Tool to restore context menu in windows 10

The context menu, also known as the right – click menu, is a fundamental part of the Windows operating system. It provides quick access to a variety of commands and options relevant to the selected item, such as files, folders, or desktop areas. In Windows 10. Microsoft made some changes to the context menu over time, which might not be to everyone’s liking. Fortunately, there are several tools and methods available to restore the classic context menu or customize it according to your preferences. 

Why Restore the Context Menu?

Familiarity

Many long – time Windows users are accustomed to the classic context menu layout. The changes in Windows 10’s context menu can be disorienting, especially for those who rely on muscle memory to access frequently used commands. Restoring the context menu brings back that familiar look and feel, making it easier to perform tasks quickly.

Efficiency

The classic context menu often had a more straightforward and comprehensive layout. Some users find that the new context menu in Windows 10 hides certain commands or makes them less accessible. By restoring the old menu, users can regain direct access to the commands they need, increasing their productivity.

Tools to Restore the Context Menu

1. Registry Editing

How it Works

The Windows Registry is a hierarchical database that stores configuration settings and options for the operating system, applications, and hardware devices. By modifying specific registry keys, you can restore the classic context menu in Windows 10.

Step – by – Step Guide

Backup the Registry: Before making any changes to the registry, it is crucial to back it up. Open the Registry Editor by pressing Win + R, typing regedit, and hitting Enter. In the Registry Editor, go to File > Export. Select a location to save the backup file and give it a meaningful name.

Modify the Registry: Navigate to the following key in the Registry Editor: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID\{86ca1aa0 – 34aa – 4e8b – a509 – 50c905bae2a2}\InprocServer32. Right – click on the (Default) value on the right – hand side and select Modify. Delete the existing value data and leave it blank. Click OK.

Restart Explorer: To apply the changes, you need to restart the Windows Explorer process. Open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc. In the Task Manager, find Windows Explorer under the Processes tab. Right – click on it and select Restart.

Advantages

No Additional Software: Registry editing is a built – in feature of Windows, so you don’t need to install any third – party tools.

Customization: You have full control over the context menu settings, as you can modify other related registry keys to further customize the menu.

Disadvantages

Risky: Incorrectly modifying the registry can cause serious problems with your system, including system crashes or inoperability. It is essential to follow the steps carefully and have a backup.

Technical Knowledge Required: Understanding the registry and its keys can be challenging for non – technical users.

2. Third – Party Tools

ClassicShell

Features

Easy Installation: ClassicShell is a user – friendly tool that can be installed with just a few clicks. After installation, it provides a simple interface to customize the context menu.

Multiple Menu Styles: It offers different menu styles, including the classic Windows XP – style menu. You can choose the style that best suits your needs.

Customizable: You can add or remove commands from the context menu, rearrange their order, and even create custom shortcuts.

How to Use

Download and Install: Visit the ClassicShell official website and download the installer. Run the installer and follow the on – screen instructions to complete the installation.

Configure the Context Menu: After installation, right – click on the ClassicShell icon in the system tray and select Settings. In the Settings window, go to the Context Menu tab. Here, you can select the menu style and customize the menu according to your preferences.

XWinStyle

Features

Comprehensive Customization: XWinStyle allows you to customize not only the context menu but also other aspects of the Windows user interface, such as the taskbar, start menu, and window borders.

Preview Function: It provides a preview feature, so you can see how the changes will look before applying them.

Presets: There are pre – defined presets available, which can be useful if you want to quickly restore a classic look to your system.

How to Use

Download and Install: Download XWinStyle from a reliable source and install it on your system.

Customize the Context Menu: Open XWinStyle and navigate to the context menu settings. You can use the preview window to experiment with different settings and apply the changes once you are satisfied.

3. PowerShell Scripts

How it Works

PowerShell is a powerful command – line shell and scripting language built on the.NET Framework. You can use PowerShell scripts to modify the registry settings related to the context menu, achieving the same result as manual registry editing but in a more automated way.

Example Script

powershell

# Create a new item in the registry if it doesn’t exist

New – Item – Path “HKCU:\Software\Classes\CLSID\{86ca1aa0 – 34aa – 4e8b – a509 – 50c905bae2a2}\InprocServer32” – Force

# Set the (Default) value to empty

Set – ItemProperty – Path “HKCU:\Software\Classes\CLSID\{86ca1aa0 – 34aa – 4e8b – a509 – 50c905bae2a2}\InprocServer32” – Name “(Default)” – Value “”

# Restart Explorer

Stop – Process – Name explorer – Force

Advantages

Automation: PowerShell scripts can be run with a single command, saving time compared to manual registry editing.

Script Reusability: You can save the script and run it again whenever you need to restore the context menu or apply the same settings on other systems.

Disadvantages

Technical Knowledge Required: Similar to registry editing, you need to have some knowledge of PowerShell scripting to create and run the scripts.

Security Risks: Running PowerShell scripts from untrusted sources can pose a security threat to your system.