How to set Windows 11 to consistently display “Show more options” in the right-click context menu

How to Customize the Context Menu in Windows 11 for Enhanced Accessibility

Windows 11 has introduced several user-friendly features, but some users find the new context menu less practical. One common frustration arises from the need to frequently click “Show more options” to access a fuller range of commands when right-clicking. If you’re tired of navigating through these extra steps every time you want to find a specific option, there’s good news: it’s possible to make the context menu always display the extended options by default.

Why the Context Menu Change Matters

With its sleek design, the context menu in Windows 11 aims to be more streamlined, but for power users, the abbreviated list often lacks the commands needed for efficient workflow. If you regularly use options that are buried within the “Show more options” submenu, you may appreciate a more direct approach.

Making the Context Menu Always Show More Options

While there isn’t a built-in setting to change this behavior permanently, users can leverage the Windows Registry to achieve a more convenient solution. Follow the steps below to adjust your system settings:

1. Open the Registry Editor: Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter. This will launch the Registry Editor. Be cautious when making changes here, as you will be altering system settings.

2. Navigate to the Appropriate Key: Go to the following path:
   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced

3. Create or Modify the Value: Look for a DWORD value named ExtendedUIHoverTime. If it doesn’t exist, you can create it by right-clicking on the right pane and selecting New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name it ExtendedUIHoverTime.

4. Adjust the Value Data: Double-click on ExtendedUIHoverTime and set the value data to a number (in milliseconds). For example, setting it to 0 can allow the full context menu to appear immediately upon right-clicking.

5. Restart Your Computer: For the changes to take effect, it’s advisable to restart your computer or log out and back in.

Final Thoughts

By customizing your Windows 11 experience, you can streamline your workflow and reduce unnecessary clicks. While navigating the Registry can seem daunting, following the instructions carefully can lead to a significantly enhanced user experience. If you find right-clicking cumbersome, this small adjustment might