The change from Windows 10 to Windows 11 has left many users feeling disconcerted, especially when it comes to the right-click context menu. Formerly a reliable tool for quick access to a plethora of options, the new context menu design has raised eyebrows and complaints alike. If you’ve found yourself scratching your head wondering why you need to take additional clicks to access features you once took for granted, you’re not alone. Fear not, for there’s a way to restore the classic experience that many long for.
The major complaint? The right-click context menu has been dramatically simplified, showcasing only essential commands. This means that common actions such as cut, copy, paste, and rename, which are integral to the workflow, now sit behind additional layers of abstraction, relegated to vague icons that don’t convey their purpose clearly. To access the full suite of options, users must click on "Show more options"—an extra step that feels unnecessary and downright annoying.
It’s almost as if Microsoft thought, “Let’s turn this tool, which has served users well, into a puzzle.” While the classic menu is still available, it requires jumping through hoops to access.
Check that you don’t confuse this with the .cls folder—it’s a different entity entirely!
After these straightforward steps, your right-click context menu should revert to its classic form, providing you with the streamlined access you previously enjoyed.
With this restore tactic, you can wave goodbye to the cumbersome layers of the new Windows 11 context menu and embrace the quicker, older version that truly serves you best. Have you tried this workaround? Share your thoughts in the discussion below!
Source: MakeUseOf Windows 11’s Right-Click Context Menu Sucks: Here’s How I Restored the Classic One
Why Windows 11's Context Menu Leaves Much to Be Desired
Windows 11, launched with the promise of a smoother and more modern experience, often feels more like an extra coat of paint on the existing structure rather than a radical upgrade. Its focus on minimalist design might appeal to some, but for traditional desktop users, this approach can come off as lacking functionality and accessibility.The major complaint? The right-click context menu has been dramatically simplified, showcasing only essential commands. This means that common actions such as cut, copy, paste, and rename, which are integral to the workflow, now sit behind additional layers of abstraction, relegated to vague icons that don’t convey their purpose clearly. To access the full suite of options, users must click on "Show more options"—an extra step that feels unnecessary and downright annoying.
It’s almost as if Microsoft thought, “Let’s turn this tool, which has served users well, into a puzzle.” While the classic menu is still available, it requires jumping through hoops to access.
The Easy Way to Restore the Old Context Menu
If you’re tired of navigating through a convoluted design, a simple registry tweak can breathe life back into the classic right-click context menu you miss. Here’s how you can do it:1. Open the Registry Editor
PressWin + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog, type regedit, and hit Enter. This will launch the Registry Editor. (Caution! Be careful; changing the wrong things here can cause problems with your operating system.)2. Navigate to the Correct Location
In the Registry Editor, go to:
Code:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER > Software > Classes > CLSID3. Create a New Key
- Right-click on the CLSID folder, select New, and then Key. Name this new subkey
{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}.
4. Add Another Subkey
- Inside this new key, right-click again, select New > Key, and name it
InprocServer32.
5. Set the Default Value
- Click on
InprocServer32. You’ll see a default value titled(Default)in the right pane. Double-click it and press OK without entering any text—this initializes it with a blank value.
6. Restart Windows Explorer
To activate these changes, you will need to restart Windows Explorer. Launch Task Manager by pressingCtrl + Shift + Esc, find Windows Explorer in the list, right-click it, and select Restart.After these straightforward steps, your right-click context menu should revert to its classic form, providing you with the streamlined access you previously enjoyed.
The Broader Implications
This fascination with the classic right-click menu sheds light on a broader sentiment regarding user interface design. As tech companies shift to minimalist aesthetics, they often overlook the fundamental usability that users rely on—efficiency and familiarity. These changes can lead to productivity slowdowns as people spend more time searching for functions than actually using them.Conclusion
In a world that champions simplicity, it's crucial to remember that functionality doesn’t have to suffer. The steps to restore the classic context menu may seem small, but they represent a larger desire among users for a blend of modern design and traditional efficiency. As we continue to navigate an increasingly touch-oriented landscape, it’s essential to advocate for the features that empower us, rather than hinder our productivity.With this restore tactic, you can wave goodbye to the cumbersome layers of the new Windows 11 context menu and embrace the quicker, older version that truly serves you best. Have you tried this workaround? Share your thoughts in the discussion below!
Source: MakeUseOf Windows 11’s Right-Click Context Menu Sucks: Here’s How I Restored the Classic One
