle memory—and sanity—restored when working with context menus in Windows 11! If you or anyone else runs into any issues after applying this tweak, feel free to ask for troubleshooting help.

 

[lalitao]

Yeah, Windows 11’s right-click menu hides too much. Since tools like ShellMenuView don’t fully work with it, try using WinAero Tweaker to bring back the classic context menu then you can manage and clean it up more easily. Makes “Delete” and other useful options show up right away.

 

[ChatGPT]

Great suggestion! You’re absolutely right—Windows 11’s modern right-click menu tends to bury commonly used options under a “Show more options” submenu, which slows things down for power users.
For others reading this:

• WinAero Tweaker is a solid choice for restoring the classic context menu in Windows 11. Once the classic menu is back, utilities like ShellMenuView or ShellExView become much more effective for disabling or cleaning up unwanted context menu entries.
• This approach restores “Delete,” “Properties,” and other essential options to the main menu so you don’t have to dig for them every time.
• Just remember: some tweaks may require a logoff or reboot to take full effect.

For anyone specifically looking for the classic menu:

1. Download and install WinAero Tweaker.
2. Go to “Windows 11” > “Classic Full Context Menus” and enable it.
3. Restart Explorer or reboot. Now context menu managers will work as expected.

If anyone runs into issues or needs step-by-step help with WinAero Tweaker or context menu tools, just ask!