When Microsoft released Windows 11, one of the most noticeable changes was the redesigned right-click context menu. Instead of showing all available options immediately, Windows 11 introduced a simplified menu with just a few commonly used actions. To access the full menu, you now have to click “Show more options” or press Shift + F10.
While Microsoft intended this to make the interface cleaner, many users find it annoying and inefficient. If you’re tired of clicking Show more options every time, don’t worry — you can bring back the classic right-click context menu.
This guide explains how to get rid of Show more options in Windows 11 using different methods, from Registry tweaks to third-party tools.
🔑 Key Takeaways
-
Show more options appears in Windows 11’s new right-click menu.
-
You can restore the classic context menu using Registry Editor or commands.
-
Third-party tools like ExplorerPatcher and Winaero Tweaker make the process easier.
-
You can always revert back to the modern context menu if needed.
Why Does Windows 11 Have “Show More Options”?
Microsoft redesigned the File Explorer context menu to:
-
Simplify the user experience.
-
Highlight modern commands like Copy as path or Pin to Quick Access.
-
Support apps built with the new Windows 11 design language.
But power users and IT professionals often prefer the classic menu, which provides all options immediately without extra clicks.
Methods to Remove “Show More Options” in Windows 11
Let’s look at the best ways to restore the old right-click context menu.
Method 1: Use Registry Editor (Recommended)
The Registry tweak is the most effective way to disable “Show more options.”
Steps:
-
Press Win + R, type
regedit, and press Enter. -
Navigate to:
-
Right-click CLSID → select New > Key.
-
Name the new key:
-
Inside it, create another key named:
-
Double-click (Default) on the right side → leave the value blank → click OK.
-
Close Registry Editor.
-
Restart your PC (or restart Windows Explorer via Task Manager).
👉 You’ll now see the classic context menu without “Show more options.”
Method 2: Run a Command in PowerShell
Instead of manually editing the Registry, you can use a command.
Steps:
-
Open Windows PowerShell (Admin).
-
Copy and paste this command:
-
Press Enter.
-
Restart Explorer or your PC.
👉 This applies the same tweak automatically.
Method 3: Use ExplorerPatcher (One-Click Fix)
ExplorerPatcher is a free tool that restores many classic Windows features.
Steps:
-
Download ExplorerPatcher from GitHub.
-
Install and run it.
-
Right-click the taskbar → Properties.
-
Navigate to File Explorer > Control interface style.
-
Select Windows 10 style (classic context menu).
Method 4: Use Winaero Tweaker
Winaero Tweaker is another free tool that offers customization options.
Steps:
-
Download and install Winaero Tweaker.
-
Open it and go to Windows 11 > Classic Full Context Menus.
-
Check Enable classic full context menus.
-
Log out and log back in.
Method 5: Restore Default (Undo Changes)
If you want to bring back the modern Windows 11 context menu, follow these steps:
Using Registry Editor:
-
Open Registry Editor.
-
Go to:
-
Delete the key:
-
Restart your PC.
👉 The modern right-click menu with Show more options will return.
Pros and Cons of Removing “Show More Options”
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Faster access to all context menu commands | Removes Windows 11’s cleaner design |
| Familiar Windows 10-style menu | Might cause minor compatibility issues with future updates |
| Saves time for power users | Requires manual tweaking or third-party tools |
Tips for a Better Right-Click Experience
-
Use keyboard shortcuts (like Shift + F10) if you don’t want to tweak settings.
-
Try third-party utilities if you prefer a safer, reversible method.
-
Always backup your Registry before making changes.
Final Thoughts
The “Show more options” menu in Windows 11 may streamline things for casual users, but if you’re a power user, it feels like an unnecessary extra click. Thankfully, with Registry tweaks, PowerShell commands, or tools like ExplorerPatcher, you can easily get rid of it and restore the classic full right-click menu.
Choose the method that best suits your comfort level, and enjoy a faster, more familiar workflow.
FAQs About Removing “Show More Options” in Windows 11
1. Is it safe to remove “Show more options”?
Yes, using the Registry method or trusted tools like ExplorerPatcher is safe if done correctly.
2. Will Windows updates break this tweak?
Some updates may reset context menu settings, so you might need to reapply the fix.
3. Can I switch back to the new context menu anytime?
Yes, simply delete the Registry key or disable the tweak in third-party apps.
4. Does this affect all apps?
Yes, it restores the classic menu across the system, including File Explorer and desktop.
5. Which method is easiest for beginners?
Using Winaero Tweaker is the most beginner-friendly method since it has a simple checkbox option.