How to bring back classic context menu on Windows 11

One of the most controversial changes in Windows 11 is the redesigned right-click (context) menu. It’s sleek, sure—but it’s also slower, more cluttered, and hides key options behind an extra click. If you miss the classic Windows 10-style context menu, you’re not alone. The good news? You can bring it back.

Here’s how.

Option 1: Use a Registry Tweak (Manual Method)

⚠️ Warning: Editing the registry can mess things up if done wrong. Proceed carefully and back up your system.

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to this path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID
3. Right-click on CLSID and select New > Key.
4. Name the new key: {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}
5. Inside that new key, create another key called: InprocServer32
6. Double-click the (Default) value inside InprocServer32, leave the data blank, and click OK.
7. Restart your PC (or restart Windows Explorer from Task Manager).

That’s it. The old-school context menu is back.

Option 2: Use a One-Click Script (Easy Way)

If you don’t want to mess with the registry manually, you can use a pre-made script.

1. Copy this into a Notepad file: Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00 [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID\{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}] @="" [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID\{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}\InprocServer32] @=""
2. Save the file as classic_menu.reg.
3. Double-click the file and allow it to make changes.
4. Restart your PC.

Want to go back to the default menu later? Just delete the same registry keys or use a removal script.

Bonus Tip: Use a Third-Party Tool

Apps like WinAero Tweaker or ExplorerPatcher can toggle the classic menu with a click and give you more customization options for the Windows UI. Just make sure to get them from trusted sources.

Final Thoughts

Windows 11 looks modern, but some of its changes slow down workflow. If the new context menu annoys you, this tweak gives you control back. Whether you’re editing the registry or using a script, the fix takes just a few minutes.

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