If you’ve recently upgraded to Windows 11, you’ve probably noticed the new right-click (context) menu. By default, Windows 11 shows a simplified version of the menu, with fewer options and a sleek design. To access the full traditional menu, you need to click “Show more options” or press Shift + F10.
While this modern menu looks cleaner, it can be frustrating for users who frequently rely on the classic context menu. The good news is, you can disable “Show more options” and bring back the old right-click menu by default.
In this guide, we’ll walk through multiple methods to achieve this in Windows 11.
Why Disable “Show More Options” in Windows 11?
Here are some common reasons:
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Faster workflow: Direct access to all options without extra clicks.
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Compatibility: Some third-party apps only appear in the classic menu.
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Convenience: If you’re used to Windows 10, it feels more familiar.
Method 1: Use Command Prompt to Restore Classic Context Menu
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Press Win + S, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
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Copy and paste the following command:
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Press Enter.
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Restart your PC or restart Windows Explorer to apply changes.
👉 After this, right-clicking will directly show the classic menu, skipping “Show more options.”
Method 2: Use Registry Editor
⚠️ Be careful when editing the Registry. A wrong change can affect system stability.
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Press Win + R, type
regedit, and hit Enter. -
Navigate to this path:
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Right-click CLSID > New > Key.
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Rename the key to:
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Inside it, create another new key named:
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Double-click the (Default) entry inside InprocServer32 and leave the Value data blank.
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Click OK and restart your PC.
Method 3: Use a Third-Party Tool
If you don’t want to edit the Registry manually, you can use safe utilities like:
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Winaero Tweaker – Free tool with a dedicated option to restore the classic context menu.
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Open-Shell – Brings back classic Windows features, including menus.
These tools are beginner-friendly and undo changes easily.
How to Revert Back to Windows 11 Default Context Menu
If you change your mind and want to restore the modern menu:
Using Command Prompt
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Open Command Prompt (Admin).
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Enter this command:
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Restart your PC.
Using Registry Editor
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Go back to the same Registry path.
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Delete the key
{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}. -
Restart your PC.
Pros and Cons of Disabling “Show More Options”
✅ Pros
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Faster access to all context menu items.
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Compatibility with older software.
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Familiar interface for long-time Windows users.
❌ Cons
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You lose the modern, streamlined look.
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Slightly more cluttered menu.
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Requires manual tweaks that might need redoing after major Windows updates.
Final Thoughts
The “Show more options” menu in Windows 11 was designed to simplify the user experience. But if you prefer speed and familiarity, you can easily disable it and restore the classic right-click menu using Command Prompt, Registry tweaks, or third-party tools.
It’s entirely reversible, so you can switch back whenever you want.
FAQs
Q1: Is it safe to disable “Show more options” in Windows 11?
Yes, if done correctly through Registry or trusted tools.
Q2: Will future Windows 11 updates undo my changes?
Some updates might reset the context menu, requiring you to reapply the tweak.
Q3: Can I still access the modern menu after disabling?
No, disabling replaces it completely with the classic menu.
Q4: Do I need admin rights to make this change?
Yes, both Registry and Command Prompt methods require admin privileges.
Q5: Which method is best for beginners?
Using Winaero Tweaker or another third-party tool is safest and easiest.