Have you ever right-clicked a file or folder on your Windows PC and thought,
“Wow, this menu is way too long…”?
In the beginning, the context menu—also known as the right-click menu—contains only simple actions like Copy, Paste, and Rename. But over time, as you install more applications, it can become cluttered with entries you never asked for, like:
- “Scan with antivirus”
- “Edit with [some app]”
- “Save to Dropbox”
- “Compress with 7-Zip”
This not only makes it hard to find the option you actually need, but also slows down your workflow and can even delay the right-click response time.
In this article, you’ll learn how to easily clean up your right-click menu using a free and portable tool called ShellEXView, in a safe and reversible way. No advanced tech skills required!
Why Does the Right-Click Menu Get So Bloated?
Every time you install new software, it may add entries to the right-click menu without your permission.
This is done using what are called Shell Extensions—functions registered in Windows Explorer to enhance usability.
While some entries are helpful, most become unnecessary over time, and some remain even after the original app has been uninstalled.
This leads to a messy menu filled with outdated or irrelevant actions.
What Is ShellEXView?
ShellEXView is a free utility developed by NirSoft, a reputable provider of system tools.
This lightweight program scans your system and displays all registered shell extensions in a single, sortable list.
Key Features:
- No installation required (fully portable)
- See which apps added which right-click entries
- Safely disable unused or unknown menu items
- Re-enable any item at any time if needed
It’s widely used by system administrators and power users, but it’s also perfect for beginners when used with care.
How to Download and Launch ShellEXView
Step 1: Visit the Official Site
Go to the official NirSoft page:
🔗 https://www.nirsoft.net/utils/shexview.html
Step 2: Download the Tool
Scroll down the page and click the Download ShellEXView link to get the ZIP file.
Step 3: Extract and Launch
Right-click the downloaded ZIP and choose Extract All.
Inside the extracted folder, double-click either:
- shexview.exe (for 32-bit systems)
- shexview64.exe (for 64-bit systems)
No installation is necessary. Just run the executable and accept the UAC prompt if asked.
Understanding the Interface
When ShellEXView opens, you’ll see a long list of items. These are all shell extensions currently registered in Windows.
Here’s what the key columns mean:
| Column | Description |
|---|---|
| Extension Name | The display name shown in your right-click menu |
| Type | Identifies what kind of extension it is (e.g. Context Menu) |
| Disabled | Shows “Yes” if the item is currently disabled |
| Company | Shows the software provider (Microsoft, Dropbox, etc.) |
| File Created / Modified | Gives timestamps for when the shell extension file was installed or updated |
Start by focusing on rows where Type = Context Menu—these are the entries directly responsible for your bloated right-click menu.
How to Disable Unwanted Menu Items
Once you’ve identified a menu item you don’t need, follow these steps:
- Click to select the item
For example, “DropboxExt” if you never use Dropbox right-click options. - Right-click and choose “Disable Selected Items”
Or use the menu: File → Disable Selected Items
(You can also press F7.) - Confirm the action if prompted
- Restart File Explorer to apply changes
Open Task Manager, find “Windows Explorer”, and click “Restart”.
Or simply reboot your PC.
Can I Undo It Later?
Yes! That’s one of the best things about ShellEXView.
All disabled items remain visible in the list (grayed out).
You can re-enable them anytime by selecting them and clicking Enable Selected Items (or pressing F8).
This makes the process very low risk, even for first-timers.
Common Right-Click Menu Offenders
Here are some common additions you might want to disable:
- Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive cloud actions
- Antivirus scan options (Avast, Norton, etc.)
- 7-Zip or WinRAR context submenus
- Fax or printer-related actions
- “Edit with…” menu items from old apps
You don’t need to remove everything—just the ones you never actually use.
Items You Should NOT Disable
Some shell extensions are critical to system stability or functionality.
Avoid disabling anything from:
- Microsoft Windows or Microsoft Corporation
- Extensions marked as Icon Handler or Thumbnail Handler
These control how icons and previews are displayed in Explorer, and disabling them may break things visually.
If in doubt: Google the extension name before disabling it.
Tips and Filter Tricks
- Use Options → Hide All Microsoft Extensions to reduce clutter
- Use Options → Filter by Extension Type → Context Menu to only show right-click entries
- Use Options → Show Only Disabled Items to review what you’ve disabled
These filters help you stay focused and avoid mistakes.
Real-World Results
After cleaning up my own system, here’s what I did:
- Disabled Dropbox and Google Drive menus
- Limited 7-Zip to only show “Add to archive…”
- Removed leftover entries from uninstalled apps
The right-click menu became noticeably faster and easier to navigate.
No more scrolling through irrelevant options!
Conclusion: Keep It Clean, Keep It Fast
A cluttered right-click menu doesn’t just look messy—it wastes your time.
By using ShellEXView, you can safely declutter it, improve system responsiveness, and regain control over your Windows workflow.
Remember:
- You’re only disabling—not deleting
- You can re-enable anything you need
- It’s completely free and portable
💡 Bonus Safety Tips
- Set a restore point before making many changes
- Use the Company column to identify unfamiliar items
- If you’re unsure, leave it alone or look it up online
✔️You might also find these helpful:
▶︎Is Your PC Sluggish? Here’s How to Clean and Speed Up Your Windows Computer
▶︎How to Completely Disable OneDrive in Windows 11 and 10
▶︎Printer Not Working After Windows Update? Here’s How to Fix It
💡 Looking for more tips? Check out our full list of Windows Help Guides.
