Windows 11 introduced a refreshed context menu that looks sleek and modern. However, if you’ve recently upgraded, you may have noticed that some familiar right-click options are now hidden under “Show more options.” While this makes the menu cleaner, it can also be frustrating if you frequently use those classic options.
Want to bring back the old-style right-click menu by default? In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make Windows 11 always show more options, step by step.
Why Did Microsoft Change the Context Menu?
Microsoft redesigned the context menu in Windows 11 to make it less cluttered and more user-friendly. The idea was to:
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Streamline the right-click experience
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Remove rarely used options
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Make room for modern app integrations
But for power users, this extra click can be annoying. That’s why many want the old menu to appear immediately.
Method 1: Use the Shift + Right-Click Shortcut (Quick Fix)
If you just need a temporary solution:
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Right-click anywhere on the desktop or in File Explorer.
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Hold down the Shift key while right-clicking.
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The old context menu will appear instantly.
This is handy for occasional use, but it’s not permanent.
Method 2: Restore the Classic Context Menu via Command Prompt (Permanent)
This is the most popular and safe method.
Steps:
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Press Windows + S, type cmd, and click Run as administrator.
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Enter the following command:
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Press Enter and restart your PC.
After restarting, the old menu will be the default.
Method 3: Use Windows PowerShell to Enable More Options
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Right-click the Start button → Select Windows Terminal (Admin).
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Paste this command:
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Restart your computer.
This achieves the same result as Command Prompt but uses PowerShell.
Method 4: Restore Default Context Menu (If You Change Your Mind)
If you want to go back to the Windows 11 default menu:
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Open Command Prompt (Admin).
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Run this command:
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Restart your PC.
The modern menu will return.
Method 5: Use Third-Party Tools (For Easy Switching)
If you prefer a one-click method, tools like:
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Winaero Tweaker
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Explorer Patcher
allow you to toggle between classic and modern menus easily.
Pros and Cons of Always Showing More Options
Pros:
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Faster access to advanced commands
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Familiar experience for Windows 10 users
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No need to click “Show more options” repeatedly
Cons:
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Slightly more cluttered menu
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Some modern apps may not integrate as seamlessly
Best Practices Before Making Changes
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Back up your registry (press Windows + R →
regedit→ File → Export). -
Create a system restore point in case something goes wrong.
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Only use trusted third-party tools.
Troubleshooting
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Menu didn’t change after restart?
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Make sure the registry key was added correctly.
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Errors in Command Prompt?
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Run as administrator.
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Lost some context options?
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Reset to default and try again.
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Final Thoughts
Changing Windows 11 to always show more options restores a familiar workflow and saves time. Whether you choose the registry tweak, PowerShell command, or a third-party tool, it’s a quick and safe process.
FAQs
1. Is this change reversible?
Yes, you can remove the registry key anytime to restore the default menu.
2. Does this affect system performance?
No, this tweak has no noticeable performance impact.
3. Can I do this without admin rights?
No, you need administrative privileges.
4. Will this work after future updates?
Most likely, yes, but some major updates may revert the menu.
5. Is using third-party tools safe?
Yes, if you download them from trusted sources.