You can try restoring Windows 11’s classic right-click menu with a per-user registry change. The method may not work on every Windows 11 build: a Microsoft Q&A discussion says it has been deprecated in version 24H2. For a one-time alternative that does not change the registry, use Shift+right-click.
What the registry change does
Windows 11 gives File Explorer a compact, refreshed context menu. Microsoft describes it as a design based on modern principles. The registry workaround adds an empty default value under a CLSID in your user account’s registry, changing how the shell registers the context menu.
This is a build-dependent workaround, not a guaranteed Windows setting. Microsoft Q&A reports that the method was deprecated in Windows 11 version 24H2, so results can vary. [Microsoft Q&A]
Try the registry workaround
Before editing the registry, make sure you can identify and reverse the change. The command below affects the current user, not every account on the PC.
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- Open Command Prompt.
- Run this command:
reg.exe add "HKCUSoftwareClassesCLSID{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}InprocServer32" /f /ve - Restart Windows Explorer or restart Windows so the shell reloads the change.
- Right-click a file or folder in File Explorer to check whether the classic menu appears.
The command creates the InprocServer32 key with an empty default value. The documented command and restart sequence are described in Microsoft Q&A.
Use Registry Editor instead
- Open Registry Editor and go to
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareClassesCLSID. - Create a key named
{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}. - Inside it, create a key named
InprocServer32. - Leave the new key’s default value empty, then restart Windows Explorer or reboot.
Registry Editor and reg.exe perform the same per-user change. Take care not to edit or delete unrelated registry keys.
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Use the classic menu temporarily
If you do not want to edit the registry—or the workaround does not take effect—hold Shift while right-clicking an item. Microsoft Q&A identifies Shift+right-click as a way to open the classic menu temporarily. [Microsoft Q&A]
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Restore the modern menu
To undo the persistent registry change, delete the {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2} key from HKEY_CURRENT_USERSOFTWARECLASSESCLSID. Be sure to remove only that specific key. Windows Central’s August 13, 2025 guide documents this reversal. [Windows Central]
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After deleting the key, restart Windows Explorer or reboot for the shell to reload its settings.
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