So, Windows 11’s clean look is cool and all, but sometimes it feels like you’re just one click away from missing out on some handy options. Ever noticed how, when right-clicking, you get that tiny “Show more options” button? Yeah, it’s kind of annoying, especially if you’re used to seeing everything at once. The good news: you don’t have to keep doing that little tap every single time. You can tweak your system to always show the full context menu, no extra clicks needed. It’s not exactly messing with the internals, but you’ll need to dive into the Registry—kind of weird, but if you follow carefully, it’ll be fine. This tweak basically un-hides those extra options permanently, saving you a step and frustration. Just keep in mind, messing with the Registry can be a bit risky if you’re not careful, so it’s better to back it up first. But once set, it’s a simple fix for a smoother right-click experience, especially if you use those menu options quite a bit.
How to Always Show More Options in Windows 11
This section guides through making Windows 11 always display that expanded context menu. The core thing involved is editing the Registry. Honestly, it’s not super complicated, but be aware—you’re changing some system-level settings. Expect to see the full menu pop up right away in future right-clicks, no more “Show more options” button. The goal 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 open the Run window. Easy way to quickly access tons of system tools.
- Type
regeditand hit Enter. This is the Registry Editor, where Windows keeps all the low-level settings. If prompted by User Account Control, click “Yes”.
On some setups, loading the Registry Editor might take a moment or ask for permission, but just go ahead and approve it. It’s necessary since you’ll be poking around where Windows keeps its secret settings.
Navigate to the Correct Registry Folder
- In Registry Editor, browse to this path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID.
This is where Windows stores context menu stuff. If you’re more comfortable with the keyboard, you can also press Ctrl + F, then search for the key if it’s missing or hard to find. The CLSID folder holds individual unique IDs for different shell features, and we’re about to add one specific key to change default behavior.
Create The Necessary Registry Keys
- Right-click on CLSID, then pick “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, choose “New” > “Key” again, and name it
InprocServer32. Basically, this is the subfolder that will hold instructions for changing the menu behavior.
It might seem a bit cryptic, but don’t worry—it’s the standard way of tweaking these hidden options. Some people report that on certain machines, just creating these keys might not work immediately, or they need to log out or restart to see the effect. Doesn’t hurt to try reboot after editing, just in case.
Verify and Finalize 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 empty—if there’s anything else, erase it and leave it blank. - Close the Registry Editor, and your tweak should be set. When you right-click next time, the full menu should pop up immediately, no click needed.
This method works pretty reliably once you get it set up. Sometimes a restart helps sync everything, but on most setups, the change takes effect right after closing the Registry Editor. It’s a small hack, but kinda satisfying to set up, especially if you’re tired of that extra click.
Tips for Making These Tweaks Safer and Smoother
- Backup your Registry first: Because Windows Registry is sensitive, it’s wise to export it before making changes. Just go to File > Export in Registry Editor, save a backup file, then proceed.
- Use just the keys mentioned: Stick to the specific keys and values if you’re not familiar with registry editing. Changing unrelated parts can break stuff.
- Take your time: Read each step carefully—one typo can cause headaches. If something doesn’t seem right, close everything and verify your changes.
- Reboot if needed: If nothing changes right away, restart your PC. Windows sometimes caches these settings for a bit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this registry tweak actually do?
It changes how Windows shows the right-click menu, so it no longer hides options behind that “Show more options” button. It forces Windows to load the full menu every time.
Is messing with the registry safe?
In theory, yes—if you stick to what’s recommended. But because it’s system-level, a mistake could cause problems. Always back things up before editing, and don’t go poking around random keys.
Can I revert the change if I want the menu back to default?
Definitely. Just delete the keys you created or restore the registry backup you exported before making changes.
Will doing this slow down my system?
Nope, it just changes how the menu appears. No performance impact, just a different way of showing options.
What if I can’t find the CLSID folder or my keys don’t appear?
Make sure you’re in the right spot: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID. If it’s missing, you might need to create the path manually by right-clicking and choosing “New” > “Key”.
Summary
- Open the Run dialog with Windows key + R and launch
regedit - Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID
- Create a key named
{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2} - Inside that, make a new key called
InprocServer32 - Check that the (Default) value in that key is empty, then close everything and reboot if needed
Wrap-up
This little registry tweak can really make life easier if you’re tired of the extra click every time you want to see all your right-click options. It’s kind of a low-risk tweak, but definitely makes Windows 11 more user-friendly for power users. Just remember to backup the registry first—because Windows has to make it more complicated than necessary. Once it’s done, you can enjoy a much cleaner, faster right-click menu without fuss. Fingers crossed this helps someone save a few seconds here and there.