reg delete "HKCU\Software\Classes\CLSID\86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2" /f Use code with caution. Press and restart your PC or File Explorer. Why Use This Method?
reg add is a built-in Windows console command (available in XP through Windows 11) that allows you to add new subkeys or entries to the registry. The syntax is:
key, which forces Windows Explorer to fall back to the legacy code path. Microsoft Learn How to Apply the Feature To enable the classic context menu using this command:
: A subkey that defines the in-process server handler for the folder. Leaving this key blank forces Windows to fall back on its classic user interface behavior. reg add is a built-in Windows console command
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: Creates an empty default value inside the key, which is the trigger needed to disable the modern menu. How to Apply the Command
While harmless in the context above, the InprocServer32 registry key is a frequent target for malware and attackers due to its power. As its name suggests, InprocServer32 specifies the file path to an —typically a DLL (Dynamic Link Library). When a program tries to use the COM object associated with that CLSID, Windows loads the DLL specified in the (Default) value of the InprocServer32 key into its own memory space. Leaving this key blank forces Windows to fall
This command is a popular "registry hack" used in to restore the classic Windows 10-style right-click context menu. By default, Windows 11 uses a simplified menu that hides many third-party app options behind a "Show more options" button. What the Command Does
: Short for HKEY_CURRENT_USER . This ensures the change only applies to your account, requiring no administrative privileges.
The general syntax of the reg add command is as follows: How to Revert the Changes
: Third-party applications (like WinRAR, 7-Zip, Notepad++, or specialized design software) often place their shortcuts in the classic menu. Reverting ensures these tools are immediately accessible.
By adding an empty InprocServer32 key under this CLSID in the user's registry hive ( HKCU ), you essentially create a placeholder that tells the system, "Do not load the default handler for this COM object." Since HKCU entries take precedence over system-wide ones in HKLM , this effectively disables the new menu and forces Windows to fall back to the classic one.
If you want to return to the modern Windows 11 look, run this command to delete the key you created: reg.exe delete "HKCU\Software\Classes\CLSID\86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2" /f
To safely apply this tweak to your Windows 11 system, follow these steps: Step 1: Open Command Prompt
Restart your computer or restart explorer.exe via Task Manager. How to Revert the Changes