More Terminals in Explorer right-click menu on Win11

3 min read 22-10-2024

the ifix

More Terminals in Explorer right-click menu on Win11

With the recent updates in Windows 11, Microsoft has introduced a myriad of features to enhance user experience. One notable enhancement is the integration of terminal options directly into the Explorer right-click menu. However, many users find themselves wanting more terminal options beyond the default offerings. In this article, we will explore how to add more terminals in the right-click menu of Windows 11 Explorer, providing you with a seamless command-line experience.

The Problem Scenario

When using Windows 11, users may find that the right-click context menu in File Explorer only provides options for opening Windows Terminal or Command Prompt. While these options are useful, users seeking a more versatile setup may need additional terminals like PowerShell, Git Bash, or others readily available at their fingertips.

Original Code for the Problem

The problem can be traced back to the absence of a straightforward way to customize the context menu without diving into the Windows registry. To add more terminal options to the right-click menu, a bit of manual configuration is needed.

Enhancing the Explorer Right-Click Menu

Step-by-Step Guide to Add More Terminals

Open the Registry Editor:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type regedit and press Enter. This will open the Registry Editor.

Navigate to the Following Path:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shell

Create a New Key for Your Terminal:
- Right-click on the shell folder, select New, and then Key.
- Name the new key with the name you want to see in the context menu (e.g., "Open PowerShell", "Open Git Bash").
Set the Default Value:
- Click on the new key you created.
- In the right pane, double-click on (Default) and set its value to the display name you want (e.g., "Open PowerShell").
Add Command Subkey:
- Right-click on your new key and select New, then Key. Name this subkey command.
- Click on the new command key, double-click on (Default) in the right pane, and input the path to your terminal executable. For example, for PowerShell, you might use:
```
powershell.exe
```
Repeat for Other Terminals:
- You can repeat the steps above for any other terminal you wish to add (e.g., Git Bash).

Example Command Line for Different Terminals

Here's how to set the default command for some popular terminals:

PowerShell:

C:\Windows\System32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\powershell.exe

Git Bash:

"C:\Program Files\Git\git-bash.exe" --cd="<path>"

Command Prompt:
```
cmd.exe
```

Benefits of Adding More Terminals

By customizing the right-click menu with more terminal options, you can boost your productivity significantly. You can quickly access the terminal of your choice without needing to search for it manually. This is especially beneficial for developers and system administrators who frequently switch between various command-line tools.

Additional Considerations

Backup Your Registry: Before making changes to the Windows Registry, always back it up. This ensures that you can restore it if anything goes wrong.
Using Third-Party Tools: Tools like Context Menu Tuner can simplify this process for those who are uncomfortable with the Registry Editor.
Stay Updated: Windows 11 is regularly updated. Keep an eye out for new features that might enhance the terminal experience in Explorer.

Conclusion

Adding more terminal options to the right-click menu in Windows 11 Explorer is a straightforward process that can save you time and enhance your workflow. With just a few steps, you can configure your system to include any terminal you regularly use, providing you with quick access to the command line.

Useful Resources

By implementing these changes, you'll streamline your Windows 11 experience, making it more efficient for your specific needs. Happy computing!