When Windows 11 launched, one of the most noticeable changes was the revamped right-click context menu. Microsoft introduced a sleek, modern design with rounded corners and minimal options. While it looks cleaner, many users quickly discovered that some of their favorite commands—like “Refresh” or third-party app shortcuts—were hidden behind an extra step: “Show more options.”
If you’re tired of constantly clicking “Show more options” to access the classic right-click menu, you’re not alone. Luckily, there are ways to remove “Show more options” in Windows 11 and bring back the full, traditional context menu with a single click.
This guide will walk you through step-by-step methods to achieve that, whether you’re comfortable tweaking the registry or prefer using third-party tools.
Why Does Windows 11 Have “Show More Options”?
Microsoft redesigned the context menu in Windows 11 for a few reasons:
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️ To make it simpler and cleaner.
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To match the new modern design language.
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To hide less frequently used options.
But here’s the problem: many power users rely on those “hidden” options daily. Having to click “Show more options” every time is not just annoying—it disrupts workflow.
Can You Really Remove “Show More Options” in Windows 11?
Yes! By using a registry tweak, command line, or third-party software, you can restore the old right-click context menu permanently. After applying the fix, right-clicking will immediately show the full menu, just like in Windows 10.
Method 1: Remove “Show More Options” via Registry Editor
This is the most popular and reliable way.
Steps:
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Press Windows key + R, type
regedit, and press Enter. -
Navigate to the following path:
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Right-click CLSID > New > Key and name it:
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Inside that new key, create another key named:
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Double-click the (Default) entry on the right.
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Leave the Value data blank and click OK.
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Close Registry Editor and restart your computer (or just restart Windows Explorer).
After this, your classic right-click menu will appear instantly without “Show more options.”
Method 2: Remove “Show More Options” via Command Prompt
If you don’t want to dig through the registry manually, you can use a single command.
Steps:
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Press Windows key + S, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and choose Run as administrator.
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Paste the following command and press Enter:
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Restart your computer (or restart Windows Explorer).
That’s it—the old context menu is back!
Method 3: Use Third-Party Tools
If editing the registry feels risky, you can use free tools to do the job safely.
Popular Options:
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WinAero Tweaker – Has a simple option called “Classic Full Context Menus”.
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ExplorerPatcher – Restores Windows 10-style taskbar and context menus.
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Context Menu Tuner – Lets you customize what appears in your right-click menu.
These tools not only remove “Show more options” but also give you fine control over menu items.
Method 4: Restore Default (Bring Back “Show More Options”)
Changed your mind? You can always undo the tweak.
Steps:
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Open Registry Editor again.
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Navigate to:
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Delete the key:
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Restart your PC.
Now Windows 11 will go back to showing “Show more options.”
Troubleshooting Tips
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❌ Didn’t work after restart? → Try restarting Windows Explorer instead of the whole PC.
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Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
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Find Windows Explorer, right-click, and select Restart.
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⚠️ Registry path not found? → Make sure you created the new key exactly as shown.
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Context menu looks broken? → Delete the registry key and reapply.
Pros and Cons of Removing “Show More Options”
✅ Pros:
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Saves time with faster access to full context menu.
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Restores familiar Windows 10 functionality.
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Great for power users and professionals.
❌ Cons:
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Requires manual tweaks (not beginner-friendly).
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Some Windows 11 updates might reset the change.
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Registry edits can be risky if done incorrectly.
Should You Remove “Show More Options”?
If you’re someone who uses the right-click menu constantly—like developers, IT professionals, or power users—the answer is yes. It makes your workflow smoother and saves unnecessary clicks.
But if you only occasionally right-click and prefer Microsoft’s cleaner design, you might want to stick with the default.
Conclusion
The new “Show more options” feature in Windows 11 was meant to simplify things, but for many, it just adds frustration. Thankfully, with a quick registry tweak, command prompt command, or third-party tool, you can remove it and bring back the classic full right-click menu.
Whether you’re on an HP, Dell, Lenovo, or custom-built PC, these steps work universally across Windows 11. It’s your computer—why not make it work the way you want?
FAQs
1. Is it safe to edit the registry to remove “Show more options”?
Yes, if you follow the steps carefully. Just avoid deleting unrelated keys.
2. Will Windows updates reset my context menu changes?
Sometimes updates revert tweaks. If that happens, just reapply the registry fix.
3. Can I customize which items appear in the old context menu?
Yes! Use tools like WinAero Tweaker or Context Menu Tuner for customization.
4. Do I need administrator rights to apply this fix?
Yes, you’ll need admin rights to edit the registry or run commands.
5. Can I switch between the new and old context menu easily?
Absolutely. Just add or remove the registry key to toggle between them.