Look, Windows 11’s sleak and tidy look is pretty cool, but sometimes it feels like you’re just one click away from missing out on some handy options. Ever noticed how, when you right-click, you get that tiny “Show more options” button? Yeah, it’s a bit of a pain, especially if you’re used to having everything at your fingertips. The good news is, you don’t have to keep doing that little tap every time. You can tweak your system so the full context menu always shows up, no extra clicking needed. It’s not exactly fiddling with anything risky, but you will need to dive into the Registry—bit strange, I know, but if you take your time and follow along, you’ll be right. This tweak basically makes those extra options show up permanently, saving you the hassle and frustration. Just a heads up: messing with the Registry can be a bit dodgy if you’re not careful, so it’s wise to back it up first. Once it’s set, you’ll enjoy a smoother right-click experience, especially if you use those options heaps.
How to Always Show More Options in Windows 11
This bit walks you through how to get Windows 11 to always show that expanded context menu. The main thing involved is editing the Registry. Honestly, it’s not too tricky, but just remember—you’re changing some system settings. Once you’re done, the full menu should pop up straight away on your next right-click, no more “Show more options” button. The idea is to tweak a specific Registry key, so Windows doesn’t hide those extra choices anymore.
Open the Run Dialog Box and Launch Registry Editor
- Press Windows key + R to bring up the Run window. Easy as—quick way to access loads of system tools.
- Type
regeditand hit Enter. This opens the Registry Editor, where Windows keeps all the low-down settings. If prompted by User Account Control, click “Yes”.
On some setups, opening the Registry Editor might take a sec or ask for permission, but just go ahead and approve it. It’s necessary because you’ll be poking around where Windows keeps its secret settings.
Navigate to the Correct Registry Folder
- In Registry Editor, go to this path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID.
This is where Windows stores context menu stuff. If you’re more comfy with the keyboard, you can hit Ctrl + F and search for the key if it’s missing or hard to find. The CLSID folder holds unique IDs for different shell features, and we’re about to add one specific key to change the default behaviour.
Create The Necessary Registry Keys
- Right-click on CLSID, then choose “New” > “Key”. Name it
{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}and hit Enter. This is the magic ID that tells Windows to always expand the context menu. - Right-click this new key, select “New” > “Key” again, and name it
InprocServer32. Basically, this is the subfolder that will hold instructions to change how the menu behaves.
It might sound a bit cryptic, but don’t stress—it’s the standard way to tweak these hidden options. Some folks report that on certain machines, just creating these keys might not work straight away, or they need to restart or log out to see the change. Doesn’t hurt to reboot after editing, just in case.
Verify and Finalise the Changes
- Click on your new
{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}key, then double-click the (Default) entry in the right pane. Make sure the value is blank—if there’s anything there, delete it. - Close the Registry Editor, and your tweak should be good to go. The next time you right-click, the full menu should pop up straight away, no extra click.
This trick works pretty reliably once you’ve set it up. Sometimes a restart helps make sure everything’s synced, but usually the change kicks in right after you close the Registry Editor. It’s a small hack, but pretty satisfying once you get it working, especially if those extra options are the ones you use most.
Tips to Make Things Safer and Easier
- Backup your Registry first: Because Windows Registry is sensitive, it’s smart to export it before making any changes. Just go to File > Export in Registry Editor, save a backup file, then get stuck in.
- Stick to the suggested keys: Keep to the specific keys and values mentioned—changing unrelated parts can cause all sorts of dramas.
- Take your time: Read each step carefully—one typo and you might cause a headache. If somethings seem off, close it all and double-check your changes.
- Reboot if needed: If you don’t see the change straight away, restart your PC. Windows sometimes caches these settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this registry hack actually do?
It changes the way Windows shows the right-click menu so it doesn’t hide options behind that “Show more options” button. It makes Windows load the full menu straight away each time.
Is fiddling with the registry safe?
In general, yes—if you stick to what’s recommended. But because it’s system stuff, a mistake could cause trouble. Always back up before editing, and don’t wander into random keys.
Can I undo it if I want the normal menu back?
Absolutely. Just delete the key you made or restore your backup if you saved one before editing.
Will this slow down my system?
Nope, it just changes how the menu appears. No impact on speed, just a different way of showing the options.
What if I can’t find the CLSID folder or my keys don’t show up?
Make sure you’re looking in the right spot: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID. If it’s missing, you can create the path manually by right-clicking and choosing “New” > “Key”.
Summary
- Open the Run dialog with Windows key + R and type
regedit - Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID
- Create a key called
{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2} - Within that, create a new key called
InprocServer32 - Make sure the (Default) value in that key is blank, then close and restart your PC if needed
Wrap-up
This simple registry tweak can save you a lot of bother if you’re sick of extra clicking every time you want to see all your right-click options. It’s a low-risk mod, but it makes Windows 11 way more user-friendly for the power user. Just remember to back up your registry first—Windows can be a bit finicky sometimes. Once it’s sorted, you’ll enjoy a cleaner, quicker right-click menu without the fuss. Hopefully, this helps someone save a few seconds here and there, cheers!