Windows 11 has brought about a slew of changes to the operating system, and one of the most notable ones is the revamped right-click menu. While the new menu aims to provide a more streamlined and modernized experience, many users miss the classic right-click menu that they’ve grown accustomed to over the years. If you’re one of them, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll explore the ways to restore the old right-click menu in Windows 11, so you can get back to the familiarity you crave.
The New Right-Click Menu in Windows 11: What’s Changed?
Before we dive into the restoration process, let’s take a step back and understand what’s changed in the new right-click menu. Windows 11 has introduced a more simplified and visually appealing design, which, although aesthetically pleasing, has removed some of the essential options and features that users have grown accustomed to. Here are some of the key changes:
- Reduced number of options: The new menu has fewer options compared to its predecessor, making it more difficult to access frequently used actions.
- Rearranged layout: The menu items are now arranged in a more vertical layout, which can be confusing for users who are used to the horizontal layout of the classic menu.
- Missing features: Some features, such as the “New” option, have been moved to the “Show more options” menu, making it harder to access them quickly.
Method 1: Enable the Classic Right-Click Menu via the Registry Editor
One of the most effective ways to restore the classic right-click menu is by tweaking the Windows Registry. Note that editing the Registry can be risky, so proceed with caution and make sure to back up your system before making any changes.
To enable the classic right-click menu via the Registry Editor:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “regedit” and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
- Navigate to the following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID\{86ca1aa0-33d2-11d1-82ea-0000f8757e2a} - Right-click on the key and select “New” > “DWORD (32-bit) Value”.
- Name the new value “MultipleInvokeRequested” and set its value to “1”.
- Click “OK” to save the changes.
- Restart your system to apply the changes.
After following these steps, you should see the classic right-click menu when you right-click on the desktop or in File Explorer.
Method 2: Use the Windows Terminal to Restore the Classic Menu
If you’re not comfortable editing the Registry, you can use the Windows Terminal to restore the classic right-click menu. This method only works if you’re running Windows 11 Build 22000 or later.
To use the Windows Terminal:
- Open the Windows Terminal as an administrator.
- Type the following command and press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers |Where-Object {$_.InstallLocation -like "*SystemApps*"} | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $($_.InstallLocation)} - Wait for the command to complete. This may take a few minutes.
- Once the command is finished, you should see the classic right-click menu when you right-click on the desktop or in File Explorer.
Method 3: Download and Install a Third-Party Utility
If you’re not comfortable with editing the Registry or using the Windows Terminal, you can download and install a third-party utility to restore the classic right-click menu. One popular option is OldNewExplorer, a free and open-source utility that allows you to customize the Windows Explorer and restore the classic right-click menu.
To download and install OldNewExplorer:
- Visit the OldNewExplorer website and download the latest version.
- Extract the zip file to a folder on your system.
- Run the
OldNewExplorer.exefile as an administrator. - Follow the on-screen instructions to install the utility.
- Once installed, OldNewExplorer will automatically restore the classic right-click menu.
Method 4: Use the Windows Sandbox to Access the Classic Menu
If you’re running Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, you can use the Windows Sandbox feature to access the classic right-click menu. The Windows Sandbox is a virtualized environment that allows you to run a separate instance of Windows 11, which can be useful for testing and troubleshooting purposes.
To use the Windows Sandbox to access the classic menu:
- Open the Windows Sandbox as an administrator.
- Right-click on the desktop or in File Explorer within the Sandbox environment.
- You should see the classic right-click menu.
Note that the Windows Sandbox is a virtualized environment, so any changes you make within it will not affect your main Windows installation.
Comparison of Methods: Which One is Best?
Each of the methods mentioned above has its pros and cons. Here’s a brief comparison of the methods to help you decide which one is best for you:
| Method | Ease of Use | Risk Level | Compatibility |
| — | — | — | — |
| Registry Editor | Low | High | Windows 11 only |
| Windows Terminal | Medium | Medium | Windows 11 Build 22000 or later |
| Third-Party Utility | High | Low | Windows 11 only |
| Windows Sandbox | High | Low | Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise |
As you can see, each method has its own set of requirements and limitations. If you’re comfortable editing the Registry, Method 1 may be the best option for you. If you’re not comfortable with Registry editing, Method 2 or Method 3 may be a better choice. If you’re running Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, Method 4 may be a viable option.
Conclusion
Restoring the classic right-click menu in Windows 11 is a relatively straightforward process, and with these methods, you can get back to the familiarity you crave. Whether you choose to edit the Registry, use the Windows Terminal, download a third-party utility, or use the Windows Sandbox, you’ll be able to access the classic menu in no time. Just remember to exercise caution when editing the Registry, and always back up your system before making any changes.
So, which method will you choose to restore the classic right-click menu in Windows 11? Let us know in the comments below!
What is the default right-click menu in Windows 11?
The default right-click menu in Windows 11 has undergone a significant change compared to its predecessors. It now features a modernized design with fewer options, which might be confusing for some users. The new menu shows only the most frequently used items, and some essential options are hidden behind an extra click.
This redesign is intended to simplify the user experience and reduce clutter. However, it may not be suitable for everyone, especially those who rely on certain features or workflows. Fortunately, there’s a way to restore the classic right-click menu, which offers more options and a familiar interface.
What options are missing from the default right-click menu in Windows 11?
The default right-click menu in Windows 11 lacks several essential options, including the “New” submenu, “Sort by,” and “View” options. These features were available in previous versions of Windows and were often used by power users and professionals. The new menu also hides certain context-dependent options, such as the “Pin to Taskbar” or “Unpin from Taskbar” commands.
By bringing back the classic right-click menu, you can regain access to these missing options and enjoy a more comprehensive right-click experience. This can be particularly useful for users who rely on specific features to manage files, folders, or applications.
How do I get the classic right-click menu back in Windows 11?
To restore the classic right-click menu in Windows 11, you need to tweak the Windows Registry. This involves adding a new value to the Registry Editor, which will enable the classic menu. You can do this manually or use a convenient registry tweak file.
The process is relatively straightforward, and you don’t need advanced technical knowledge to achieve it. Once you’ve made the necessary changes, the classic right-click menu will be restored, providing you with a more familiar and feature-rich experience.
Is it safe to modify the Windows Registry?
Modifying the Windows Registry can be safe if done correctly. The Registry is a critical database that stores system settings, and incorrect changes can cause system instability or even crashes. However, if you follow the correct steps and exercise caution, the risk of issues is minimal.
In this case, the registry tweak required to restore the classic right-click menu is a simple and well-documented process. As long as you make the changes exactly as instructed, you should experience no problems. It’s essential to create a system restore point before making any registry changes, just in case.
Will restoring the classic right-click menu affect Windows 11’s performance?
Restoring the classic right-click menu will not significantly impact Windows 11’s performance. The registry tweak only adjusts the right-click menu’s behavior and does not modify any system-critical components.
The classic menu will appear and function identically to how it did in previous Windows versions, without affecting system performance, battery life, or resource usage. You can enjoy the familiar right-click experience without compromising your system’s overall performance.
Can I switch between the classic and default right-click menus?
Yes, you can switch between the classic and default right-click menus at any time. To do so, simply revert the registry change you made to restore the classic menu. This will return you to the default Windows 11 right-click menu.
You can toggle between the two menus as needed, depending on your workflow or personal preference. This flexibility allows you to choose the right-click experience that best suits your needs, without having to commit to one or the other.
Will future Windows 11 updates affect the classic right-click menu?
It’s possible that future Windows 11 updates might affect the classic right-click menu. Microsoft may modify or remove the registry key used to restore the classic menu, which could cause it to stop working.
However, this is not a guarantee, and it’s likely that the tweak will continue to work for the foreseeable future. If an update does affect the classic menu, you can always revert to the default menu and wait for a new solution to emerge.