Last Updated on May 12, 2026
If you have come from Windows 10 to Windows 11, you have probably noticed all the changes that have been made and how some of them actually make you less productive and efficient.
For example, we are much more limited when it comes to tweaking and customizing how the taskbar works without having to use third party Windows customization apps like Windhawk.
Another Windows 11 complaint is how Microsoft changed the right click context menu. Now we have to click on Show more options to get to the settings we really need to use.
Sure there are registry tweaks and third party apps that can restore the classic right click context menu if you really want to use a Windows 10 style menu. If you are looking for something a little different then we will be showing you how to replace the Windows 11 right click context menu with Nilesoft Shell Menu.
The Default Windows 11 Context Menu Limitations
As you can see in the image below, when you right-click on a file or folder natively, you have your basic options such as cut, copy, paste, rename, and delete.
There is even an “Open in terminal” option which will open PowerShell focused directly on that specific folder.
This can easily be changed to a standard command prompt if you prefer that legacy interface.
To see the other hidden actions you can take on a file or folder, you will normally need to click on Show more options first.
Bonus Tip: One quick way to get around this extra click is to hold down the Shift key on your keyboard while right-clicking to be taken directly to the secondary legacy menu.
You have a very similar, limited menu when you simply right-click on a blank area of your desktop environment.
Installing and Using the Nilesoft Shell Menu
The software we will be using to replace the Windows 11 right-click context menu is a free tool called Nilesoft Shell Menu.
Once you safely download and install the software, it will instantly be applied to your system.
Your new, fully featured right-click menus will be available to use immediately without needing a system reboot.
Now when you right-click on a file or folder, you will have a completely different, robust set of options compared to what you had before installing Nilesoft Shell Menu.
You will also notice completely different, highly detailed menu options when right-clicking on a blank space on your desktop.
Navigating Nilesoft Sub Menus
One other fantastic feature of the Nilesoft Shell Menu is that it has organized sub-menus that you can deeply expand upon.
These expandable sections are clearly designated by the > symbol next to the menu item.
How to Restore the Default Windows 11 Menu
As you can see, the Nilesoft Shell Menu is a great alternative to the heavily restricted default Windows 11 right-click context menus.
However, if you ever decide you want to revert back to the standard Microsoft menus, the rollback process is very simple.
Simply find the Nilesoft Shell Menu shortcut in your Windows Start menu and open the application up.
Then, you can just click on the Unregister option or hotkey combination to safely go back to the default Windows 11 right-click menus.
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