Use ShellExView to disable non-essential context menu entries from third-party apps. 2. Manually clean registry keys under HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT for files, folders, and drives if comfortable with registry editing. 3. Use tools like CCleaner to safely remove unwanted context menu items via a user-friendly interface. 4. Disable context menu integrations in antivirus or cloud services like OneDrive or Dropbox through their settings. 5. Run Disk Cleanup, SFC /scannow, and restart Windows Explorer to resolve system-level issues. Testing after each step ensures improvements, and reducing menu items typically restores fast right-click performance in Windows 10.

A slow right-click context menu in Windows 10 can be frustrating, especially when you're trying to copy, paste, or open files quickly. This lag is usually caused by too many context menu entries from installed programs (like cloud services, file compressors, or antivirus tools) or outdated shell extensions. Here’s how to fix it:

1. Reduce Context Menu Items with Built-in Tools

Too many third-party apps add entries to the right-click menu, which slows it down. You can clean them up using free tools designed for this:

• Use ShellExView (by NirSoft)
  This lightweight tool shows all shell extensions, including those that add items to the context menu.

  

  Steps:

  • Download ShellExView from the official NirSoft website.
  • Run it as Administrator.
  • Sort by "Context Menu" in the "Category" column.
  • Look for non-Microsoft entries (especially ones you don’t recognize or no longer use).
  • Disable suspicious or unnecessary entries by selecting them and clicking Disable.

  ?? Be careful: Only disable entries from apps you know aren’t essential. When in doubt, Google the publisher name.

  

2. Clean Up Context Menu via Registry (Advanced)

If you're comfortable editing the registry, you can manually remove unwanted entries.

Warning: Editing the registry can cause system issues if done incorrectly. Back up the registry first.

• Press Win R, type regedit, and press Enter.

• Navigate to:

  HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers

  This affects files. Other common keys:

  • HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers (folders)
  • HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers (drives)

• Under each, you’ll see subkeys for added context menu items.

• Identify and delete entries related to software you’ve uninstalled or don’t use.

Again, do not delete Microsoft-related entries unless you're certain.

3. Use Third-Party Context Menu Managers

Tools like Context Menu Cleaner or CCleaner offer safer, user-friendly ways to manage context menus.

• CCleaner:
  • Go to Tools > Startup.
  • Switch to the Context Menu tab.
  • Uncheck items you don’t need.
  • Click Delete to remove them.

These tools prevent accidental deletion of critical system entries.

4. Disable Antivirus or Cloud Service Integrations

Apps like Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, or antivirus software (e.g., McAfee, Norton) often hook deeply into the shell.

Try:

• Temporarily disable or uninstall their context menu integration.
• In the app settings (e.g., OneDrive), look for options like “Add to context menu” and turn them off.

This often gives an immediate performance boost.

5. Run System Maintenance Tasks

Sometimes, general system clutter contributes to the slowdown.

• Run Disk Cleanup.
• Use SFC /scannow in Command Prompt (Admin) to repair system files:

  sfc /scannow

• Restart Windows Explorer via Task Manager or reboot your PC after making changes.

Final Tip: Test After Each Change

After disabling a few entries, test the right-click speed. Often, just removing 2–3 bloated entries (like old Zip tools or unused share options) makes a big difference.

Basically, the fewer items in the menu, the faster it loads. Most people don’t need half the options that show up anyway.

It’s not complicated — just a little tedious. But once cleaned up, your right-click should feel snappy again.

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