Where are the Windows 11 and 12 Explorer menu extensions stored?
Yes, the new context menu entries in Windows are still stored in the registry . However, with Windows 11, Microsoft has changed the approach slightly, especially by introducing the new context menu structure.
The entries can be stored in different locations in the registry, depending on whether they are intended for file types , folders , drives , or general actions .
6. New context menu extensions (for Windows 11):
Third-party programs that want to integrate their entries directly into the new Windows 11 context menu should use the following path:
- Context menu handlers (for more complex actions):
These are registered under the `ContextMenuHandlers` keys. They require a GUID entry that points to the corresponding DLL or COM component.
- Linking to the new menu:
Applications that are to be fully integrated into the new menu must use the new IExplorerCommand interface. Old context menu handlers (e.g. via `ContextMenuHandlers`) only appear in the extended menu ("Show more options").
3.) Tip: Test changes
After making changes to the registry , Windows Explorer should be restarted so that the changes become visible. This is how to do it:
1. [Ctrl] + [Shift] + [Esc] ? Open Task Manager.
2. Right-click on Windows Explorer ? Restart .
4.) Disable or remove entries in the new context menu?
Ah, got it! The registry path `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Shell Extensions\Approved` is a central location where shell extensions used in the Windows context menus are registered. If you want to disable or block certain entries in the context menu, you can do so specifically via this key.
What does this key do?
- GUIDs (Globally Unique Identifiers) of shell extensions that are "approved" by Windows are stored here .
- Any extension entered here can be included in the context menu or other shell functions.
- Typical examples are entries from third-party software such as WinRAR, 7-Zip, cloud services (e.g. OneDrive), or security software.
5.) How do I deactivate entries from this key?
1. Identify shell extensions
1. Open the Registry:
- Press `[Win] + [R]`, type `regedit` and open the Registry Editor.
2. Navigate to:
3. Find the extension:
- Each entry has a GUID (e.g. `{E357FCCD-A995-4576-B01F-234630154E96}`).
- The name of the extension is displayed in the right column (e.g. "WinRAR shell extension").
2. Disable extension
Once you have found the appropriate GUID, you can deactivate the entry:
1. Export the key for security:
- Right-click on the GUID ? Export ? Save the `.reg` file as a backup.
2. Delete the entry:
- Highlight the GUID entry and press the `[Delete]` key.
3. Restart Explorer:
- Open the Task Manager ? Right-click on Windows Explorer ? Restart .
Note: After deleting the GUID, the associated extension will no longer be displayed in the context menu.
3. Temporarily disable extension (recommended)
If you only want to temporarily disable the shell extension , you can rename the entry instead of deleting it:
1. Right-click on the GUID.
2. Select Rename and add e.g. `_disabled` to the end of the entry.
3. Restart Explorer.
6.) Which entries can be safely deactivated?
- Cloud services:
- Examples: OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive
- Archive programs:
- Examples: WinRAR, 7-Zip
- Other third-party extensions:
- Tools like Snagit, ShareX, or backup programs
7.) Warning: System-critical entries
Some GUIDs in this key belong to Windows system functions . Deleting these GUIDs may cause problems. Examples:
- File Explorer functions : `{E357FCCD-A995-4576-B01F-234630154E96}` (thumbnail handler)
- Context menu for printers or devices
If you are unsure which entries should be disabled, you can search for current GUIDs on the Internet.
(Image-1) Windows 11 and 12 Explorer Right Click Menu?
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