Getting rid of the ‘Show More Options’ in Windows 11
Looking to ditch that annoying ‘Show More Options’ button in Windows 11? It might sound a bit tricky, but once you know what to do, it’s pretty straightforward. Basically, you’ll be tweaking the Windows Registry — that’s like the back-end where all your system settings are kept. Just a heads-up: messing around in the registry isn’t for everyone, and a wrong move can cause headaches, so it’s smart to back it up first. Better safe than sorry, mate.
How to Open the Registry Editor
First off, you gotta open the Registry Editor. Hit Windows key + R to bring up the Run box, then type regedit and hit Enter. This opens a tool packed with all sorts of system settings. Just go easy — it’s powerful stuff. One wrong click might mess things up, so back things up if you’re not confident.
If you prefer using PowerShell, you can also run it as an admin and type:
Start-Process regedit -Verb runAsFinding the Right Registry Path
Once in the Registry, navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID. It might seem a bit overwhelming at first, but think of it like climbing a tree — CLSID is the spot where all the important keys hang out. This is where Windows stores the settings that control that pesky ‘Show More Options’ button, and where we’ll make our changes so it’s gone for good.
Creating a New Registry Key
Inside the CLSID folder, right-click in an empty space, choose New > Key, and give it this exact name: {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}. Think of it like adding a new file in your system to tell Windows to revert to the classic context menu. No more extra clicks! Just a heads up: getting the key names right is crucial — even a tiny typo can cause issues.
Add a Subkey
Next up, right-click that new key you just made and choose New > Key again. Name this one InprocServer32. This subkey is like the instruction manual for Windows on what to do next — it’s where you tell it how to handle the menu commands. It’s a simple setup: just a container for some commands that direct how the menu behaves.
Set the Default Value to Blank
Now, double-click the default value inside InprocServer32 and leave the value data blank. This step is pretty important — it’s like telling Windows, “Keep it simple.” Leaving it blank gives straight-up instructions. Once you’ve done that, you might need to restart your PC or log out and back in to see the changes, though sometimes it happens instantly. A few reboots might be needed on some setups.
Optional: Use Group Policy Editor (for Pro folks)
If you’re running Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, there’s a tidy way to do this through the Group Policy Editor. Here’s how:
- Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
- Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer.
- Find and double-click on Remove “Show more options” from the context menu.
- Set it to Enabled and hit OK.
This method skips messing around in the registry, but it’s only available on Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions of Windows 11.
Wrapping Up the Registry Tweaks
And that’s pretty much it. Restart your PC or log out, and your right-click menu should now show all the options without that extra ‘Show More Options’ step. It might seem like a small change, but it can really speed things up — fewer clicks, more flow. Just a reminder: be careful when editing the registry. Always back up first and go slow. If things get messy, having a system restore point saved before you start is a clever idea.
To back up your registry, open the Registry Editor, click File > Export, save the file somewhere safe, and if needed, restore it later via File > Import.
This tweak is just one of many ways to make Windows more personalised. For those wary of diving into the registry, there are third-party tools out there that can do the job automatically — but be cautious. Whether you go manual or use tools, the goal is a faster, smoother Windows experience without risking your stability.
At the end of the day, understanding each step helps keep things safe. Think of it like tuning a car — a little tinkering with patience makes your PC feel just right for you.