We are already familiar with the concept of the context menu. It's time to deepen our knowledge about it and consider the topic - How to delete or add commands to the Windows context menu.
Windows functionality allows you to edit the context menu to the user to your taste.
Editing the context menu (a set of menu commands "Explorer" or "action") is possible in one of two ways:
- Through the parameters of the programs;
- Through the registry Windows;
- With additionally installable applications.
Let's see how this is done:
Check application settings
Installed programs themselves often have (by default) the function of integration into the set of context menu commands (KM). Then such a parameter is present in their settings on the main tabs, and maybe on such as “Integration”, “Download” or “Add”, etc. For example, for the VINRAR archiver, it is enough to uncheck the checkbox in the settings:
It is clear that in this way you can either add (by setting) or remove (by removing) a command (s) from the list. With other applications do the same.
We work with the registry
When working with the Windows Registry, you need to be very careful. To be in the registry, you need to start the search in the Start menu by typing "regedit", and run the found executable file "regedit.exe":
Create a copy
Before editing the Registry of any version of Windows (including Windows 7), do not forget to create backup copies for backup. To do this, in the editor, on the File tab, select the Export command. Select "All Registry" at the bottom of the dialog that opens. Assigning a name and specifying a place - “Save”:
If the 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.
Cleaning the catalog set
The registry itself looks like a tree-like flowchart (on the left), each of the branches of which has its own parameters (on the right). The context menu of folders is answered by the “shell”, “Shellex ContextMenuHandlers” and “Folder \ shell” branches of the “HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \ Directory” directory. Having considered the specified branches in more detail, you can make sure that the “shell” folder includes the upper part of the context set, and “Shellex ContextMenuHandlers” - the lower part. Folder "Folder \ shell" - repeats the previous one.
The removal of program elements from the set is performed in each of the branches. By the right mouse, the deletion element is highlighted, the “Delete” command is called:
Now for files
It uses the same procedure, but in other branches. Since the “* / shellexContextMenuHandlers” and “* / shell” branches in the “HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT” registry section are responsible for the Context Menu commands for files:
The removal procedure is quite similar. Do not forget only to delete unnecessary in both branches.
We use third-party applications
Delete or add an item to the context menu of any version of Windows (including Windows 7) is much easier (and safer for a beginner) using additional utilities.
ShellExView
After installation and launch in the program window (by the “Type” column), you can see all the programs from the Windows context menu (type = Context Menu).
Removed unnecessary by selecting and pressing the red circle:
CCleaner
An interesting and useful utility with a talking name (exists in the free version) Ccleaner. It has many useful properties. Site - //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”. This will reflect the list of applications added to the application set and their status (included: yes / no):
To delete - being on the line, the “Delete” command is called with the right mouse. Since the repeated return (inclusion in the list) is possible only when reinstalling or reconfiguring the application, it is recommended to select the option “Disable”. - Then it will be possible to return it ("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 entered by third-party programs from the list:
You need to add a new item with the “Add Command” command. To specify the parameters of its intended lower right side of the window - «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" - options for extensions:
The route to the executable file of the Firefox.exe application is written in the “Program Properties”:
The added item is saved by pressing the green element at the top of the window (left):
This article has helped you understand the various ways of editing the context menu. Now you know how to add and remove elements from it not only by means of Windows, but also with the help of other programs.
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