How to Customize the Context Menu in Windows 11
The context menu is the small pop-up box that appears when you right-click on files and folders in Windows 11. It gives you quick shortcuts to copy, paste, rename, and open items.
Apps often add extra options to this list over time, which makes the menu long and messy. Windows 11 includes built-in settings that let you remove clutter and choose what appears when you right-click.
Open Settings Personalization Context menu to turn off unwanted file actions, app extensions, and adjust additional options. This cleans up your right-click menu in File Explorer on Windows 11, hiding clutter and keeping only the shortcuts you actually use.
Step 1Open the New Context Menu Settings Page
You can open the new context menu settings page in Windows 11 by right-clicking any empty space on your desktop and selecting the settings option, or by using the built-in search bar in your main settings menu. This takes you directly to the options you need to clean up your right-click menu and hide tools you never use.
The context menu is the list of commands that pops up when you right-click a file, folder, or your desktop. You can find the new settings page using either method below:
- The shortcut method: Right-click on any empty space on your desktop or inside a folder in File Explorer . At the very bottom of the menu, click on Customize menu. This takes you right to the correct settings page.
- The main settings method: Press the Win+I on your keyboard to open the main Settings app . Click on Personalization in the left-hand column, and then click on Context menu on the right side of the screen.
Step 2Choose Which File Actions You Want to See
File actions let you choose which everyday tools appear when you right-click a file or folder in Windows 11. You can turn these options on or off using the toggle switches in the settings menu to hide shortcuts you do not use and keep your menu short and easy to read.
File actions are built-in shortcuts from Windows for managing your files and folders. Windows changes these options based on what kind of file you click on.
- Look for the section labeled File actions on your screen.
- Review the list of available toggles for different file types and commands.
- Flip the switch next to any feature you want to turn off to remove it from your right-click list. Turn switches back on if you need the shortcut again.
Step 3Control App Extensions and Extras
App extensions are extra shortcuts added by programs you install on your computer, such as zip tools or photo editors. You can manage these extras under the file actions section in your settings to stop third-party apps from cluttering up your right-click menu with buttons you do not need.
App extensions are extra commands added by programs you install, such as text editors or cloud storage tools. Managing them stops your menu from getting too long.
- Under the File actions section, look for an option named App actions and click on it to open the menu.
- Look through the list of app extensions tied to your right-click menu.
- Turn off the switches for apps you rarely use, or hide entire submenus if you want a simple look.
Tip: Cleaning out old app extensions can help your computer feel a bit faster. Windows will spend less time building a huge list of commands every time you click.
Step 4Bring Back Classic Menu Styles and Extra Commands
Additional options at the bottom of the settings page let you bring back classic menu styles and change how advanced properties look in Windows 11. You can use these settings to restore familiar layouts from older versions of Windows if you prefer the way things used to work.
The additional options section controls where your main commands live and how they look. You can change button layouts and where advanced properties appear.
- Scroll down to the bottom of the settings page to find the Additional options section.
- Toggle the settings to list your main commands—like Cut, Copy, Paste, Rename, Delete, and Share—as a clean text list directly in the menu instead of a row of small icons across the top.
- Adjust settings like moving the Properties button down to the very bottom of the list if you prefer the classic Windows layout.
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Summary
Customizing the context menu in Windows 11 helps you clean up a cluttered right-click list and get rid of tools you do not use. You can easily open the settings page, hide unwanted file actions, manage app extras, and bring back classic menu styles to keep your computer organized and easy to use.
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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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