How to Add Apps to Windows 11 Right-Click Menu

The right-click menu (Context Menu) in Windows 11 helps you quickly interact with files or folders. By default, Windows only shows a limited set of options. But if you frequently use a certain program, you can add it to the right-click menu to open files/folders faster.

Note: There are 3 different methods to do this. Read through them first and choose the one that feels easiest for you.

Preparation Before Starting

Step 1. Locate the Application Path

You need the exact path to the application’s executable file (.exe).
Example:

C:\Program Files\Notepad++\notepad++.exe

Step 2. Choose the Scope of Application

• Apply to the entire system (all user accounts):
  Use the branch: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
  Result: Any user who logs into the computer will see this option in the right-click menu.
• Apply to the current user only:
  Use the branch: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes
  Result: Only your current account will see this option. Other accounts are unaffected.

👉 Tip: If it’s your personal PC, use HKEY_CURRENT_USER for safety. If it’s a shared/work PC with multiple accounts, use HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.

Step 3. Back Up the Registry Before Editing

The Registry is the “core structure” of Windows. To avoid risks, back it up before making changes:

• Press Win + R → type regedit → press Enter.
• In Registry Editor, go to File → Export.
• Save the backup file. If something goes wrong, simply re-import this file to restore.

Where to Edit in the Registry

Each right-click action (on a file, folder, or background) has its own location in the Registry. Choose the right one:

• Apply to all files (right-click any file): HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell
  Example: Add Notepad++ here → you can open any file with Notepad++ via right-click.
• Apply to folders (right-click a folder): HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell
  Example: Add WinRAR here → when right-clicking a folder, you’ll see “Add to archive”.
• Apply to folder background (right-click empty space in a folder): HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shell
  Example: Add PowerShell here → right-click on empty space to open a command prompt directly.

Method 1: Add Application via Registry Editor (Manual Way)

This is the most direct method, suitable if you like step-by-step editing.

1. Open Registry Editor (Win + R → regedit).
2. Navigate to the target path (e.g., HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell).
3. Right-click shell → New → Key → name it (e.g., OpenWithMyApp).
4. In the new key, double-click (Default) → enter the display name (e.g., Open with MyApp).
5. Right-click OpenWithMyApp → New → Key → name it command.
6. Double-click (Default) in command → enter command: "C:\Program Files\MyApp\MyApp.exe" "%1"
   • %1: the file you clicked.
   • %V: the folder when clicking on background.
   • %*: all selected files/folders.

✅ Now right-click on a file → Show more options → you’ll see your custom entry.

Method 2: Add Application via .reg File (Quick Setup)

If you don’t want to edit manually, use a .reg file.

Example: Add MyApp for all files:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell\OpenWithMyApp]
@="Open with MyApp"
"Icon"="C:\\Program Files\\MyApp\\MyApp.exe,0"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell\OpenWithMyApp\command]
@="\"C:\\Program Files\\MyApp\\MyApp.exe\" \"%1\""

How to use:

1. Open Notepad → paste the above code.
2. Save as add-myapp.reg.
3. Double-click the file → choose Yes.

👉 After a few seconds, your right-click menu will include the application.

Method 3: Add Application via PowerShell (Automation)

If you manage multiple PCs or prefer scripting, PowerShell is the best option.

Run PowerShell as Administrator, then enter:

New-Item -Path "Registry::HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell\OpenWithMyApp" -Force | Out-Null
Set-ItemProperty -Path "Registry::HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell\OpenWithMyApp" -Name "(Default)" -Value "Open with MyApp"

New-Item -Path "Registry::HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell\OpenWithMyApp\command" -Force | Out-Null
Set-ItemProperty -Path "Registry::HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell\OpenWithMyApp\command" -Name "(Default)" -Value "`"C:\Program Files\MyApp\MyApp.exe`" `"%1`""

After running, the right-click menu updates immediately (no restart needed).

Tips & Advanced Tweaks

• Add an icon to the menu:
  In your app’s key, create a string value Icon.
  Assign it the path to an .exe or .ico file.
• Show only when holding Shift:
  Create an empty string value named Extended.
  Now it appears only with Shift + right-click.
• Run application as Administrator:
  Name the key runas.
  Add an empty string value HasLUAShield.
  Windows will show the UAC prompt when selected.

Important Warnings

• Always back up the Registry or create a System Restore Point before editing. If something goes wrong, you can restore instantly.
• Avoid modifying COM/DLL handlers unless you know what you’re doing — this can cause Explorer crashes.
• To remove the app: simply open Registry Editor and delete the key you created.

Adding applications to the Windows 11 right-click menu lets you open files and folders faster, customizing your system to fit your needs. You can apply this via Registry Editor, .reg files, or PowerShell, with advanced tweaks such as adding icons or running as administrator.