Trying to get rid of that pesky “Show More Options” when you right-click in Windows 11? No worries, mate — it’s a common annoyance. Windows has a habit of making things a bit fiddly sometimes, but fixing this usually just involves diving into the registry. Some folks find that a bit daunting, but honestly, it’s just about following the steps carefully. Here’s the lowdown from someone who’s given it a go and can vouch it’s worth a little messing around.
Removing “Show More Options” in Windows 11
Step 1: Open the Registry Editor
First up, hit Win + R to bring up the Run box, then type regedit and press Enter. The registry editor’s a powerful tool, so don’t go clicking about like a drongo. Be careful, mucking about with the wrong registry stuff can cause issues. Sometimes, it might not work straight away — a reboot can help fix things if nothing changes initially.
Step 2: Head to the Right Key
Once you’re in the registry editor, go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID. If you’re running a different build of Windows or your profile’s a bit different, the path might vary a bit, but that’s the usual spot. Some machines might have a slightly different route, but you’ll find the right key here.
Step 3: Create a New Key
Right-click on CLSID, select New > Key, and name it {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}. This GUID is like a toggle switch for Windows — it basically tells Windows to hide the “Show More Options” part when you right-click. Creating this key is a must — it’s the trick that makes the menu nicer and cleaner.
Step 4: Add a Subkey
Inside that new key, right-click again and choose New > Key, then call it InprocServer32. This part tells Windows which server to use for the context menu actions. It’s a common step in registry hacks, so no surprises there.
Step 5: Change the Default Value
Click on InprocServer32, then double-click the (Default) value and just click “OK” without typing anything. Yep, no value needed. This little trick makes Windows stop showing the extra options on right-click. Sometimes, you might not notice the change immediately — a restart or log-out might be needed for it to kick in properly.
And voilà, the “Show More Options” should disappear from your right-click menus. Gives you a faster, cleaner experience — less messing about, more getting on with things.
Tips for Removing “Show More Options” in Windows 11
- Back up the registry first — always do that. You can export the key via File > Export.
- Be comfortable using the Registry Editor — don’t go poking around if you’re not confident.
- If things go sideways, just delete the
{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}key and reboot — should all come back to normal. - Bear in mind updates from Windows might reset or undo this tweak, so keep a backup just in case.
FAQ
Is it safe to edit the Windows registry?
Generally, yeah — but you’ve gotta be careful. A wrong move can cause headaches, so always back up before making changes. Export the relevant registry key just to be safe.
How do I get the “Show More Options” back if I want it?
Just delete that {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2} key and restart your PC. The default menu will come back. Sometimes, you might need to do a quick log-out or reboot to see the change.
Can I automate this process?
Yep, you can write a batch script or PowerShell command to add or remove that registry key — handy if you’re into scripting. Otherwise, just follow the manual steps — quick as!
Does doing this slow down Windows?
Nah, it’s just changing how the right-click menu works. It won’t impact your system’s performance, but it definitely makes life easier by cleaning things up.
Will Windows updates stuff this up?
Potentially, yep. Updates can revert or disable custom tweaks like this, so keep that backup handy if it’s a big deal for you.
Wrap-up
- Launch the Registry Editor with
regedit. - Head to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID.
- Create a new key:
{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}. - Add a subkey called InprocServer32.
- Change the (Default) value to hide “Show More Options”.
Hopefully, this does the trick for someone down under. Just remember, registry tweaks are powerful but a bit tricky — take your time and be careful. If you get it right, it makes right-clicking a whole lot faster and cleaner. Good luck with your Windows tinkering — better menus, less hassle!