Fix Missing 'Open With' Option in Windows 10 Right-Click Menu
Addressing the Missing "Open With" Option in Windows 10
Certain Windows 10 installations are experiencing an unusual issue. Some users find that the "Open With" functionality has disappeared from the right-click context menu. A resolution to this problem is available through modification of the Windows Registry.
Important Registry Warning
Registry Editor is a potent system tool, and incorrect usage can lead to system instability or render your computer unusable. This particular adjustment is relatively straightforward, and adherence to the provided instructions should prevent issues. However, if you are unfamiliar with its operation, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with Registry Editor usage before proceeding. Furthermore, creating a backup of the Registry (and your entire computer!) prior to making any alterations is strongly recommended.
File Selection Considerations
Before initiating the following steps, verify whether you are attempting to access "Open with" for a single file or multiple files. The "Open with" option is exclusively available when only ONE file is selected. Selecting TWO OR MORE files will cause the option to be unavailable.
Accessing the Registry Editor
Launch the Registry Editor by clicking the Start button and typing regedit.
Press Enter to initiate the Registry Editor, or select regedit from the "Best match" results.
Grant Registry Editor permission to make changes to your PC if prompted.
Note that this permission dialog may not appear, depending on your User Account Control settings.
Navigating to the Correct Registry Key
Within the left-hand tree structure, navigate to the following key:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers
It is important to note that the asterisk (*) represents an actual registry key located under HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT, as illustrated below.
Should a key named "Open With" not be present under the ContextMenuHandlers key, right-click on the ContextMenuHandlers key and choose "New" > "Key" from the context menu.
Creating the "Open With" Key
Name the new key Open With.
Modifying the Default Value
A "Default" value should be visible in the right pane. Double-click "Default" to begin editing its value.
Enter the following text into the "Value data" field of the Edit String dialog. Copying and pasting is recommended for accuracy:
{09799AFB-AD67-11d1-ABCD-00C04FC30936}
Confirm your changes by clicking "OK".
Finalizing the Changes
Close the Registry Editor by selecting "Exit" from the "File" menu or clicking the "X" button in the upper-right corner.
The "Open with" option should now be available in the context menu. If it does not appear immediately, attempt restarting explorer.exe or logging out and back into your Windows account.
For users who prefer not to manually edit the Registry, downloadable registry hacks are provided. One hack adds the "Open with" option, while the other removes it. Both are included in a ZIP archive. Execute the desired hack by double-clicking it and following the prompts. Remember to log out and back in, or restart explorer.exe, for the changes to take effect.
Open with Context Menu Option Registry Hack
These hacks simply implement the key and value discussed in this article, packaged as a .REG file. The removal hack deletes the "Open With" registry key. For those interested in further Registry customization, learning to create your own Registry hacks is a valuable skill.
