How to Add or Remove “Explore background” Desktop Context Menu in Windows 11
The “Explore background” desktop context menu option opens the hidden Windows Spotlight folder where Windows 11 stores your daily lock screen photos. Windows saves these background images in 📁C:\
You can add or remove this shortcut using the Registry Editor (the built-in database Windows uses for system settings). You need an administrator account on your PC to complete these changes.
Modify the Windows Registry to add or remove the “Explore background” option. Open Windows Terminal and use `reg delete` or `reg add` commands targeting specific registry keys under `🗝️HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareClassesDesktopBackgroundshell.SpotlightLearnMore` or `🗝️HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTDesktopBackgroundShell.SpotlightLearnMore`.
Why This Matters
Windows 11 includes an “Explore background” option in the desktop right-click menu that shows wallpaper details, specifically for Windows Spotlight images.
What Happens When Done
Following these steps makes the “Explore background” option appear or disappear from the right-click desktop menu.
Option 1Current User Only
To remove the explore background context menu for just your user account, open the Windows Terminal app and run a single registry command. This hides the shortcut from your right-click desktop menu without affecting other people who use your computer.
- Open the Windows Terminal app.
- Run this command:
reg delete "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\DesktopBackground\shell.SpotlightLearnMore" /v ProgrammaticAccessOnly /f
Remove “Explore background” Context Menu for Current User
- Open the Windows Terminal app.
- Run this command:
reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\DesktopBackground\shell.SpotlightLearnMore" /v ProgrammaticAccessOnly /t REG_SZ /d "" /f
Option 2All Users on Your Computer
To add the explore background context menu for every user account on your Windows 11 PC, open Windows Terminal with administrator rights and run the setup command. This places the shortcut on the right-click desktop menu for anyone who logs into the computer.
Add "Explore background" Desktop context menu for All Users
Launch Windows Terminal as an administrator, then execute the following command:
reg add "HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell.SpotlightLearnMore" /v CommandStateSync /t REG_SZ /d "" /f
reg add "HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell.SpotlightLearnMore" /v ExplorerCommandHandler /t REG_SZ /d "{5C6B744C-4CD1-5EA7-BDC6-0E6679A956BF}" /f
reg add "HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell.SpotlightLearnMore" /v Position /t REG_SZ /d "Bottom" /f
- Open Registry Editor by typing
regedit.exein your search bar. - In the left pane, navigate to this location:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell\.SpotlightLearnMore - Important: You need admin privileges to change the owner and permissions. Right-click on the
.SpotlightLearnMorekey and select Properties. - Click the Owner tab. Click Edit, then change the owner to Administrators. Click OK.
- Go to the Permissions tab. Select Administrators and check the box for "Full Control". Click OK.
- You can now close Registry Editor.
Deleting the registry key .SpotlightLearnMore finishes the task. Restarting Explorer or the PC applies the changes.
reg delete "HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell.SpotlightLearnMore" /f
Summary
The "Explore background" option toggles on or off depending on whether the configuration applies to an individual user or all system accounts.
What is the Explorer context menu?
The Explorer context menu displays the list of choices appearing during a right-click on any file, folder, or the desktop.
How do I get the old Explorer context menu in 🪟 Windows 11?
Restoring the classic Explorer context menu in Windows 11 requires a registry modification or a third-party utility.
How do I edit the Explorer context menu?
Editing the Explorer context menu involves altering Windows Registry keys or utilizing dedicated software.
How do I go back to the old context menu?
Reverting to the older context menu style requires running a specific command inside an elevated Command Prompt window.
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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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