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.