In this lesson we will take a closer look at the functions of a very useful key that is found on any keyboard. This key is called the "Context Menu key". It is located in the lower right part of the keyboard between the ALT and CTRL keys
When you press this key, a CONTEXT MENU CALLS UP, exactly the same as if you pressed the RIGHT mouse button.
The trick of this button is that the menu called up when clicked will display functions (menu items) that can be applied in the current program, in the active window, on the desktop, etc. Those. This menu adapts to the process in which you are directly working, and this is very convenient.
Now let's take a closer look at the main options for displaying the context menu in different environments and the functions that can be performed using this menu.
1. Click the RIGHT mouse button or the “Context Menu” key on the Windows Desktop
For Windows 7
When you press the RIGHT mouse button or the “Context Menu” key on the Windows 7 desktop, a menu that looks like this appears:
1. At the very top of the menu - setting parameters Your video card.
2.View- customize the display of icons on the desktop
3. Sorting- setting up sorting by displaying icons on the desktop
4. Update- updating the display of content on the Desktop.
5.Insert- if you copied something, you can paste it onto the Desktop.
6. Create. Here you can create on the Desktop: a folder, a shortcut, a text document, an archive, MS Office documents - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. (if installed)
7. Screen resolution. Here you can set the necessary screen settings: select a screen (there may be several of them), find out or set the screen resolution, determine the screen orientation, and also configure other parameters for working with the screen, for example, connecting a projector.
8. Gadgets- selection and installation of Windows 7 gadgets. Windows XP does not have such a function.
9. Personalization. Here you can customize the appearance of the Worker, change the background, screensaver, sounds, theme, window color, etc.
For Windows XP
In Windows XP, as many people certainly know, the context menu looks simpler, but performs almost the same functions.
When you press the RIGHT mouse button or the “Context Menu” key on the Windows XP desktop, the following menu appears:
1. Using the first menu item Arrange icons we can perform the following operations:
Screen resolution configured on the tab Options
2. Clicking the RIGHT mouse button or the “Context Menu” key on a file or folder in Explorer or any other file manager.
When you click the RIGHT mouse button or the “Context Menu” key on a file in Explorer or any other file manager, the menu is also adjusted to the file of a certain type. For example, I clicked by video file. The following menu opens:
In this case, the menu offers functions that correspond specifically to the video file: play, add to the list of the player that is selected by default for this file type. And a number of standard functions: open with, add to archive (if the archiver is installed), send, cut, copy, delete, rename and file properties.
If you click with the RIGHT mouse button or on the “Context Menu” key on a graphic file, then a menu will open that will correspond to the graphic file type:
Here you can immediately open, edit or print the selected file in your default image program. In my case, this is the ACDSee program.
You can immediately make the selected file the background image for your Desktop, which is very convenient when you choose from a large list. And then again there are standard functions for working with files.
There are no significant differences in Windows XP,
standard functions for working with a file are called by the command Change
I will dwell in more detail on the “Open with” and “Send” items.
Why is the “Open with” function useful?
Here you can select or assign any installed program that understands the selected file format to work with the selected file. In this case, I clicked on the video file and several programs can work with this format on my computer: Light Allow, WinAmp and of course Windows Media Player.
If the program you need is not in the list, but you know for sure that it is installed, select the menu item "Select program". Windows will prompt you to select programs from a list of recommended or other programs.
In Windows XP, the appearance of this window is slightly different, but the meaning is the same:
If you want the selected file format to always be opened by the program you choose, then check the box “Use the selected program for all files of this type”.
If the desired program is not in the list of recommended programs or in others, but you know for sure that the program is installed, then press the button "Review…" and select it from the folder where the program is installed.
Why is the “Send” function useful?
Using this function, you can, so to speak, “without leaving the cash register”, you can send (transfer, transfer) the selected file via BlueTooth (bluetooth), Skype, mail, to the Desktop, to the archive, for burning to a CD/DVD disk, to a flash drive etc.
3. Press the RIGHT mouse button or the “Context Menu” key in any Internet browser.
And here, too, the menu adapts to different situations, depending on where you click on the web page. For example, if you click link, then the following menu will open:
Using this menu, you can open the contents of the link in a new tab or window, add the link to bookmarks, send the link, copy the link, if the link is a file, then you can save it using “Save Target As...”. If you have download programs installed, you can download the contents of the link using them.
If you click the RIGHT mouse button or the “Context Menu” key from the picture on the web page, then a menu with other functions will open:
Here you can copy the image to the clipboard and paste, for example, into a Word document, you can save the image to your computer using “Save image as...”, send the image by mail, make the selected image the desktop background, find out information about the image (type, size, file name), etc.
Let me sum it up. In this lesson, we looked at the most popular options for using the context menu, which is called by clicking the RIGHT mouse button or pressing the “Context Menu” key on the keyboard.
Namely:
1. Click the RIGHT mouse button or the “Context Menu” key on the Windows Desktop
2. Clicking the RIGHT mouse button or the “Context Menu” key on a file or folder in Explorer or any other file manager.
3. Press the RIGHT mouse button or the “Context Menu” key in any Internet browser.
The essence of this lesson is to learn how to use the useful functions of the specific active environment of your computer. In any environment, by right-clicking or pressing the “Context Menu” key, you will receive a list of useful functions available at a given time relative to the selected object.
As you use your computer, your context menu becomes clogged with various items added by your installed programs. To make matters worse, there are time delays in the appearance of the context menu, slowing you down and making you wait every time you right-click on a file or folder.
What happens when you right-click a file? Are there significant delays in the appearance of the context menu? Then I’ll tell you how to get rid of this, or at least reduce the delay. To do this, we will need to remove some context menu items to speed up the process. Even if it pops up quickly, you can remove some context elements just to tidy up the menu. Let's look at how you can customize the context menu
Editing with CCleaner
One of the fastest, easiest ways to customize the context menu is the popular app CCleaner. The context menu editing feature was added to CCleaner relatively recently, so you must have the latest version of the application installed to use this feature.
In the running program, click on the icon Service in the sidebar, select , and go to the tab Context menu at the top of the list. You will see a list of context menu items; you can easily disable and customize the context menu to your liking
To disable an entry in the context menu, select it and click the button Switch off. The change takes effect immediately; no restart is required. The button should not be used Delete- If you disable an entry in the context menu, you can easily re-enable it later. But if you have already uninstalled it but want to see it in the context menu again you will have to reinstall the associated applications.
On the left picture below is my menu before settings, on the right after. The speed of appearance has increased significantly, which is an integral part of comfortable work.
Configuration using ShellExView
CCleaner is easy to use, but you may have noticed that it does not show all context menu options, and therefore not all of them can be disabled. But fortunately there is another tool, ShellExView. After downloading and launching ShellExView, it automatically scans the system.
To view only those entries that belong to the context menu, select the menu item Settings, select Filter by extension type, and select Context menu.
The list includes both third-party context menu items and built-in ones that come with Windows. Third-party context menu items are highlighted in pink. You can also disable some of the built-in context menu items if you wish.
To disable an entry, select it in the context menu and click on the red button in the upper left corner. When you click the button, a dialog box will appear confirming how to disable the selected element; click OK. If you want to turn it on again later, as you may have guessed, press the green button (although in my opinion this is not a button, but a light bulb))))
You will have to restart your computer for the changes to take effect. It's not as convenient as CCleaner, but you can manage all the context menu items.
It is also possible to remove context menu entries by editing the registry directly, but I would not recommend this. Even for experienced users, this process is much more tedious and time-consuming (context menu items are stored in five different places in the registry). When editing the registry, there's no way to easily disable entries in the context menu, only deleting them - so you'll have to back up each key before deleting it if you want to restore it later. If there are programs, why complicate your life. But if, of course, you are not a young system administrator, or you want to prank a friend and are thirsty for knowledge, then read here to set up the context menu using the registry.
We are already familiar with the concept of a context menu. It's time to deepen our knowledge about it and consider the topic - How to remove or add commands to the Windows context menu.
Windows functionality allows the user to edit the context menu to suit their taste.
Editing the context menu (a set of “Explorer” or “action” menu commands) is possible in one of two ways:
- Through program parameters;
- Through the Windows registry;
- Using additionally installed applications.
Let's see how it's done:
Installed programs themselves often have (by default) the function of integration into a set of context menu (CM) commands. Then such a parameter is present in their settings on the main tabs, or maybe on such as “Integration”, “Download” or “Add”, etc. For example, for the VinRAR archiver it is enough to uncheck the box in the settings:
It is clear that in this way you can either add (install) or remove (remove) command(s) from the list. The same applies to other applications.
Working with the registry
When working with the Windows Registry, you need to be very careful. To get into the registry, you need to search in the Start menu by typing “regedit” and run the found executable file “regedit.exe”:
Making a copy
Before editing the Registry of any version of Windows (including Windows 7), do not forget to create a backup copy of it to be on the safe side. To do this, in the editor, on the “File” tab, select the “Export” command. Select “Entire registry” at the bottom of the dialog that opens. By assigning a name and specifying the location - “Save”:
If something irreparable happens (especially for an inexperienced person), you can return the registry to its previous state using the “File” / “Restore” command, specifying the previously created backup file.
Cleaning up the directory set
The registry itself looks like a tree-like block diagram (on the left), each of the branches of which has its own parameters (on the right). The “shell”, “Shellex ContextMenuHandlers” and “Folder\shell” branches of the “HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\ Directory” directory are responsible for the context menu of folders. Having examined these branches in more detail, you can make sure that the “shell” folder contains the upper part of the context set, and “Shellex ContextMenuHandlers” - the lower part. The folder “Folder\shell” repeats the previous one.
Removal of program elements from the set is carried out in each of the branches. Right-click to select the delete element and call the “Delete” command:
Now for the files
The same procedure is used here, but in different branches. Since the “*/shellexContextMenuHandlers” and “*/shell” branches in the “HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT” registry section are responsible for the set of Context Menu commands for files:
The removal procedure is completely similar. Just don’t forget to delete unnecessary things in both branches.
We use third-party applications
It is much easier (and safer for a beginner) to remove or add an item to the context menu of any version of Windows (including Windows 7) using additional utilities.
After installation and launch, in the program window (in the “Type” column), you can see all programs from the Windows context menu (type = Context Menu).
Remove unnecessary items by selecting and clicking the red circle:
An interesting and useful utility with a self-explanatory name (available in a free version) Ccleaner. It has many beneficial properties. Website - http://ccleaner.org.ua/. In our case, it clears the registry of unused entries, paths to programs, shortcuts, etc.:
To clear the Context Menu, go to “Tools” and find “Context Menu” in the “Startup” tabs. A list of applications added to the set and their status will be displayed here (enabled: yes/no):
To delete - while on a line, use the right mouse to call up the “Delete” command. Since repeated return (inclusion in the list) is possible only when reinstalling or reconfiguring the application, it is recommended to select the “Disable” option. - Then it can be easily returned (“Enable”).
Add with FileMenu Tools
It's very easy to add a new item to the context menu using the FileMenu Tools program.
It offers the user three tabs:
- Left - management of suggested elements;
- Medium - to configure the “Send” function;
- Right - disables commands entered by third-party programs from the list:
You need to add a new element using the “Add Command” command. To specify its parameters, the lower right part of the window is used - “Properties”. For example, to add the line “Open in Firefox” to the menu list (opening HTM and HTML files):
You need to enter the name in “Menu Text”, and extension options in “Extensions”:
In “Program Properties” the route to the executable file of the Firefox.exe application is specified:
The added item is saved by clicking the green element at the top of the window (left):
This article helped you understand the various ways to edit the context menu. Now you know how to add and remove elements from it not only using Windows, but also using other programs.
The context menu (right-click menu) is a convenient tool for speeding up work in Windows. Today we will reveal a few simple secrets of working with the context menu and the system registry. Read how to customize this important element to suit your needs without third-party applications, using only the built-in registry editor regedit.
How convenient is the context menu (right-click menu) and why clear it
I would like to immediately define the terminology so that there is no confusion in the future.
The Explorer context menu, or action menu as it is sometimes called, is a set of commands that can be accessed by clicking right(contextual) mouse buttons on any file or folder. Depending on the object on which it is called, the menu will have a different appearance or "context".
Note. Of course, not only Windows Explorer, but also most installed applications have an action menu, because this is the most convenient way to access the most important commands.
Immediately after installing the operating system, the context menu has a standard and neat appearance, but as additional software is installed, new items are constantly added to it. Eventually, there are so many of them that using this useful tool becomes a chore. Therefore, it is critically important to be able to maintain the contents of the Windows context menu in order for fast and comfortable work.
This can be done in two ways:
- In semi-automatic mode, using third-party software.
- Manually, using the Windows Registry Editor.
Perhaps the first method may be a little easier, but with the second method there is no need to use various dubious programs downloaded from the Internet, everything is done using standard means.
Moreover, using the registry will allow you to delve deeper into the internal processes of the system and learn a lot of new things, so we will talk about the second option.
How to edit the Explorer context menu through the registry
Launch the registry editor:
- Enter the menu Start.
- Enter the command in the search bar regedit and press Enter.
Important! Any careless and thoughtless operations can have dangerous consequences, including complete failure of Windows to boot. To protect yourself from errors, be sure to make a backup copy of the registry before you start editing it!
Procedure for creating a backup registry file:
- Go to the menu " File" in an open editor.
- Select the item “ Export».
- In the window that opens, in the lower field " Export range", select " Entire registry».
- Specify the desired location and name of the new file and click “ Save».
Note.If problems arise after manual editing, the registry can be restored to its original state from a backup using the “ Import" on the menu " File» editor regedit.
As you can see, the registry itself has an original tree structure. The tree itself is displayed on the left side of the editor, and the list of parameters in the selected branch is displayed on the right. To work with the context menu, we are interested in only one section: “ HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT».
As already mentioned, different sets of commands correspond to different objects (folders, files), so you will have to edit them in the registry separately. Our main goals: clearing folder context menu And common menu items for all file types.
Important! We will not change the standard system context menu items through the registry. Only items added by installed applications are edited.
Clearing the folder context menu
All directory context menu settings are stored in branches:
... Directoty Shell.
... Directory Shellex ContextMenuHandlers .
... Folder Shell ex ContextMenuHandlers .
If you look closely, you can easily see familiar commands among the branches of these branches. So, a branch of the registry " Directory Shell" contains the items at the top of the menu, and " Directory Shellex ContextMenuHandlers» – bottom. " Folder ShellEx ContextMenuHandlers", basically repeats the content of the previous thread, so remove the same items from both threads if necessary.
All that remains is to remove the unnecessary commands. The choice of what to remove and what to leave on the list is a personal matter for everyone. Moreover, depending on the list of installed applications, the contents of the menu will differ significantly. Right-click on the unwanted registry entry and select " Delete" Then repeat this operation for the remaining selected elements.
This is the neat appearance of the registry branches in question and the menu itself after the cleaning procedure is completed.
Clearing the file context menu
The procedure itself is no different from that carried out in the previous section. Only the branches of the registry branch " HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT", storing the necessary parameters.
Now this:
...*shellexContextMenuHandlers.
They store common elements for all file types registered in the system.
Following the example of cleaning for folders, we delete all unnecessary branches in the registry and get a beautiful and convenient context menu.
Good afternoon... In today's article we'll talk about how you can clear the context menu of the Explorer program in Windows.In general, the Windows Explorer context menu is a convenient tool, but it quickly becomes overgrown with unnecessary items.
Almost every second program considers it its duty to cram its own commands or sub-items into them. Of course, for some types of software this is relevant and in demand by users.As an example, an item added by most antivirus programs is “Check for viruses” (the exact name, of course, differs among different manufacturers).
Why is a “clogged” context menu bad?
Difficulties arise in usability; to put it simply, it is more difficult to find with your eyes the desired item or command in the menu if there are several dozen sub-items there than when there are half a dozen of them. In addition, pop-up submenu blocks confuse even experienced users, even if only for seconds. And there’s nothing to say about newcomers.
Due to the menus being clogged with unnecessary junk, the system itself, or rather the explorer (Explorer.exe), begins to slow down. Such “brakes” can be noticeable even on the newest and most powerful configurations, not to mention the “budget” and “office” options.
How to edit the context menu
It would seem that uninstalling an unnecessary program and the commands associated with it will also be deleted. But what if the program is needed, but its items in the context menu are not? In addition, not all programs “clean up after themselves” when uninstalled, i.e. Menu items may remain when the program associated with them is no longer in the system.
There are two ways to solve
- Using system tools (registry editor)
- Using third party utilities
Note
- You can simply press the Win + R combination and type “regedit” (without quotes)
- On Win 7 and 8, it is better to run Regedit.exe immediately as an administrator
Important! Before further steps, you need to export the edited subsection !
It's easy to do. Right click on the subsection name – “Export”.
In the window that opens, the system will “ask” what to export (a separate branch or the entire registry), in which folder to save the copy and under what name. In the future, if necessary, you can return everything “to the way it was” by simply double-clicking on this copy file (import back) and reboot the computer to be sure.
So. You need to find and open the thread:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\ShellEx\ContextMenuHandlers
and delete unnecessary context menu items (the same as in screenshot 1, just select the “Delete” command).
In addition, you should immediately look intoHKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\OpenWithList
Here are the program entries from the “Open with” context menu sub-item. Cleaning it, as a rule, gives a very noticeable increase in the speed of the conductor. In the same way, you can clear the unnecessary context menu for folders in branches:
- HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell
- HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shellex\ContextMenu Handlers
- HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shellHKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers
And for certain file types in entries like “HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.<расширение файла>" For example – “HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.avi”.
The advantages of this method
- Does not require installation of unnecessary programs
- All changes are reversible
Disadvantages of this method
- Quite a labor-intensive process (manually edit many parameters).
- Difficult for novice users.
- Some programs are recorded in the above sections not by their name, but by a “human-incomprehensible” identifier (this can be seen in screenshot 3). As a result, they must first be “identified.”
- There is a risk of “hooking” commands and points of the system itself (once again, emphasis on the importance of preliminary export of backup copies!).
Installing a specialized utility
There are quite a lot of programs of this type. There are good reviews about the ContextEdit program, but it is paid. There are also free CCleaner (read how to use the program) and the Context Menu Tuner program.But they do not “see” all the items in the context menu. And they have problems with “rolling back” actions in case of errors. Autoruns from Win Sysinternals requires professional knowledge, this is clearly not a level for beginners.
The fairly reliable and simple ShellExView program from Nirsoft stands out against their background. You can download it from this link. Install the program, copy the crack ShExView_lng.ini to the root folder of the program and run it.The program is easy to bring to a form that is understandable even for beginners.
“Settings” “Filtering by extension type” “Explorer menu”.
And it’s easy to edit - there is a “Deactivate” command, i.e., an unnecessary item can simply be disabled without deleting it. In case of an error, you can turn it back on with two mouse clicks (the “Activate” command).
pros
- There is a zipped version (does not require installation)
- Doesn’t install its own toolbars in browsers, doesn’t go into startup and the Internet on its own, doesn’t offer any advertising nonsense in its interface
Minuses
- ShExView_lng.ini crack needs to be copied separately to the program folder
- You need to check for new versions yourself. official website
However, these two aspects can be classified as disadvantages very conditionally. That's basically all I wanted to say about this. I think this article will be useful...