Clean-Up Your Right-Click Context Menu

The right-click context menu is an integral part of the Windows user interface (UI), but it is also amongst the most ignored. Not only does a cluttered context menu look bad but also adversely affects system performance. Unfortunately, Windows does not offer any option to tweak and optimise the right-click context menu.

The main cause for a delay when right clicking on a file are shell extensions. Shell menu extensions are in-process COM Objects which enhance the capabilities of the operating system (OS). Several utilities like WinZip, WinRAR, TuneUp Utilities and SnagIt install their own shell extensions. Some of these extensions are essential for the proper functioning of the application and are quite useful. However, you don’t really need dedicated context menu entries for each application. Too many context menu shell extensions can and will degrade system performance. Today I will discuss two utilities from Nirsoft for cleaning up your context menu.

ShellExView

This utility lists all shell extensions installed in your computer. It may be a bit overwhelming at first glance, since any normal user would have hundreds of active shell extensions, but don’t get scared. You should mainly focus on the context menu entries (use ‘Type’ column to sort entries). It is also advisable that you don’t mess with extensions shipped with Windows, i.e. all entries whose product name is ‘Microsoft® Windows® Operating System’. ShellExView also includes a column titled ‘Microsoft’, which makes it easy to spot entries made by Microsoft software. Disable all unneccesary shell extensions , save changes (Ctrl+S) and exit.

Download ShellExView (55 KB)
Cost: Free
Version Reviewed: 1.45
Operating System: Windows all

ShellMenuView

This utility lists all static context menu items, which appear when you right click on a file/folder. The basic drill is same. Spot the entries you do not require and disable them. Pay attention to the ‘Menu Item’ and ‘Extensions’ column while selecting unessential entries.

Download ShellMenuView (55 KB)
Cost: Free
Version Reviewed: 1.12
Operating System: Windows all

Like all Nirsoft utilities, ShellMenuView and ShellExView are also lightweight and portable (installation is not required). However, be careful while using them since the wrong choices can mess up your system. It is recommended that you backup your registry before proceeding. If you find this too complicated just stay tuned to Pallab dot Net. I will soon cover a few more apps, which will allow you to not only clean-up your right click context menu but also optimise it and make it more productive.

Update: The sequel to this article is available here. Don’t forget to check it out if you want to make your right click context menu more productive.