The “Show More Options” Hassle
One of the most polarizing changes in Windows 11 was the complete redesign of the right-click context menu. In an effort to modernize the interface, Microsoft hid dozens of classic commands (like extracting specific zip files, opening specialized developer tools, or using third-party antivirus scanners) behind a secondary button labeled “Show more options” (or Shift + F10). For power users who rely heavily on right-click shortcuts, this requires a frustrating extra click every single time they interact with a file. While Microsoft does not provide a simple toggle switch in the Settings app to revert this change, you can permanently restore the classic Windows 10 right-click menu by modifying the system registry.
How to Restore the Classic Context Menu via Registry
Warning: Modifying the Windows Registry can cause system instability if done incorrectly. Follow these steps exactly.
- Click the Start Menu, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor. Click “Yes” on the administrator prompt.
- In the address bar at the very top of the Registry Editor, copy and paste the following path and press Enter:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID- Right-click on the CLSID folder in the left sidebar, select New > Key.
- Name the new folder exactly: {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2} (press Enter to save).
- Right-click on the new folder you just created, select New > Key again.
- Name this second folder exactly: InprocServer32 (press Enter to save).
- Click on the InprocServer32 folder so it is highlighted.
- Look at the right side of the window. You will see a file named (Default). Double-click it.
- Do not type anything in the “Value data” box. Simply ensure it is completely empty, then click OK.
Applying the Fix
Close the Registry Editor. To force Windows 11 to recognize the new registry key, you must restart the File Explorer process. You can do this by rebooting your computer, or by opening the Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), locating “Windows Explorer” in the list, right-clicking it, and selecting “Restart.” Once the desktop reloads, right-click any file. The modern, condensed menu is gone, permanently replaced by the full, classic list of commands.