iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Windows 11 hides many right-click items behind a shorter menu, and one built-in command brings the older items back. If you want to choose exactly which entries appear, add your own commands, and remove clutter left by Windows or other software, the free tool Nilesoft Shell does that. It is configured through a plain-text file rather than a point-and-click editor, so you trade some setup effort for control.
Start with the built-in option: Show more options
The File Explorer context menu in Windows 11 is streamlined. Common actions such as Cut, Copy, Paste, Rename, Share, and Delete sit at the top level. Microsoft’s File Explorer in Windows support page states: “Not all extensions from Windows 10 will be available in the streamlined Windows 11 context menu, but they’ll always be available when selecting Show more options.”
To reach an older item:
- In File Explorer, right-click the file, folder, or desktop background you are working with.
- Select Show more options.
- Choose the older entry from the expanded menu.
This command only exposes items Windows already keeps out of the first menu. It is a way to reach them, not a way to reorganize or edit the menu, which is where Shell begins.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →What Nilesoft Shell changes
Nilesoft describes Shell on its official site this way: “Shell is a context menu customizer that lets you handpick the items to integrate into Windows File Explorer context menu, create custom commands to access all your favorite web pages, files, and folders, and launch any application directly from the context menu.” The vendor’s documentation adds these capabilities:
#1 Best Overall
- 1.1 GHz (boost up to 2.4GHz) Intel Celeron N5030 Quad-Core
- Modifying or removing existing entries, including entries added by Windows or by third-party software.
- Adding submenu items and nested menus.
- Dynamic search and filtering of menu entries.
- Appearance control with colors, glyphs, SVG, embedded icons, or image files.
- Menus for the taskbar, alongside files, folders, and the desktop.
These are the vendor’s descriptions of features, not independent findings about how well they work.
How the configuration works
Shell reads its settings from a plain-text file named shell.nss, as the vendor explains in its introduction. It is not a point-and-click menu editor. Every change is a text edit to that file. If you are comfortable with configuration files, this is direct and transparent. If you want visual drag-and-drop editing, expect a learning curve, and compare the other options below before committing.
Rank #2
- 256 GB SSD of storage.
- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
Getting Shell and checking the version
Nilesoft’s download page listed Shell version 1.9.18 when it was checked on 8 October 2026. The page offered:
- Installers for x64, x86, and ARM64 systems.
- A portable x64 build.
- Installation commands for WinGet, Scoop, and Chocolatey.
Nilesoft states that Shell is free for personal and commercial use, and its homepage describes it as free and open-source. Version numbers and package availability change, so check the version on the download page against the one you install.
Rank #3
- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
Built-in, Shell, or PowerToys: which fits your problem
The three options answer different needs. The table compares what each one documents; “Not stated” means the sources used for this article do not say.
| Question | Show more options | Nilesoft Shell | Microsoft PowerToys |
|---|---|---|---|
| Needs an extra app | No | Yes | Yes |
| Reaches older Windows 10 extensions | Yes | Not stated | Not stated |
| Removes or edits existing entries | Not described | Yes, per vendor | Not stated |
| Adds custom commands | Not described | Yes: web pages, files, folders, and applications | Not stated |
| Configuration method | None | Plain-text shell.nss file |
Not stated |
| Cost | Included with Windows | Free for personal and commercial use (vendor statement) | Not stated |
Microsoft PowerToys is a set of separate utilities, not a context-menu editor. Its Microsoft Learn documentation lists tools such as File Locksmith, which shows which processes are using a file, and Image Resizer, which resizes images from the right-click menu. These are useful additions, but the documentation does not establish that PowerToys can reorder or clean up the context menu.
Rank #4
- EFFORTLESS EVERYDAY PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 Home system, delivering reliable, low-power efficiency for daily tasks like document editing, email, online classes, and web browsing
- 15.6-INCH FULL HD DISPLAY: Enjoy immersive visuals on the 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with micro-edge bezels. Delivers clear details and comfortable viewing for long study sessions, working on spreadsheets, and video playback
- RESPONSIVE MULTITASKING & STORAGE: Built with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB eMMC storage for smooth daily essential use. Expand your storage by up to 1TB via the integrated TF card slot to easily store movies, photos, and working files
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: Outfitted with 2x Full-Featured Type-C ports for data transfer, fast charging, and dual-monitor output, alongside 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack for complete peripheral compatibility
- LIGHTWEIGHT & SILENT OPERATION: Slim and portable for effortless travel or commuting. Features a 1MP HD webcam for remote meetings, 38Wh battery with 45W Type-C fast charging, and a fanless silent design for peaceful work environments.
What the author’s example shows
The walkthrough behind this article is a forum post by a user named aum, dated 19 October 2025, titled “I made the Windows 11 right-click menu make sense with one free app.” The forum thread describes removing the “Edit with Photos” entry, adding routes to frequently used destinations, changing the icon of WinRAR, and building taskbar menus with shortcuts to tools and folders.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallTreat these as the author’s own account. The speed, stability, and usefulness the author reports are personal impressions from his own setup, not independent test results.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Efficient Performance】 Powered by Intel Core i3 processor (2 cores, 4 threads, up to 3.4GHz) with 12GB RAM and 256GB SSD. Handles multitasking, office software, online classes, and HD video streaming smoothly. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Backlit Keyboard & Complete Package】Comes with a cool backlit keyboard. Comes with awebcam, dual stereo speakers (8Ω/1.0W each), DC charger, and user manual – ready for late-night studying, online classes, video conferencing, and daily productivity
- 【Vibrant Display】 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with 16:9 aspect ratio delivers crisp images and vivid colors – perfect for studying, watching lectures, or entertainment. Thin-bezel design maximizes viewing area
- 【Fast Connectivity & Expansion】 Equipped with WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2 for stable, high-speed wireless. Features 3 x USB 3.0, HDMI 2.1, Type-C (supports PD3.0 fast charging), and a TF card slot expandable up to 2TB – easily connect external monitors, mice, drives, or expand storage for all your files
- 【Long Battery Life & Portable】 Built-in 11.55V 5000mAh/57.75Wh high-capacity battery delivers approximately 7 hours of mixed-use battery life – enough for a full day of classes and assignments. Lightweight at just 1.63kg (3.6 lbs) and 19.5mm thin, plus a compact packing size – easily slips into a backpack for campus, library, or coffee shop
Limits to know before you rely on it
- No independent performance benchmark or security audit of Shell was found in the sources used for this article. Do not assume either speed or safety from the vendor’s or author’s descriptions.
- Nilesoft describes its supported Windows versions only broadly. Compatibility with every Windows 11 build is not established here.
- The vendor says Shell can modify entries added by third-party software, but that does not guarantee every third-party entry can be changed cleanly.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
