How to Add Any Application to the Windows Desktop Right-Click Menu

Want faster access to your favorite apps right from the desktop? You can customize the Windows right-click menu to include shortcuts to any application—no third-party software needed. It’s a great way to streamline your workflow and make the tools you use most just one click away.

Here’s how to do it using the Windows Registry.

⚠️ Before You Start: A Quick Warning

This method involves editing the Windows Registry. It’s safe if you follow the steps exactly, but make a backup first—just in case.

To back up the Registry:
Open regedit, go to File > Export, and save a copy.

🧰 What You’ll Need

The path to the .exe file of the app you want to add
Admin rights on your Windows PC
A little caution with the Registry Editor

🛠️ Step-by-Step: Add an App to the Right-Click Menu

1. Open the Registry Editor

Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.

2. Navigate to the Context Menu Key

Go to this path:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shell

This is where context menu items for the desktop background are stored.

3. Create a New Key for Your App

Right-click on the shell folder
Select New > Key
Name the key something simple, like Open Notepad (or the app name)

This is what will appear in the right-click menu.

4. Add a Command Subkey

Right-click your new key (e.g., Open Notepad)
Select New > Key again
Name this new key command

5. Set the App Path

Click on the command key
Double-click the (Default) value in the right pane
In the “Value data” field, enter the full path to your app’s .exe file
For example: C:\Windows\System32\notepad.exe

Click OK and close the Registry Editor.

✅ That’s It — Test It Out

Right-click on your desktop background—you should now see your custom app listed. Click it, and it should launch instantly.

🔄 Want to Add More Apps?

Just repeat the steps and give each app its own name and path. You can even group them under a submenu by nesting keys.

🗑️ How to Remove the App from the Menu

Go back to:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shell

Right-click the key you created (e.g., Open Notepad) and delete it. Done.

🧠 Pro Tip: Use Environment Variables for Flexibility

Instead of hardcoding the full path, you can use:

%ProgramFiles%\YourApp\app.exe

This way it works even if your system is installed on a different drive.

Final Thoughts

Customizing your Windows right-click menu is a quick way to work smarter and save time. Whether it’s launching Notepad, a code editor, or your favorite browser, having one-click access from the desktop can be a real productivity boost.

Want to go deeper and create nested menus or add icons? Let me know in the comments—I can show you how.

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!