Last Updated on July 10, 2026
The Windows 11 operating system has been out for several years now yet there are still many people who miss the functionality that we had with Windows 10. This is especially true when it comes to the Windows taskbar and start menu. Microsoft stripped away many beloved features during the initial launch. Power users immediately noticed the missing context menu shortcuts.
Thankfully, there are things like registry tweaks and third party apps that we can use to bring back some of that functionality that was removed from Windows 11. One feature that many of us miss is the ability to do things such as run an app as an administrator or maximize a program by right clicking the icon on the taskbar. In this article, we will be showing you how to restore the classic Windows taskbar right click menu options.
The images below show what happens when you click on the File Explorer and Microsoft Edge browser icons in the taskbar. As you can see, you have options to open the app, pin it to the taskbar and open recent items from your history. You lose the advanced window management controls completely.
Installing the Windhawk Customization Tool
1. Download the Windhawk Application
To restore the classic Windows taskbar right click menu options, we will be using the free Windhawk tool. Windhawk uses what are known as mods to tweak how certain aspects of how Windows works or add additional functionality to Windows itself. Windhawk can be downloaded from their website here. Run the setup file and follow the standard installation prompts.
2. Search for the Context Menu Mod
Once you have Windhawk installed and running, simply go to the Explore tab and do a search for Taskbar classic context menu in the search box. Once you find the mod, you will need to click on the Details button. This opens up the specific modification page for you to review.
3. Install the Mod
From there, click on the blue Install button to add the mod to Windhawk. The application downloads the necessary code injection files directly to your local drive. This process usually takes just a few seconds to complete.
4. Accept the Security Warning
Any time you install a mod in Windhawk, you will get a warning telling you to proceed with care since a poorly written mod can cause issues on your computer. It is always a good idea to check the reviews and see how many people have installed it. You will need to click the Accept Risk and Install button to continue adding the mod to Windhawk.
5. Configure the Mod Settings
Most mods will have some options that you can configure in the Settings. The Taskbar classic context menu mod only has one which should only be enabled if you are also using the ExplorerPatcher app which is also used to customize Windows. Leave it disabled if you are running a standard Windows 11 installation.
Testing the Classic Taskbar Menus
1. Test Closed Applications
Now that the mod is enabled, we can right click on File Explorer when it’s closed and we have a simple menu with open and properties as our choices. This replicates the old legacy behavior perfectly. You get immediate access to the properties dialog box.
2. Test Open Applications
When File Explorer is open and we right click on it, we will have additional options such as move and maximize. You can manage your active windows without opening them first. This speeds up daily workflow tasks.
3. Access Administrator Shortcuts
For Microsoft Edge, we also have a Run as administrator option when we right click on the icon when Edge is closed. This is a massive time saver for IT professionals. You no longer have to dig through the Start Menu to launch elevated browser sessions.
4. View Extended Program Options
When Edge is open, we have many other options to choose from as you can see in the image below. The options you will see will vary based on the program you are right clicking on. Some applications offer deep integration with these classic legacy menus.
Managing Your Windhawk Mods
1. Disable the Mod or Close the App
If you want to go back to the Windows 11 right click options, simply disable the mod in Windhawk or close down in the system tray. Windhawk needs to be running in the background for your mods to work. So, if they stop working all of the sudden, check to see if Windhawk is running down in the system tray.
