How to bring back classic context menu on Windows 11

If the new right-click context menu on Windows 11 isn't for you, it's possible to replace it with the legacy context menu, and here's how.

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@Pureinfotech
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Windows 11 classic context menu
Windows 11 classic context menu / Image: Mauro Huculak
  • To restore the legacy right-click context menu on Windows 11, open the Registry in the “HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\CLASSES\CLSID” path, create the “{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}” key, create the “InprocServer32” key, and set the default String to blank, and restart the computer.
  • You can also open Command Prompt (admin) and run the “reg add “HKCU\Software\Classes\CLSID\{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}\InprocServer32″ /f /ve” command.

Although Windows 11 introduces a redesigned right-click context menu that improves the old experience, the problem is that it’s limited in the options it can show compared to the classic menu. When you right-click an item, you can click on “Show more options” or use the “Shift + F10” keyboard shortcut to access the other entries, but it’s an extra step.

If the new Windows 11 menu design isn’t for you, it is possible to disable the new context menu to enable the classic right-click menu by editing the Registry directly or using Command Prompt.

In this guide, I will teach you the steps to get the context menu with all the legacy options on Windows 11.

Warning: It’s crucial to note that modifying the Registry can cause serious problems if not used properly. It’s assumed you know what you’re doing and created a full backup of your system before proceeding. Also, some users are reporting problems using these steps. You can check the video to confirm that the instructions worked to accomplish the task. However, it’s possible that future updates or the way you have configured your device may not be compatible with these changes. You should use these steps at your own risk.

Restore classic right-click context menu on Windows 11 from Registry

To bring back the classic context menu on Windows 11, use these steps:

  1. Open Start on Windows 11.

  2. Search for regedit and click the top result to open the Registry.

  3. Navigate to the following path:

    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\CLASSES\CLSID

  4. Right-click the CLSID key, select the New menu, and select the Key option.

    86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2

  5. Name the key {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2} and press Enter.

  6. Right-click the newly created key, select the New menu, and select the Key option.

    InprocServer32

  7. Name the key InprocServer32 and press Enter.

  8. Double-click the newly created key and set its value to blank to enable the classic context menu on Windows 11.

    Registry enable classic context menu

    Quick note: This step is crucial since if you don’t open and save the String with a blank (null) value, the switch may not work.

  9. Click the OK button.

  10. Restart the computer (important).

Once you complete the steps, whether you right-click on the desktop, file, or folder on File Explorer, the classic context menu will appear instead of the modern menu.

If you want to revert the changes to re-enable the modern context menu, you can follow the same instructions outlined above, but on step 4, right-click and delete the {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2} key and its contents.

Restore classic right-click context menu on Windows 11 from Command Prompt

The steps outlined above work as expected, but it’s been noted in the comments (by Reza Taba) that an even quicker way involves changing the Registry through Command Prompt.

To enable the classic context menu with commands, use these steps:

  1. Open Start.

  2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and choose the Run as administrator option.

  3. Type the following command to enable the right-click context menu and press Enter:

    reg add "HKCU\Software\Classes\CLSID\{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}\InprocServer32" /f /ve

    Command Prompt enable classic context menu

  4. Type the following command to close File Explorer and press Enter:

    taskkill /f /im explorer.exe

  5. Type the following command to start File Explorer and press Enter:

    start explorer.exe

After you complete the steps, you should be able to access the legacy right-click menu in File Explorer.

If you want to revert the changes, you can use the same instructions, but in step 3, run the reg delete "HKCU\Software\Classes\CLSID\{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}" command instead.

Microsoft also appears to be working on adding an option to make the classic context menu the default for Windows 11, but it’s unclear when and if this will happen.

Update February 7, 2024: These instructions have been revised to ensure accuracy and reflect other changes.

About the author
Avatar for Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].