How to Add or Remove App Extensions on Context Menu in Windows 11
App extensions on the context menu in Windows 11 are extra options that third-party programs add when you right-click a file or folder. Starting with Windows 11 build 22635.3570, Microsoft lets you group these extra items into a single submenu to clean up a crowded right-click menu .
You can manage these 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 Windows 11 context menu . Press Win+I to open the Settings app. This central hub is where you start making changes to how your right-click options appear and function.
Press Win+I to open Settings . If you prefer your mouse, click the Start button and choose the gear-shaped Settings icon.
Step 2Go to the Context Menu Settings
Finding the specific area that controls your right-click menu allows you to manage how app shortcuts appear in File Explorer . You can open the Personalization settings app in Windows 11 and click on the Windows 11 context menu options to control the modern menu. This area lets you manage up to 10 different app extensions that show up when you right-click items.
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 context menu helps you keep your right-click options neat and organized. 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.
It does not change the classic menu that appears when you hold the Shift key while right-clicking.
Step 4Choose Which Extensions Appear Directly on the Menu
Choosing which app extensions appear directly on your main Windows 11 context menu 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 straight to your main menu for fast access.
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 Registry Editor (a tool for viewing and changing system settings) gives you an advanced way to manage your Windows 11 context 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 to 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.
Deleting or changing the wrong items can cause problems on your computer. Always check your path before making 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 when the standard menu options are not enough. Apps will only show up in your Windows 11 context menu after you change app settings at least once in your main Windows settings. Once the entries appear, you can open the specific folder in the registry to adjust how the extension behaves.
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
Your right-click menu now displays your chosen app extensions either grouped in a submenu or pinned directly to the main list.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
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