Getting Rid of the “Show More Options” in Windows 11
So, trying to ditch that pesky “Show More Options” in Windows 11? It sounds complicated, but honestly, it’s not too hard once the right tricks are on the table. The main thing is messing with the Windows Registry—think of it as the back office where all your operating system settings are hiding. Just a heads up: diving into the registry can be a bit of a gamble if you’re not sure what you’re doing, so backing it up before making changes is a solid move. One wrong step can have you staring at a boot screen way more than you’d want.
How to Open the Registry Editor
To kick things off, you need to call up the Registry Editor. Hit Windows key + R to pop up the Run box, then type regedit and hit Enter. This opens up a tool that’s packed with all sorts of system secrets. Just tread lightly—it’s kind of powerful stuff. A single wrong click could send your system into chaos, so be careful and maybe back things up if this is new territory.
If shortcuts are your thing, you can also whip out PowerShell as an admin and type in:
Start-Process regedit -Verb runAsFinding Your Way to the Right Registry Path
Once you’re in the Registry Editor, you’ll want to navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID. It might look overwhelming at first, but just like climbing a tree, the CLSID folder is where all the keys that matter hang out. This is where Windows keeps the context menu settings we really want to modify so we can leap over that “Show More Options” roadblock.
Creating a New Registry Key
Inside the CLSID folder, right-click in an empty space, pick New > Key, and name it exactly as follows: {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}. Think of it like adding a new box to your filing system that tells Windows to revert back to the OG context menu. No more annoying extra clicks! Just a quick word of caution: creating these keys can be finicky because even tiny typos can lead to some wild results.
Add a Subkey
Then, right-click that shiny new key you just created and make another key inside it, calling this one InprocServer32. This little guy is like the instruction manual for Windows on what to do next. It’s a simple setup, really—just a container to hold specific commands that direct how the context menu behaves.
Set the Default Value to Blank
Next up, double-click on the default value inside InprocServer32 and make sure it’s blank. This step is super important because it tells Windows, “Hey, just keep it simple here.” Leaving it blank is like giving straightforward directions to someone—no need to complicate things. After making these changes, you might need to restart your system or log out for them to take effect, though sometimes it works immediately. Sometimes it’s a bit hit-or-miss—on a couple of machines, a few reboots made everything click seamlessly.
Optional: Group Policy Editor for Pro Users
If you happen to be rocking Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, there’s a slicker way to do this through the Group Policy Editor. Just follow these steps:
- Press Win + R and type gpedit.msc to fire up 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, then hit OK.
This method skips the registry dance altogether, but it’s only there for Professional, Enterprise, or Education versions of Windows 11.
Wrapping Up Registry Tweaks
And just like that, your right-click menu should now show the full options without the annoying step of clicking “Show More Options.” This tweak might feel small, but it can really speed up your workflow—next to no extra clicks means more flow. Just remember, playing around in the registry is no small feat. Always back things up beforehand and take your time confirming what each step does. If things get rocky, a system restore point can really be your best friend, so setting one up before diving in is a good backup plan.
To back up your registry, open the Registry Editor, click File > Export, save it somewhere safe, and remember, if something goes awry, you can restore it later via File > Import.
And here’s the kicker: a lot of users find this tweak is just one of many ways to personalize their Windows experience. For those not into raw registry edits, there are third-party tools that can help automate the whole tweaking process—though, tread carefully. Whether going manual or through tools, the ultimate mission is a smoother, quicker, and more personal Windows experience without risking stability.
Sure, this is just one way to streamline your system, but it’s all about understanding each step. Better to be safe than sorry with something as finicky as the registry. For the tech-savvy, it’s like tuning a guitar—practice makes perfect, and each little adjustment helps your PC feel like it truly belongs to you.