How to Add or Remove App Extensions on Context Menu in Windows 11
App extensions on the Windows 11 context menu are the extra shortcuts and tools that programs add when you right-click a file. Starting with Windows 11 build 22635.3570, Microsoft lets you clean up a crowded right-click menu by hiding these extra items inside a single submenu or placing them directly on the main menu.
You can manage these app extensions right from the Windows settings app without digging through advanced tools. This quick change helps you get rid of clutter and makes finding the tools you actually use much faster.
Open Settings , go to Personalisation, and click Context menu to manage app extensions on your right-click menu. Scroll to File actions, click App extensions, and use the toggle switches to show or hide the submenu or move specific app shortcuts directly onto your main menu.
Step 1Open Your Windows Settings
Opening the Windows Settings app lets you manage your computer preferences and customize your right-click menu . You can open settings instantly by pressing the Win and the I key on your keyboard at the same time. If you prefer using your mouse, click the Start button and choose the gear-shaped Settings icon to open the main preferences screen right away.
Press the Win and the I key on your keyboard at the same time to open the Settings app instantly. If you prefer your mouse, click the Start button and choose the gear-shaped Settings icon.
Step 2Go to the Context Menu Settings
Next, find the specific area that controls your right-click menu .
You can open the Personalization settings app in Windows 11 and click on the Context menu option to control the modern menu in File Explorer . This specific area lets you manage up to 10 different app extensions and shortcuts that appear when you right-click items.
Step 3Show or Hide the App Extensions Submenu
Showing or hiding the app extensions submenu on your Windows 11 right-click menu helps you keep your screen neat. You can find this control by opening your settings, scrolling down to the file actions section, and clicking on app extensions. From there, you can toggle the switch to keep the submenu visible or hide extra app shortcuts completely from view.
Scroll down to the File actions section. Click on App extensions to open the options. This section contains a switch for the Show app extensions submenu feature.
You can turn on the app extensions setting in Windows 11 to keep the submenu visible on your right-click menu, which helps you quickly access extra tools. Keeping the app extensions submenu visible is the default setting in Windows 11, meaning you do not need to change anything if you want the shortcuts to stay on your screen.
Turn Off: This hides the submenu completely.
Step 4Choose Which Extensions Appear Directly on the Menu
Choosing which app extensions appear directly on your main right-click menu in Windows 11 lets you reach your favorite tools quickly without opening extra folders. You can customize the right-click menu by going to the app extensions settings and toggling the switch next to any installed app. Turning the switch on moves the app extension to your main menu, while turning the switch off keeps the app extension tucked away inside the submenu.
In the same settings area under App extensions, look at your list of installed apps. Toggle the switch next to any app:
Turn On: The app extension moves out of the submenu and shows up right on your main right-click menu.
Turn Off: The app extension stays inside the App extensions submenu.
Step 5Control App Extensions Using the Windows Registry
Controlling app extensions using the Windows Registry gives you an advanced way to manage your right-click menu if the main settings app is not working. You can open the registry tool by pressing the Windows Key and the R key, typing regedit into the box, and pressing Enter. This requires an administrator account to navigate through the system folders and make changes.
Press your Windows Key and the R key, type regedit into the box, and press Enter. When the Registry Editor opens, use the left sidebar to go to this exact path:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ContextMenu\Preferences\ShowExtensionsLook on the right side of the screen for a value named Enabled. If you do not see it, create it as a new DWORD (32-bit) Value. Double-click on Enabled and change its data value:
- Type 1 to show the App extensions submenu.
- Type 0 to hide the App extensions submenu.
Click OK to save your changes.
Step 6Manage Individual Extensions in the Registry
Managing individual extensions in the Windows 11 registry allows you to fine-tune specific app shortcuts on your computer. Apps will only show up in the right-click menu after you change app settings at least once in your main Windows settings. Once the app extensions appear, you can open the specific folder for that app extension in the Registry Editor to adjust how the app extension behaves on your right-click menu.
In the Registry Editor, go to this key on the left sidebar:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ContextMenu\Preferences\extensionsClick on the folder for the specific app extension you want to change. On the right side, double-click the Enabled value. Change the value data to 1 if you want the app to show directly on your main right-click menu, or change it to 0 if you want it inside the submenu. Click OK when you finish, and close the Registry Editor.
Summary
Clean up your Windows 11 right-click menu by hiding or showing app extensions. You can make these changes quickly using the Windows Settings app, or use the Windows Registry if you prefer advanced options.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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