The context menu in Windows 11 has undergone various transformations to improve user experience and accessibility. The introduction of the "Edit with Photos" option is aimed at providing users with quick access to editing tools. However, some users are questioning the necessity of this new feature. After all, Windows 11 already includes an "Edit" button within the Photos app, rendering the context menu addition somewhat redundant.
Why Would You Want to Remove "Edit with Photos"?
Preference for Third-Party Software: Many users favor third-party applications over the default Photos app due to advanced features and customization options. The "Edit with Photos" option can clutter the context menu, complicating the user experience.
Personalized Context Menu: Users often prefer a streamlined context menu without options that are rarely used. Removing unnecessary entries makes navigation simpler and more intuitive.
Registry Management: For those who enjoy customizing their systems, modifying registry settings to remove or add features can be a satisfying task.
How to Remove "Edit with Photos"
Requirements
Before you begin, ensure that:
You have Administrator privileges on your system.
It is advisable to create a system restore point and back up any important data as editing the Windows Registry can affect the system's performance if done incorrectly.
Steps to Remove
[]Open Windows Registry Editor:
Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
Type regedit and hit Enter.
[]Navigate to the Key:
In the Registry Editor, navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Shell Extensions
To avoid errors, copy and paste the path into the address bar of the Registry Editor.
[]Create a New Key:
Right-click on the Shell Extensions folder.
Select New > Key from the context menu.
Name the new key Blocked.
[]Add a New String Value:
Right-click on the Blocked key.
Select New > String Value.
Rename the new string value to {BFE0E2A4-C70C-4AD7-AC3D-10D1ECEBB5B4}.
[]Restart Your Computer:
Once the changes are applied, reboot your system for the changes to take effect.
Restoring the "Edit with Photos" Option
If later you decide that you want to restore the "Edit with Photos" option, follow these steps:
[]Open the Registry Editor again by pressing Win + R, typing regedit, and hitting Enter. []Navigate to the Blocked Key:
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Shell Extensions\Blocked.
[]Delete the String Value:
Find the string {BFE0E2A4-C70C-4AD7-AC3D-10D1ECEBB5B4} that you previously added and delete it.
Restart Your Computer to apply the changes.
Conclusion
The "Edit with Photos" feature in Windows 11 has sparked mixed feelings among users. While some might appreciate the quick access to the Photos app, others find it unnecessary. Fortunately, Microsoft provides a straightforward way to tailor the context menu to individual preferences through registry modifications. By customizing your context menu, you enhance your experience and simplify actions when managing photography on your Windows 11 device. As Windows evolves, so too does the method by which we interact with our files and applications. Whether you choose to embrace or eliminate new features is an integral part of the Windows usage experience.
Discussion Point
What are your thoughts on the "Edit with Photos" option? Do you find it useful, or does it simply add unnecessary clutter? Share your perspective in the comments.
Additional Considerations
If you find the built-in Windows 11 Photos app still essential, consider maximizing its utility by exploring its features more comprehensively, such as advanced editing tools and cloud integration capabilities. Through these registry tweaks, Windows users can reclaim control over their desktop environment, tailoring it to fit their individual workflows and preferences. This process exemplifies how the Windows operating system allows users to personalize their experience, making it a platform of choice for both casual users and professionals alike. This illustrates how Windows continuously evolves, making usage flexibility a key asset for its community of users. What remains critical is that the user retains the power to shape their computing experiences, aligning with their unique needs. Source: Neowin How to remove 'Edit with Photos' in Windows 11
