How to Add or Remove “Explore background” Desktop Context Menu in Windows 11
You can add or remove the “Explore background” option from your Windows 11 desktop context menu by modifying the Windows Registry.
This context menu item, which appears when you use Windows Spotlight as your desktop background, allows you to quickly open the folder containing the Spotlight images. For instance, it lets you access the current Spotlight image file located typically at %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.Windows.ContentDeliveryManager_cw5n1h2txyewy\LocalState\Assets.
By making specific registry edits, you gain control over whether this shortcut appears. You’ll typically need administrative privileges to modify these registry keys safely.
Why This Matters
Starting with Windows 11 build 26100.7309 (24H2) and build 26200.7309 (25H2), Microsoft added a new “Learn more about this background” option to your desktop context menu. When you click it, your browser opens to show information about the current Windows Spotlight image. If you don’t want this option, you can remove it easily.
What Happens When Done
After following these steps, the “Explore background” option will either appear or disappear from your right-click desktop menu, depending on which option you choose.
Option 1Current User Only
Add “Explore background” Context Menu for Current User
This is the default setting.
- 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
Important: You must be signed in as an administrator to use this option.
Add “Explore background” Desktop context menu for All Users
This is the default setting.
Open the Windows Terminal app as an administrator.
Run this 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
Remove “Explore background” Desktop context menu for All Users
- 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.
You can then delete the registry key.SpotlightLearnMore. You may need to restart Explorer or your PC to see changes
reg delete "HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell.SpotlightLearnMore" /f
Summary
You now know how to control the “Explore background” option in your Windows 11 desktop context menu. Use Option One if you only want to change the setting for your account. Use Option Two if you want to change it for everyone who uses your computer. The “Explore background” option lets you learn more about Windows Spotlight images, but you can remove it if you don’t need it.
What is the Explorer context menu?
The Explorer context menu is the list of options that appears when you right-click a file, folder, or the desktop in Windows. It provides quick access to common actions like copy, paste, delete, rename, or specific app-related commands, helping users manage their files and system settings more efficiently.
How do I get the old Explorer context menu in 🪟 Windows 11?
To restore the classic context menu, you must modify the Windows Registry. By creating a specific key under 'CLSID' in the Registry Editor, you can force Windows 11 to revert to the full, legacy menu style instead of the simplified version, or use third-party tools designed to toggle this setting.
How do I edit the Explorer context menu?
You can edit the context menu by modifying the Windows Registry. Navigate to '🗝️HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT' or '🗝️HKEY_CURRENT_USER' to add or remove shell keys. Alternatively, use third-party software like ShellMenuView or Winaero Tweaker, which provide a user-friendly interface to manage, disable, or customize items appearing in your right-click menu.
How do I go back to the old context menu?
To revert to the old context menu, open the Command Prompt as an administrator and run the command 'reg add HKCU\Software\Classes\CLSID\{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}\InprocServer32 /f /ve'. After executing this command and restarting Windows Explorer via Task Manager, your system will display the classic, full-sized context menu instead of the Windows 11 default.
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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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