How to Completely Remove the ‘Include in Library’ Context Menu Option in Windows 11

When you right-click a folder in Windows 11 (after clicking “Show more options” to access the classic context menu), you are presented with a massive list of commands. One of the most prominent, sitting right near the top, is “Include in library”.

The “Libraries” feature (which groups folders like Documents, Pictures, and Music into virtual hubs) was introduced back in Windows 7. Over a decade later, most users completely ignore it, preferring to navigate standard folder structures or use the Quick Access pinned list. Despite this, the “Include in library” button continues to permanently clutter the right-click menu, taking up valuable screen real estate and causing accidental clicks when you are trying to select “Send to” or “Copy”.

You can completely eradicate this useless button from the context menu by deleting its specific handler from the Windows Registry.

Important Warning

Editing the Windows Registry can cause system instability if you delete the wrong keys. It is highly recommended to create a System Restore point before proceeding, just in case you make a mistake.

Step 1: Open the Registry Editor

1. Press the Windows Key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type regedit into the text box and press Enter. Click “Yes” if prompted by User Account Control to grant administrative privileges.

Step 2: Navigate to the Folder Context Menu Handlers

We need to find the specific folder in the registry that controls what appears when you right-click on a directory.

1. Copy and paste the following path directly into the address bar at the top of the Registry Editor, and press Enter:

   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\ShellEx\ContextMenuHandlers

2. In the left-hand navigation pane, expand the ContextMenuHandlers folder to see all the sub-folders inside it. Each of these sub-folders represents a different button on your right-click menu.

Step 3: Delete the Library Location Key

1. Look through the list of sub-folders for one named exactly: Library Location.
2. Right-click on the Library Location folder.
3. Select Delete from the menu.
4. A warning box will pop up asking if you are sure you want to permanently delete this key and all of its subkeys. Click Yes.

Step 4: Test the Results

The change takes effect immediately; you do not even need to restart Windows Explorer or reboot your PC.

1. Close the Registry Editor.
2. Go to your desktop or open File Explorer.
3. Right-click on any folder and select “Show more options” (or hold Shift while right-clicking).

You will immediately notice that the “Include in library” option is completely gone, resulting in a cleaner, shorter, and much more efficient context menu.

How to Restore the Button

If you ever decide you want to use the Libraries feature again and need the button back, reversing the process is simple.

1. Navigate back to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\ShellEx\ContextMenuHandlers in the Registry Editor.
2. Right-click on the ContextMenuHandlers folder, select New > Key.
3. Name the new key exactly: Library Location.
4. Click on your new Library Location folder. In the right-hand pane, double-click the (Default) value.
5. In the “Value data” box, paste this exact string (including the curly brackets): {3dad6c5d-2167-4cae-9914-f99e41c12cfa}
6. Click OK. The button will instantly return.