How to Remove Items from the Context Menu in Windows 10 and Windows 11
The Windows context menu can become cluttered with various options added by installed programs and system functions, which can slow down file operations and make navigation cumbersome. In this guide, we’ll cover safe and effective ways to remove unwanted items from the context menu in Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Method 1: Using the Registry Editor
The Registry Editor is a powerful tool in Windows that allows you to customize the system, including removing or adding items in the context menu. Follow these steps carefully to avoid accidentally deleting important items:
- Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box, type
regedit, and press Enter. - To find context menu items for files, navigate to:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers. - For folder context menu items, go to:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers. - Here, you’ll see a list of folders named after the context menu items. To remove an unwanted item, right-click on the corresponding folder and select Delete.
Warning: Before deleting any entries, back up the registry by selecting File > Export. This allows you to restore the system if you make a mistake.
Method 2: Using Third-Party Tools to Edit the Context Menu
If you find working with the registry challenging, there are several tools that make it easier to manage the context menu:
- CCleaner: A popular utility that includes options to manage startup items and the context menu. Go to Tools > Context Menu to disable unwanted items.
- ShellExView: A free utility from NirSoft that allows you to view and manage context menu extensions. Find and disable unnecessary items without permanently deleting them.
Method 3: Customizing Settings in Windows 11 (Windows 11 Only)
In Windows 11, Microsoft simplified the context menu, making it easier to hide or customize items:
- Open Settings via Start or by pressing Win + I.
- Go to Personalization > Folder Options and adjust the settings for a more streamlined experience.