How can I make Windows 11 always “show more options” on the context menu?

Optimizing the Right-Click Context Menu in Windows 11: A Guide to Always Displaying More Options

If you’ve recently upgraded to Windows 11, you may have noticed a streamlined right-click context menu that can sometimes feel limiting. Many users find it frustrating to right-click an item only to have to click “Show more options” for additional functionalities. Fortunately, it’s possible to adjust the settings to make the “Show more options” menu the default view.

Understanding the Challenge

Windows 11 introduced a fresh design and user experience, which, while visually appealing, has led to some user complaints regarding the right-click context menu. The hidden options can make everyday tasks feel cumbersome, especially if you find yourself frequently needing to access features that are not immediately visible.

How to Default to Expanded Context Menu

While Windows 11 does not offer a straightforward built-in feature to permanently display the “Show more options” menu with a single click, there are a few methods you can explore to enhance your experience. Below are steps you can take to tweak your system settings for easier access:

Method 1: Use Keyboard Shortcuts

One quick workaround involves leveraging keyboard shortcuts. Instead of right-clicking, you can often use the Shift key in combination with the right-click action. Here’s how:

1. Hold down the Shift key.
2. Right-click on the item.
   The context menu that appears will automatically include all options without needing to select “Show more options.”

Method 2: Modify the Registry (Advanced Users)

If you’re comfortable with advanced system modifications, you can tweak the Windows Registry to change how the context menu behaves. Please proceed with caution, as incorrect changes can affect system stability. Here’s a simplified overview of the process:

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
2. Navigate to the following path:
   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
3. Look for a value named “ExtendedUI” or similar. If it does not exist, you may need to add it (typically as a DWORD).
4. Change its value to ‘1’ to enable the extended options by default.

Note: Always back up your registry before making any changes.

Method 3: Feedback to Microsoft

If you find this feature critical to your workflow, consider submitting feedback directly