7 of the Best Context Menu Editors for Windows

Right-click context menu options are really helpful, giving extra options based on what you click. However, they can quickly get cumbersome as more apps add their own options. On the flip side, you still may not find the options you want most. By using context menu editors for Windows, you get full control over your menu.

Note: Context menu editors edit your registry. Make a backup of your registry in case something goes wrong, or you want to revert to the defaults.

Good to know: still not sure you should upgrade to Windows 11? These are some compelling reasons you should take the plunge.

If you’re only reading this because you don’t like the truncated Windows 11 menu, learn how to restore the full menu and how to revert it if you decide you like the simpler menu after all.

1. CCleaner – Best Multipurpose Tool

Price: Free / starts at $29.95

CCleaner is one of the most popular and widely used PC optimization and cleaning utilities for Windows. This simple piece of software is filled with so many features, like registry optimization, duplicate file finder, startup optimizer, etc. But one of the lesser-known features of this software is that it can also be used as a basic context menu editor for Windows to disable and delete items.

To manage context menu items, navigate to “Tools -> Startup,” and then select the tab “Context Menu.” Here, select the context menu item you want to disable, and click on the “Disable” button. If you want to completely delete the item, click on the “Delete” button.

Pros

• Context menu editor is easy to use
• Multi-purpose tool to optimize and manage Windows
• Can edit and customize options in your registry directly from CCleaner

Cons

• Can’t add new items to the menu
• Context menu editor is hidden under the Startup options, making it hard to find

FYI: want to quickly wipe your PC clean? Learn how you can factory reset it.

2. Easy Context Menu – Best Portable Option

Price: Free

Unlike other applications on this list, Easy Context Menu is a portable application that lets you add a whole bunch of new and useful context menu options. It even allows you to disable or delete the options you no longer need or use. No installation is necessary. The user interface itself is simple. All it takes is a few clicks to add/remove options, then apply the changes.

Pros

• Completely free
• Friendly user interface
• Large list of possible items to add
• Doesn’t have to be installed

Cons

• No updates since 2021 but does work well on Windows 11

3. FileMenu Tools – Best for Adding Custom Items

Price: Free / $11

If adding custom context menu items is important, give FileMenu Tools a try. Yet, the free version only lets you use the commands with a limited number of files or folders, so it’s more of a premium tool. However, it lists all current commands to easily disable or delete them. You can add custom commands, change the order of items, and even manage command line menu options.

Pros

• Create custom items easily
• Rearrange, disable, and delete current items
• Test new items in the tool
• Add sub-menus

Cons

• Limited to 20 menu uses before you have to upgrade to premium (one-time fee)

4. ShellMenuView – Best Simple Editor

Price: Free

ShellMenuView is one of the best context menu editors for Windows, thanks to its simple interface. Every single context menu option for every app/file/folder is in a single list. Sort them by file type, menu name, extension, etc. to quickly find what you need. What we loved about this app is being able to select multiple items at once to disable or enable them. Changes happen instantly. You can even open items in the Registry Editor to customize them.

Pros

• All options are listed on one screen
• Links to Registry Editor to customize items
• Sort items or use the “Find” option to find them quickly

Cons

• Can be difficult to find items sometimes
• No updates since 2019 (works well on Windows 10 and 11, though)

Tip: did you know that you can create a Windows 11 USB installer using Command Prompt? We show you how.

5. Right-Click Extender – Best for Adding Common Tasks

Price: Free

Wish you could quickly get to the Command Prompt from a file or folder? Need to defrag a drive just by right-clicking? Right-Click Extender can help. It’s a program with a well-organized interface that gives you a list of common tasks/functions to add to various context menus, such as your desktop, files/folders, and drives. The app makes a backup of your registry, so you can undo all changes at once if you ever want to set your context menus back to their defaults.

Pros

• Menu items categorized by type
• Enable/disable with a checkmark
• Add icons or Shift + click shortcuts
• Restore your registry and context menus instantly

Cons

• Hasn’t been updated in years (functions well in Windows 11, though)
• Can’t add any custom items

6. Context Menu Tuner – Best Organized Editor

Price: Free

Context Menu Tuner is the most organized and user-friendly context menu editor for Windows on this list. It’s similar to Right Click Extender but with more features. Simply choose an item on the left and a destination, such as folders or desktop, to add the item to. You have the option to edit the item once added. Choose where to place it, add a separator, and even create a Shift + click option. Best of all, it’s super simple to use.

Pros

• Extremely well organized
• Numerous menu options to choose from
• Edit options after adding them
• Beginner-friendly interface

Cons

• No updates since 2013 (works well on Windows 11)

7. Fast Explorer – Best for Custom File Menus

Price: Free

Fast Explorer is an old app and only works with file context menus, but it gives you options to add almost any items you want, including actions and apps. You can also organize your menu, add separators, and even create fully custom menus and save them. However, be careful when making changes, as nothing is backed up beforehand. This is especially true if you delete default menu items.

Pros

• Create custom menus, including color changes
• Add numerous options
• Organize menus the way you want
• Delete items you don’t want

Cons

• No backup options (back up your registry manually before using this app)
• Last updated in 2008 but works surprisingly well in Windows 11
• Only for file context menus

Tip: defragmenting your registry may improve your HDD’s response time. We show you how to get started with it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a context menu editor if I'm comfortable editing the registry?

No. If you know where to go and what to change, you can just use the Registry Editor. As a few examples, see how to edit the registry to add an Open With Notepad entry and an Open PowerShell entry to the menus.

Why doesn't a tool I previously used work anymore?

If you run into a tool that doesn’t work anymore, it’s possible the latest Windows updates have blocked its functionality. At the time of writing, all apps worked well with Windows 10 and 11.

If I delete a context menu editor, will my changes disappear?

Your changes should stay in place. However, other apps may not be able to edit those changes, such as any custom additions and deleted items. Make a note of the app you use to make the changes, as it may be the only one that can undo them. Otherwise, you’ll need to edit your registry manually to make the changes.

All images by Crystal Crowder.