To Fix: Windows 11 Context Menu Missing Item, Not Working and Slow Loading Issue

Mar. 07, 2023 / Updated by Renata to Windows 11

The context menu, also known as the right-click menu, is a crucial part of the Windows operating system that provides quick access to various options and functions. However, many users have reported issues with the context menu in Windows 11, such as slow loading times, missing items, and not working correctly. In this article, we will discuss some ways to fix these issues and restore the functionality of the context menu.

Page content:

Solution1. Disable Context Menu Extensions

Solution2. Clean Up Registry

Solution3. Update Drivers

Solution4. Update Windows 11

Solution5. Reset File Explorer

Solution6. Run SFC


Disable Context Menu Extensions

One of the primary causes of a slow or unresponsive context menu is third-party context menu extensions. These are programs or utilities that add additional options to the context menu, but they can sometimes cause conflicts with the operating system or other programs, leading to performance issues.

To disable context menu extensions, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.

2. Type "regedit" and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.

3. Navigate to the following path:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT*\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers

4. Right-click on each context menu extension and select "Disable" to turn it off.

context-menu.png


Clean Up Registry

The Windows Registry is a database that stores information about the configuration settings for the operating system and applications. Over time, it can become cluttered with unnecessary entries, leading to performance issues. It is the reason that caused Context Menu slow or missing.

To clean up the registry, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.

2. Type "regedit" and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.

3. Navigate to the following path: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\background\shell

4. Right-click on each entry and select "Delete" to remove it.


Update Drivers

In Windows 11, outdated or corrupted device drivers is another potential reason for context menu issues. It can affect the performance of the hardware device, as well as the context menu, if the driver is outdated, missing, or corrupted.

Download Driver Talent

It is highly recommended to download a free driver updater, Driver Talent. It can scan the computer by only one click that display all the drivers that can be updated on the list. Display all drivers:

after-scan.png

In addition to updating to the latest version, users can also choose other versions to download.

Click the inverted triangle, you can choose different version to download:

gaming turnoff-scan2.png


Update Windows 11

Microsoft regularly releases updates for Windows 11 that include bug fixes, security patches, and performance improvements. If you are experiencing issues with the context menu missing or pop up slow, it may be due to a known bug that has been addressed in a recent update. To fix the Context Menu missing or not working issue, you can follow the below steps to update Windows 11 system:

1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.

2. Choose Windows Updates

3. On the right-panel, select Check for updates

update-system.png


Reset File Explorer

File Explorer is the default file manager for Windows 11 and is responsible for handling the context menu. If it becomes corrupted or has incorrect settings, it can cause issues with the context menu.

To reset File Explorer, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + X to open the Power User menu.

2. Click on "Windows PowerShell (Admin)."

3. Type the following command and press Enter: Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

4. Wait for the command to complete and then restart your computer.


Run SFC

The System File Checker is a built-in Windows utility that scans for and repairs corrupted system files. If there are any issues with the context menu due to corrupted or missing system files, running the System File Checker can help resolve them. Run SFC commands when troubleshooting a flawed Windows system. SFC works by scanning for and replacing corrupted, missing or changed system files. Even if the SFC command doesn't repair any files, running it will at least confirm that no system files are corrupted, and you can then move on to troubleshooting your system using other methods. SFC commands are available whenever the computer itself is started.

To run the System File Checker and fix the Context Menu missing issue, please follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + X to open the Power User menu.

2. Click on "Windows PowerShell (Admin)."

3. Type the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow

4. Wait for the command to complete and then restart your computer.

Hope all these solutions can help you to fix Context Menu missing or not working on Windows 11


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