The context menu in Windows 10 is the small list of options that appears when you right-click anywhere in Windows 10. The exact options that appear will depend on whether you right-click a file, folder or empty space. But with some registry tweaks, you can expand the options in the context menu, such as by adding the “open with Notepad” option to it.
Note: Even though this process is safe if you follow the instructions, it’s worth backing up the registry first in case you slip up along the way. If you’re not comfortable with editing your registry, you can also try a context menu editor.
With that out of the way, we can begin.
1. Open Registry Editor by hitting the Start key and typing regedit. In the Registry Editor, navigate to:
Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell\2. Under the “shell” folder, right-click and create a new key called “Open with Notepad.” Then, within that, create a key called “command”.
3. In the “command” key folder, double-click the “Default” string. In the Value box, type notepad.exe %1.
That’s it. Now close the Registry Editor, right-click on your desktop, and you should see “Open with Notepad” appear right there in the context menu whenever you right-click a file.
We have many more Windows 10 registry hacks if you’re interested. Or, if you’re looking for a blast from the past, see our list of great Windows 10 screensavers. Yes, we know you don’t technically need a screensaver in this day and age of LCD, but they just look nice, right?
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