64-bit program context menu revisions. How to edit Windows context menu? How to remove unnecessary items from the context menu
The context menu (right-click menu) is a handy tool to speed up your work in Windows. Today we will reveal a few simple secrets of working with the context menu and the system registry. Read how to customize this important element to suit your needs without extraneous applications, using only the built-in registry editor regedit.
Why is the context menu (right-click menu) convenient and why should you clear it
I would like to immediately determine the terminology so that there will be no confusion in the future.
The Explorer context menu, or, as it is sometimes called, the action menu, is a set of commands that can be invoked by clicking right (contextual) mouse buttons on any file or folder. Depending on the object for which it is called, the menu will have a different look or "context".
Note. Of course, not only Windows Explorer has an action menu, but most of the installed applications as well, because this is the most convenient way to access the most important commands.
Immediately after installing the operating system, the context menu has a standard and tidy look, but as additional software is installed, new items are constantly added to it. In the end, there are so many of them that the use of this useful tool turns into flour. Therefore, it is critically important to be able to maintain order of the contents of the Windows context menu for quick and comfortable work.
This can be done in two ways:
- Semi-automatic using third-party software.
- Manually, using the Windows Registry Editor.
Perhaps the first way can be a little easier, but the second way there is no need to use various questionable programs downloaded from the Internet, everything is done by standard means.
Moreover, using the registry will allow you to delve deeper into the internal processes of the system and learn a lot of new things, so we will tell you exactly about the second option.
How to edit the context menu of Explorer through the registry
Launch the registry editor:
- Enter the menu P usk.
- Enter the command in the search bar regedit and press Enter.
Important! Any careless and rash operations can have dangerous consequences, up to a complete failure to boot Windows. To insure yourself against errors, be sure to back up the registry before you start editing it!
Procedure for creating a backup registry file:
- We go to the menu " File"In the open editor.
- We select the item " Export».
- In the window that opens, in the lower field “ Export range", Choose" Whole register».
- We indicate the desired location and name of the new file and click " Save».
Note.In case of problems after manual editing, the registry can be restored to its original state from a backup copy using the item " Import" on the menu " File»Editor regedit.
As you can see, the registry itself has an original tree structure. The tree itself is displayed on the left side of the editor, and the list of parameters in the selected branch on the right. To work with the context menu, we are interested in a single section: “ HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT».
As already mentioned, different sets of commands correspond to different objects (folders, files), so you will have to edit them separately in the registry. Our main goals: clearing the context menu of folders and common menu items for all file types.
Important! We will not change the standard system items of the context menu through the registry. Only items added by installed applications are edited.
Clearing the context menu of folders
All settings of the context menu of directories are stored in the branches:
... Directoty Shell.
... Directory Shellex ContextMenuHandlers.
... Folder Shell ex ContextMenuHandlers.
If you look closely, you can easily see familiar commands among the branches of these branches. So, the registry branch “ Directory Shell"Contains the items at the top of the menu, and" Directory Shellex ContextMenuHandlers"- bottom. " Folder ShellEx ContextMenuHandlers"Is basically the same as the previous branch, so remove the same items from both branches if necessary.
It remains only to remove unnecessary commands. The choice of what to remove and what to leave on the list is a personal matter for everyone. Moreover, depending on the list of installed applications, the content of the menu will differ significantly. Right-click on the unnecessary registry entry and select " Delete". Then repeat this operation for the rest of the selected items.
This is the neat appearance of the registry branches in question and the menu itself after the completion of the cleaning procedure.
Clearing the context menu of files
The procedure itself is no different from the one that was carried out in the previous section. Only the branches of the registry branch have changed " HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT", Storing the required parameters.
Now this:
... * shellexContextMenuHandlers.
They store common elements for all file types registered in the system.
Following the example of cleaning for folders, we delete all unnecessary branches in the registry and get a nice and convenient context menu.
Objectively, we cannot say that the usability of the Windows OS leaves much to be desired. If necessary, any third-party program or standard utility can be brought to the desktop by creating its shortcut. All current versions of Windows are equipped with an in-system search, with the help of which any software is quickly launched and any system settings open. Plus, don't forget about the team "Run"
and the mode of God.
And in the latest versions of the system, we additionally have a menu called by the Win + X keys, where the links of the most important, in the opinion Microsoft, standard tools. For those who are not satisfied with the standard means of implementing access to the system's functionality, there are many alternatives on the market for third-party software - dock panels, launchers, file managers with their own software launch environment, utilities for editing the Windows context menu, etc. Let's talk in more detail about one of the programs of the latter type.
Is a small free utility for editing the Windows context menu from the developer Winaero , known for its other products for changing the settings and interface of the system. The utility contains a huge list of standard functions that can be added to the context menu called on files, folders, desktop, local drives and user libraries. These features include, inter alia, technology options BitLocker , copying the path of the elements, starting the command line, PowerShell and the system utility for defragmenting disks, connecting to a remote desktop and others. It is also possible to add custom context menu items from the program launch files ".Exe" - portable program, does not require installation in the system.
Having launched the utility, first of all, we will configure the interface language. Russian is selected in the settings.
In the left part of the utility window there is a list of system functions and commands that can be added to the context menu. Select any of them, press the button in the middle of the window Add, indicate the area (desktop in our case) and press Add to Selected Item.
After that, you can apply the parameters provided by the utility to the newly minted item of the context menu - add a separator, specify a position, make the element displayed not always, but only when you press the Shift key, etc.
To get quick access to your own program, in the right half of the utility window, select "Add your item"... In the additional window, specify the name, the path to the launch file and click "Create".
All - now the system functions offered by the utility and their programs will be available in the context menu of the selected Windows area.
We are already familiar with the concept of a context menu. It's time to deepen our knowledge about it and consider the topic - How to remove or add commands to the Windows context menu.
Windows functionality allows the user to edit the context menu to their liking.
Editing the context menu (a set of "explorer" or "actions" menu commands) is possible in one of two ways:
- Through program parameters;
- Through the Windows registry;
- With the help of additionally installed applications.
Let's see how this is done:
Installed programs often themselves have (by default) the function of integration into a set of context menu (CM) commands. Then such a parameter is present in their settings on the main tabs, or maybe on such as "Integration", "Download" or "Add", etc. For example, for the WinRAR archiver, it is enough to uncheck the settings:
It is clear that in this way you can both add (install) and remove (remove) a command (commands) from the list. They do the same with other applications.
We work with the registry
Be very careful when working with the Windows Registry. To be in the registry, you need to set a search in the "Start" menu by typing "regedit", and run the found executable file "regedit.exe":
Making a copy
Before editing the Registry of any version of Windows (including Windows 7), do not forget to create a backup copy for safety reasons. To do this, in the editor, select the "Export" command on the "File" tab. Select "Entire Register" at the bottom of the opened dialog. Assigning a name and specifying the location - "Save":
If something irreparable happens (especially for an inexperienced person), you can return the registry to its previous state by using the "File" / "Restore" command, specifying the previously created backup file.
Clearing a directory set
The registry itself looks like a tree-like block diagram (on the left), each of the branches of which has its own parameters (on the right). The "shell", "Shellex ContextMenuHandlers" and "Folder \\ shell" branches of the "HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \\ Directory" directory are responsible for the folder context menu. Having examined these branches in more detail, you can make sure that the "shell" folder contains the upper part of the context set, and the "Shellex ContextMenuHandlers" - the lower one. The folder "Folder \\ shell" - repeats the previous one.
Removal of program elements from the set is performed in each of the branches. On the right mouse, the deletion element is highlighted, the "Delete" command is called:
Now for files
Here is the same procedure, but in different branches. Since the “* / shellexContextMenuHandlers” and “* / shell” branches in the “HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT” registry key are responsible for the set of Context Menu commands for files:
The removal procedure is exactly the same. Do not forget to just delete the unnecessary in both branches.
We use third-party applications
It is much easier (and safer for a beginner) to remove or add an item to the context menu of any version of Windows (including Windows 7) using additional utilities.
After installation and launch, in the program window (by the "Type" column) you can see all programs from the Windows context menu (type \u003d Context Menu).
Unnecessary is removed by highlighting and pressing the red circle:
An interesting and useful utility with a self-explanatory name (available in a free version) Ccleaner. It has many beneficial properties. Website - http://ccleaner.org.ua/. In our case, it clears the registry of unused entries, paths to programs, shortcuts, etc.:
To clear the Context Menu, go to the "Service", in the "Startup" tabs, find the "Context Menu". A list of applications added to the set and their status (included: yes / no) will be displayed here:
To delete - being on the line, the right mouse button calls the "Delete" command. Since a second return (inclusion in the list) is possible only when reinstalling or reconfiguring the application, it is recommended to select the "Disable" option. - Then it will be possible to return it lego ("Enable").
Add with FileMenu Tools
It is very easy to add a new item to the context menu using the FileMenu Tools program.
It offers the user three tabs:
- Left - management of the proposed elements;
- Medium - to configure the "Send" function;
- Right - disables commands added by third-party programs from the list:
You need to add a new element using the “Add Command” command. To specify its parameters, the lower right part of the window is intended - "Properties". For example, to add the line "Open in Firefox" to the menu list (opening HTM and HTML files):
In the "Menu Text" you need to enter the name, and in the "Extensions" - the options for the extensions:
In "Program Properties" the route to the executable file of the Firefox.exe application is written:
The added item is saved by pressing the green element at the top of the window (on the left):
This article helped you understand a variety of ways to edit the context menu. Now you know how to add and remove elements from it not only using Windows tools, but also using other programs.
Free program for customizing Windows context menu. The archive contains two versions: with an installer and without.
The context menu is perhaps one of the most convenient operating system controls. With one click of the mouse, we can access the most frequently used functions.
However, not all functions are available here, and it often happens that, due to the lack of the desired option, you have to embark on a long journey through the folders each time to launch the desired process.
You can make things simpler by creating a shortcut, but many desktop shortcuts can be confusing. Those who are well versed in the Windows registry can independently change or add the necessary items to the context menu, and for those who need such an opportunity, but are not friendly with the registry, there are special programs!
I want to tell you about a very good program for editing the context menu - Fast Explorer... It can add / remove static items or whole new groups of functions in the context menu of Windows Explorer.
In terms of functionality, the paid program is the closest to it. Mmm + (though there the emphasis is placed more on cleaning and optimizing the menu). Let's compare competitors:
Comparison of Fast Explorer with paid analogue Mmm +
As you can see, both programs provide us with the ability to customize the context menu in a way convenient for us. But if the paid Mmm + is aimed more at reducing the menu by grouping rarely used items, then Fast Explorer, on the contrary, expands it by adding new sections.
Anyone else, but it seems to me that this approach is more appropriate, since you do not need to dig into unnecessary submenus and look for the desired item, but everything is always at hand.
Fast Explorer comes in several variations: an installation file and a portable archive. If you choose the latter option, then you just need to unpack the downloaded archive to get started.
If you downloaded the installation file, you will have to go through the installation procedure. In principle, it is standard and all you need to do is select the language of the wizard, and then the path for installing the program (you can leave everything as it is).
Launching Fast Explorer
Now you can run the program:
Fast Explorer interface
First you need to enable the Russian interface. This is achieved by selecting the item “Russian (Russia)” from the “Language” drop-down list. Now we have a normally Russified program. Consider its interface:
The Fast Explorer window is conventionally divided into three parts: "Tools", "Menu Items" and "Details". The Tools section (left) contains a menu with four options, as well as buttons for cleaning the registry and checking for updates.
In the center is the section "Menu items". Here we will edit the Windows context menu. On the right you will see the third section - "Details". In this section, you can configure some parameters of registry entries (namely, we will amend the registry), and also display their properties.
Let's move on to practice. Mastering the program will not be difficult even for a novice user. But first, it's worth understanding the difference between a static menu item and a dynamic one. The first one is just another entry that is added to the Explorer context menu and does not have any additional properties other than the specified ones.
A dynamic menu item is a record, when you click on it, another submenu (or, in other words, a cascading menu) appears. In this case, a dynamic menu can have its own separate formatting and design.
Adding new items to the context menu
Let's try to add a new static item to the context menu. I personally like to use portable software (which does not require installation and often does not change the registry). But, since you must manually associate files with such programs (and it is not always necessary), you have to crawl into the jungle of folders every time to launch the desired application.
In our example, I will show how you can create a new context menu item for graphic files to open them with portable Photoshop.
To create a new entry in the context menu, select the "Static items" in the tools and in the "Menu items" section, press the "New" button.
After clicking the button, an entry with the name "new menu item" will appear in the list, and an explorer window will pop up in front of you, in which you will need to specify the path to the executable file of the program with which we want to associate the new entry in the context menu. We find the desired exe-shnik, select it and click the "Open" button.
Now the entry has received the name of the selected program and was associated with it, but a new menu item will appear in the context menu of all files (see File type: "All files"). Now let's look at the "Details" section.
Here we will see three lines: "Application", "Options" and "File Type". The first entry is the path to the executable file of the program, the second is the additional parameters for launching the application, but the third is just what we need. Click on the arrow to the right of the inscription "All files" and in the drop-down menu we will find the first item "Images".
An entry will appear with a new registry key for file association and a list of graphic file extensions, in the context menu of which the entry we have created will be added. It remains only to click the "Apply" button to make changes.
Calling the context menu
Now let's see what we got. To do this, call the context menu of any picture on the computer:
Formation of dynamic submenus
Now let's move on to a more interesting feature - the formation of dynamic submenus. Select the Cascading Menus tool and activate the Enable Dynamic Menus checkbox.
We will see a warning that if you manually edit files created by Fast Explorer, “dead” links may remain in the registry. If you are not going to dig into the folder with the program, then there is nothing to fear, so click "Ok".
After enabling dynamic menus, the "Item", "Style" and "Menu" buttons are activated. Let's start working with the "Item" button. Here we have the opportunity to create a new context menu item, add a submenu to it or limit it with a separator:
It is logical that you should start by creating a new item, and then bind submenus to it. I propose to make a menu "Quick launch programs" and add your favorite portable applications to it, for example. Click "Add item" and give it the desired name. You can leave the file type "All files and folders with files" to be able to access the created menu from anywhere in the OS.
Adding an icon
In Fast Explorer, we have the ability to attach an icon to the created item, which will help us quickly find an entry in the context menu. To do this, click the "Icon" button and click "Select".
A library with standard Windows icons will open, from which you can select the desired icon. However, you can use Explorer and select an icon from any file.
Let's start forming the menu. To do this, select the previously created section ("Quick launch of programs") and by clicking the "Item" button, select "Add item" (you can use the context menu, see the screenshot below). We will be prompted to select the executable file of the program with which we want to associate the created item.
Creating a menu style
What also distinguishes dynamic menus from static items is the ability to change their style. By clicking the "Style" button, you can change such parameters as the color and font type of menu items, as well as the size and background of the item field:
Thus, the standard context menu can be colored to better see the items we need:
You can complicate the menu structure a little by adding several submenus, and already in them links to programs. For example, sort programs by type: "Video", "Photo", "Sound", "System", etc. In general, there is where to show imagination :).
Cleaning up static items
Let's move on to the third tool - "Clear Static Items".
Here you can delete or temporarily deactivate some of the standard context menu items. If you are not very well versed in what this or that recording is for, then it is better to leave everything as it is and do not experiment again :).
For those who nevertheless "decided to try", the system works simply: you select the required entry in the "File types" section, and in the "Menu Items" section either uncheck the available action, or delete this action altogether by highlighting it and clicking the "Delete" button.
Attention: after clicking the "Delete" button, the selected entry is permanently deleted from the registry!
Cleaning up extensions
It remains to activate the last tool - "Clean up extensions".
This tool helps you get rid of unnecessary context menu entries associated with a specific file extension. As in the previous case, you can either temporarily disable the entry or completely delete it.
Checking the registry for errors
Another additional feature of Fast Explorer is to check the registry for errors. Under the toolbar, you will see the inscription "Errors in the registry", after clicking on which, a window with a list of errors will appear.
You can either correct all errors at once, or separately, highlighting each.
It should be noted, however, that this function in Fast Explorer is very weak and should not be taken seriously. Only a small fraction of errors is displayed here, and their presence can only signal that it's time to start "general cleaning" of the registry with a more advanced tweaker (or manually :)).
conclusions
Until then :). We have figured out all the functions and now you can proudly show off to your friends-acquaintances your sophisticated and functional context menu.
But it is worth remembering that before uninstalling Fast Explorer (if you, of course, want to delete it :)), you should first delete all created menu items in order to avoid misunderstandings. Now that's really all :). Until next time, let computer work bring you only positive emotions;).
P.S. It is allowed to freely copy and quote this article, provided that an open active link to the source is indicated and the authorship of Ruslan Tertyshny is preserved.
The context menu can be cleaned manually through the registry, but this task is not trivial, since the entries are scattered in different places. In addition, it is not always easy to identify the correct registry key. For example, drivers are registered with the abbreviation "igfx". Registry entries are scattered across the "HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT" branch in the "shell" or "shellex" folders, which contains a folder called "ContextMenuHandlers", which also includes individual parameters.
Shortening the context menu through the registry utility
It will take a long time to manually process the lines of the context menu. It is much easier to use the ShellExView program. Only system options should be changed through regedit.
To detect items from third-party programs in ShellExView, sort the results by the "Company" parameter and find "Context Menu" in the "Type" column.
The free ShellExView utility will compile a single list of all these registry lines. Even on a relatively fresh system, their number can exceed 250. In order not to get lost in them, after starting the program, the recordings should first be sorted. Things will go well if you click on the line "type" at the top of the window. Thus, you will immediately see all possible entries in the registry, related, for example, to "Context Menu". But be careful: along with them, the utility will display the lines from the Shell, which it is better not to touch.
Sorting can also be done by the "Company" parameter. In this case, the results will be sorted in alphabetical order - records generated by the system and labeled as "Microsoft" are easily distinguished from the rest. Here, for example, you can select the corresponding igfxDTCM Module and disable it by clicking on the red dot at the top of the menu bar. After that, the entry about the (almost useless) graphics settings of the Intel driver will disappear from the context menu. However, for the system to apply these settings, you must first log out and then log back in. Alternatively, you can disable "explorer.exe" through the Task Manager and then call this service again.
Changing system items of the context menu
Most of the lines in the context menu are created by the system itself. Among them are also unused options, which, however, I would not like to accidentally activate by mistaken pressing. You cannot simply get rid of them through the ShellExView program - you will have to manually modify the registry.
A good example is the Send To item that Windows displays every time the user clicks on a file or folder. Do not forget that some of the sending options do not meet today's needs: the default is generally set to "Fax Recipient".
To remove this item from the menu, in Regedit go to “HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT | AllFilesystemObjects | shellex | ContextMenuHandlers | SendTo ". In the right window, double-click the "Default" option and put a modest minus "-" in front of the long sequence of characters in curly braces to disable it. As always, you need to log out of Windows and log in again.
