Restore Old Right Click Menu in Windows 11 Easily

If you’ve recently upgraded to Windows 11, you may have noticed a significant change to the right-click menu. What used to be a quick and familiar list of options is now compressed under a 'Show more options' button, forcing you to navigate extra steps for actions you frequently use. Many users have found this change inconvenient, as it hampers their workflow and slows down productivity. If you're longing to restore the Windows 11 right click menu old version, this guide will show you a few simple methods to bring back the classic Windows 10 context menu in Windows 11.

Restore Windows 11 Right Click Menu Old Version Using WinUtil

For those who prefer an easy and intuitive approach, WinUtil is a great option. This tool provides a simple interface that allows you to restore the classic right-click menu quickly and effortlessly, without needing any technical knowledge. By using WinUtil, you can bypass the complex steps and regain your familiar menu options in just a few clicks.

Steps to Restore Windows 11 Right Click Menu Old Version Using WinUtil

This method is ideal for users wondering how to customize the right-click menu in Windows 11 by bringing back the familiar options from Windows 10. Follow these simple steps to restore the classic right-click menu in Windows 11 using WinUtil.

Step 1: Start by downloading WinUtil from a reliable source such as Softpedia.

Step 2: After installation, open the tool and navigate to the “Tweaks” tab.

Step 3: Find the option to enable “Set Classic Right-Click Menu” and check the box next to it.

Step 4: Once selected, click on the “Run Tweaks” button to apply the changes.

Step 5: For the changes to take effect, restart Windows Explorer from the Task Manager or reboot your computer.

Step 6: Right-click on any file or folder to confirm that the classic Windows 10 context menu is now active.

Ease of Use: ★★★★★ (Very Easy, GUI-based)

User Suitability: Perfect for beginners or non-technical users who prefer quick and simple solutions.

Restore Windows 11 Right Click Menu Old with Command Prompt

For users comfortable with the Command Prompt, this method provides a quick and effective way to restore the classic right-click menu. By running this registry command, you can restore the Windows 11 right click menu old version, which brings back the familiar context menu from Windows 10. It's a great choice for those who prefer working directly with system settings.

Steps to Restore Windows 11 Right Click Menu Old with Command Prompt

If you prefer a more direct approach, you can use Command Prompt to bring back the classic right-click menu. Follow these steps to make this change using a simple registry tweak.

Step 1: Open the Start menu and search for Command Prompt, right-click it, and choose “Run as administrator”.

Step 2: In the Command Prompt window, paste the following command and press Enter:

reg.exe add "HKCU\Software\Classes\CLSID\{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}\InprocServer32" /f /ve

This command adds the necessary registry entry to restore the old context menu.

Step 3: Close Command Prompt and restart Windows Explorer from the Task Manager, or simply reboot your PC to see the changes.

Restart Windows Explorer

Step 4: Right-click on any file or folder to ensure that the old context menu is now active.

Ease of Use: ★★★★☆ (Simple but Command-Based)

User Suitability: Intermediate users who are comfortable working with Command Prompt.

Manually Restore Windows 11 Right Click Menu Old via Regedit

For advanced users who want to take complete control over the process, this method requires directly editing the system’s registry to restore the old right-click menu. This approach offers the most precise way to revert to the classic menu, allowing for full customization. However, it does come with additional complexity and potential risks, as making incorrect changes to the registry can lead to system instability.

Steps to Restore Windows 11 Right Click Menu Old via Regedit

Step 1: Click on the Start menu, type "regedit" in the search bar, and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.

Step 2: Once the Registry Editor opens, navigate to the following location:
Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\CLASSES\CLSID

Step 3: Right-click on “CLSID”, select "New" then “Key” and name the new key:
{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}

Step 4: Next, you’ll need to add a subkey within this key. Right-click the new key, select “New” then “Key”, and name it “InprocServer32”.

Step 5: After creating the InprocServer32 subkey, click on it in the left panel. On the right side, you’ll see a default value called (Default). Just double-click it and hit OK without typing anything.

Step 6: Restart Windows Explorer by either rebooting your PC or using Task Manager.

Step 7: Right-click any file to verify the classic Windows 10 context menu appears.

Ease of Use: ★★☆☆☆ (Manual and Technical)

User Suitability: Best for advanced users, IT admins, or those comfortable with modifying system files.

Open Documents Faster After Restoring Old Right Click Menu with WPS Office

Once the classic context menu is back, you can make your document management a bit easier. If you’re looking for a simple way to open and edit files, WPS Office is a suitable option. It integrates well with formats like Word, Excel, and PDF, and runs smoothly without slowing down your system. You can quickly get back to work without needing to open separate applications.

Highlights:

• Fast Document Access: With the classic context menu restored, you can right-click on any document and open it directly in WPS Office. This eliminates the need to navigate through File Explorer, allowing you to access and work on your files with greater efficiency.

• Compatibility: It is fully compatible with all popular Microsoft Office formats, such as DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX. This makes it a reliable choice for working with various types of documents, ensuring seamless compatibility with files you may already have.

• Lightweight and Fast: At just 300MB, WPS Office is significantly smaller than Microsoft Office, which can be especially beneficial for systems that have been recently restored using CHKDSK or other repair tools. Its lightweight nature ensures that it runs smoothly on systems with limited resources.

• Cloud Backup: WPS Office includes 20GB of free cloud storage, making it easy to back up your files and access them from anywhere. This feature helps ensure that your important documents are safely stored and readily available across different devices.

Ease of Use: ★★★★★ (Seamless Integration)

User Suitability: Ideal for anyone needing a free, reliable office suite with fast document management.

Comparison

Now that you've explored the different methods to restore the classic right-click menu, it’s time to compare them. Each method offers distinct advantages depending on your needs and expertise. Below, we’ll break down the ease of use, suitability, and key differences between the three approaches. This will help you choose the best option for restoring the menu with minimal effort.

FAQs

Q1: Is it safe to use WinUtil or registry tweaks?

Yes, both methods are safe if followed carefully. However, always ensure you backup your system before making any changes to the registry.

Q2: Will Windows updates undo my changes?

Yes, major Windows updates may undo these changes, but they can be reapplied easily after the update.

Q3: Can I switch back to the new Windows 11 right-click menu?

Yes, simply undo the changes using WinUtil or by deleting the registry keys created manually.

Bringing Back the Classic Menu the Right Way

Bringing back the Windows 11 right click menu old version can make a big difference in how you work, helping you get back to the familiar options you’re used to. You can choose between an easy-to-use tool like WinUtil, a quick Command Prompt method, or manually editing the registry for more control. Once the menu is restored, consider using WPS Office for efficient document management, keeping your productivity seamless. A small effort now will make your system feel much more intuitive and efficient.