Context Menu, edit

[curious]

Looking for a way to customize the Context Menu, I came across this suggestion in GuidingTech (https://www.guidingtech.com/how-to-cust ... indows-11/)
Open Command Prompt and paste the following command:
reg add "HKCU\Software\Classes\CLSID\{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}\InprocServer32" /f /ve
Restart the computer and that’s about it.
Is this the way to go? Thank you

[HansV]

If you want the old context menu back, yes.
On the other hand, if you stay with the new streamlined context menu, you only have to press Shift+F10 after selecting a file or folder to get the old Windows 10-style context menu, so I don't see a pressing need to go back.

[curious]

I jumped from Win 8 (8.1) to 11 so not familiar with that 'shortcut,' tho still involves extra keyboard action.

[HansV]

Pressing Shift+F10 instead of right-clicking is not so bad...

[curious]

Quite right, of course

[ChrisGreaves]

Looking for a way to customize the Context Menu, I came across this suggestion in GuidingTech ...

Thanks curious. Worked for me.
@Hans I daresay that the Shift-F10 scheme works too, but on my new HP15 the <FKeys> are tiny with tiny font, so for all that I'm a keyboard junkie ...

I think I get most ticked off by MSoft deciding that a new funky mode is groovy, forcing me to re-learn how to do a basic operation that has worked well since the year dot.
And yes, I am now spending time either learning Yet Another New Way, or trying to find out how to re-implement something that MSoft decided on my behalf, that I didn't need.
Cheers, Chris

[JoeP]

I know people don't like to "hear it" but Microsoft usually makes UI changes based on analysis of a huge amount of usage data. Inevitably, these changes upset a substantial subset of users who use one or more features that are more difficult to access after the change. If you do not like a change, file new feedback in the Feedback Hub app. If enough others agree with you, Microsoft may make another change.

[ChrisGreaves]

I know people don't like to "hear it" but Microsoft usually makes UI changes based on analysis of a huge amount of usage data. Inevitably, these changes upset a substantial subset of users who use one or more features that are more difficult to access after the change. If you do not like a change, file new feedback in the Feedback Hub app. If enough others agree with you, Microsoft may make another change.

Hi Joe. No doubt in my mind that MSoft analyses data. My biggest gripe is that the decision all too often is to choose to turf the old and bring in the new when (it seems to me) both forms could exist side by side.

The Feedback Hub sounds promising, but old stick-in-the-mud me would make just one entry: Please keep the Win10 interface for Win 11.

I suspect that there are by now cover-aps that mimic the Retro look of Win 10 in Win 11.

Thanks for the info!
Cheers, Chris

[HansV]

I'm not a great fan of Windows 11, but:
When Windows 7 was introduced, users wanted to go back to the Windows XP interface.
When Windows 10 was introduced, users wanted to go back to the Windows 7 interface.
When Windows 11 was introduced, users wanted to go back to the Windows 10 interface.

[PJ_in_FL]

And when that wonderful UI the "Ribbon" was introduced, many users took up pitchforks and torches. Didn't do a bit of good because, you know, Microsoft knows best.

[ChrisGreaves]

I'm not a great fan of Windows 11, but:
When Windows 7 was introduced, users wanted to go back to the Windows XP interface.
When Windows 10 was introduced, users wanted to go back to the Windows 7 interface.
When Windows 11 was introduced, users wanted to go back to the Windows 10 interface.

Of course.
Humans love variety but hate change.
'twas ever thus ...

I have noticed over the years the introduction of so many "retro" schemes for Windows. They are probably educational to develop, fun to write, and i do feel the urge to make use of them.

Now ***I*** can remember when Win95 was introduced with something called The Registry,
Cheers, Chris

[ChrisGreaves]

And when that wonderful UI the "Ribbon" was introduced, many users took up pitchforks and torches. Didn't do a bit of good because, you know, Microsoft knows best.

[PJ_in_FL]

I'm not a great fan of Windows 11, but:
When Windows 7 was introduced, users wanted to go back to the Windows XP interface.
When Windows 10 was introduced, users wanted to go back to the Windows 7 interface.
When Windows 11 was introduced, users wanted to go back to the Windows 10 interface.

But seriously, on Win 10 I have a folder with shortcuts to important or often used files (Squeglia tables, etc.) and handy programs that I have as a customizable toolbar on my Windows taskbar. That's not an option on Windows 11.

So by your and JoeP's thinking, many, many users wanted MS to remove that feature so MS humbly complied with the users wishes.

Sorry, not buying it.

[ChrisGreaves]

Maint.png

But seriously, on Win 10 I have a folder with shortcuts to important or often used files (Squeglia tables, etc.) and handy programs that I have as a customizable toolbar on my Windows taskbar. That's not an option on Windows 11.

Hi PJ.
You mean like my T:\Maint folder, that I've grown from a single shortcut?
I didn't know that one could have a customizable toolbar in Win10. Win7 for that matter, so perhaps NOT being able to have a customizable toolbar when I haven't yet had one is a bit of a conundrum.

The fact that I don't use or miss customizable toolbars and get by quite well with a taskbar icon that launches me straight into T:\Maint\ AND leaves me with an bonus - a copy of Explorer suggests that I am still ahead of the game.

Right now I get the feeling that MSoft is trying to spoon-feed people who aren't prepared to learn the basics of Windows. Now it can be argued ("Group Policy Editor", "Ribbon", etc) that I fall into this category, but two days ago I noticed that Cut, Copy, and Paste seemed to have disappeared from the right-click menu as well as Edit. Can this mean that the average Windows user isn't making use of Cut, Copy, Paste, and never wants to edit a text file?

On account of my age, blood pressure, trouble getting a good night's sleep etc ( ) I am restricting myself to addressing just ONE issue of migration each day. Otherwise the rest of my life will be spent recovering from making use of a machine that was supposed to help me to get things done.

Cheers, Chris

[PJ_in_FL]

I like having the toolbar easy to access, and I can move the items to more convenient spots regardless of any file name sort orders, etc. Also, using subfolders to combine but easily access additional items keeps the toolbar footprint small.

Win10_CustomToolBar.jpg

P.S.: This is a photo of the screen. Can't snip or print screen without the toolbar disappearing.
P.P.S: Yes it IS a nice, sunny day here in Central Florida! Thanks for asking!

[ChrisGreaves]

Hi Joe. No doubt in my mind that MSoft analyses data. My biggest gripe is that the decision all too often is to choose to turf the old and bring in the new when (it seems to me) both forms could exist side by side.

I should add that my HP15 came with Windows 11 HOME edition, so I am presenting to MSoft a profile of someone who isn't nerdy, let alone clever and nerdy. There's a chance that if I bought the Elon Musk Executive version of Windows, MSoft might not bash me around so much!
Cheers, Chris

[JoeP]

So by your and JoeP's thinking, many, many users wanted MS to remove that feature so MS humbly complied with the users wishes.

That is not at all what I was saying unless you are saying that feature usage indicates user wishes. Microsoft analyzes great volumes of usage data to assist the decision-making process. Microsoft also takes into account feedback from the Feedback Hub. AND, feedback from its largest customers. I'm not naive enough to think that money does not enter the equation.

I understand that any one feature may be important to a large number of users by our standards but that number may be small compared to the whole Windows user base. Microsoft is basing decisions on the whole user base.

[ChrisGreaves]

@ALL
I am still trying to wrap my pointy-head around why MSoft has denied me the use of the keyboard in MSPaint (Paint?), not ChumpPaint, to effect generic operations such as File, Save, and File, saveAs.
I note too in Notepad that the underline for "F" and "A" in the menu system is removed, although I can still use Alt+F, A to save-as.

Seriously: what does disabling functionality, and removing clues of use to beginners do for anyone?

It is akin to entering a fast-food joint and discovering that either:-
(1) they have nailed shut the washrooms - not locked (ask for a key) but wooden 2x4 and nails. Or bricked them over.
(2) they still have operating washrooms, but the doors no longer have any sort of sign on them to indicate that they are doors to the washroom.

I should make use of the feedback hub instead of in here, but with MSoft's manifestation of Win11 logic I am not optimistic that anyone there thinks logically.

Cheers, Chris

[ChrisGreaves]

... I note too in Notepad that the underline for "F" and "A" in the menu system is removed, although I can still use Alt+F, A to save-as.

Untitled.png

Then last night I noticed that Notepad has, to the right of its File menu, displayed the symbols for its sub-menus or operations.
Hence the beginner can see that saveAs is Alt+F,A

Cheers, Chris