Among the many changes that Windows 11 has introduced compared to previous versions of the system is file menu It’s one that generally suits, but can annoy power users because it limits the available options at first glance. Of course, there are things that can be done to remedy this.

But first, a necessary note, that when we talk about the Windows 11 file menu, we mean it right-click context menu The Windows desktop or file manager will appear, and although it is no longer the default, it is still very easily accessible. As easy as selecting “Show more options”.

New Windows 11 file context menu

In addition, as can be seen in the image, it is possible to display the classic file menu by selecting a file and running the key combination “Shift + F10” or, more directly and just as simply, right-click while holding the “Shift” key.. This means Microsoft hasn’t removed the offer, it’s just pushed it out of the way.

The point is that although the new menu gains simplicity without throwing away the basic options (cut, copy, rename, move, delete and everything else visible in the image is still one click away), the habit is stubborn. Sometimes so stubborn that there are those who want the classic menu back, regardless of the aesthetic and even practical advantages that the new one brings.

The old Windows 11 file context menu

Are you one of them? Want to set the classic file menu as your default? Your best bet is to leave it as it is, as it’s very easy to get to as it is, plus Microsoft is working on giving the desktop the ability to easily switch between one and the other. So think calmly if it’s worth it or not.

How to set the default classic file context menu

If you’ve already thought about it and want to do it, you’ll already have an idea of ​​where the shots are going; but first, keep in mind that while basically everything you can see below is reliable (we tested it before publishing), if you do it exactly as it says, messing with the internals of Windows can cause problems, so you’re not sure what you’re doing don’t do it. Act at your own risk!

The instructions are:

1. Open registry editor as administrator.

2. Enter the URI or go to «HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\CLASSES\CLSID«.

3. Use the context menu to create a key «{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}» (if not already created).

4. Using the context menu on this key, create another key named «InprocServer32«.

You can close the registry editor and restart the system for the changes to take effect. The context menu of files should be the same as always, i.e. classic. Not convinced and prefer to return? Delete the entries you made and restart your computer.

And if you still want more Windows 11 menus, learn how to use Windows 11 advanced menus to boost your productivity.