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7-Zip remains one of the most popular file archivers available in Windows, especially due to its open-source nature. But oftentimes, 7-Zip is either not available in the Windows 11 context menu or disappears after an update!
This forces you to extract files or make other changes from within the app’s interface, complicating the process. But adding or re-adding 7-Zip to the Windows 11 right-click context menu shouldn’t take more than a minute.!
1. Reconfigure 7-Zip’s settings
- Launch 7-Zip on your PC, click on the Tools menu at the top, and select Options.
- Go to the 7-Zip tab, and tick the checkboxes for Integrate 7-Zip to shell context menu and Integrate 7-Zip to shell context menu (32-bit).
- Finally, click on Apply and OK to save the changes.
- You should now find 7-Zip in the right-click menu on Windows 11. Although, it will be accessible only after you click on Show more options, i.e., in the secondary context menu.
This is the easiest way to add 7-Zip to the secondary context menu on Windows 11.
In case you get the Access is denied error on enabling Integrate 7zip to the shell context menu, it indicates missing administrative privileges.
All you have to do is run 7-Zip as an administrator. To do that, right-click on the program > select Run as administrator > click Yes in the UAC prompt.
2. Use a third-party tool
NOTE
Disclaimer: Windows Report is not affiliated with the Custom Context Menu app. I am recommending it based on user reviews and the fact that it’s available on the Microsoft Store. Nevertheless, be careful with the privileges you grant to the app!
- Download and install the Custom Context Menu app from the Microsoft Store. There’s both a free and paid version.
- Once installed, launch the app, and click the Add Menu icon near the top-left corner.
- Now, enter all the details for the 7-Zip Windows 11 context menu entry in the fields on the right, including the executable (.exe) file’s path.
- Once done, press Ctrl + S to save the new entry, and then restart the PC for the changes to apply.
- You should now see a 7-Zip entry in the context menu across the PC or in specific locations, depending on the configured settings.
3. Manually modify the Registry
3.1 Finding 7-Zip’s installation path
- Press Windows + S to open the Start menu, enter 7-Zip in the text field, right-click on the relevant result, and select Open file location.
- Now, right-click on 7-Zip’s shortcut and select Properties.
- Copy the path (along with the quotes) in the Target field under the Shortcut tab. This is the path to the 7-Zip File Manager’s executable (.exe) file. In our case, it is:
"C:\Program Files\7-Zip\7zFM.exe"
- Press Windows + R to open Run, type regedit in the text field, and hit Enter.
- Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
- Now, paste the following path in the address bar and hit Enter:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shell
- Right-click on the shell entry in the navigation pane, choose New, select Key from the flyout menu, and then name it 7-Zip.
- In the 7-Zip key you just created, right-click on the empty space towards the right, hover the cursor over New, select String Value, and name it Icon.
- Double-click on the Icon string, enter the 7-Zip path we copied earlier in the Value data text field, and click on OK.
- Next, right-click on 7-Zip in the navigation pane, choose New, select Key, and name it Command.
- In the Command key, double-click on the Default string, paste the 7-Zip path we copied earlier in the Value data text field, and then click OK to save the changes.
- Once done, reboot the computer for the changes to apply. You can also simply restart the Windows Explorer process from the Task Manager.
Remember, steps 5 & 6 above are optional, as the two only add 7-Zip’s icon to the context menu entry in Windows 11. It’s the Command key that does the rest.
Also, this way, you can add 7-Zip to the right-click menu on Windows 10!
If things don’t work out or you want to remove 7-Zip from the Windows 11 context menu, delete all the Keys and String Values you created earlier. Make sure not to modify/remove any other keys or entries, as it might disrupt the functioning of the PC and necessitate a reinstallation of Windows 11.
4. Use a Registry script
Tip
This method involves running a script created by a third-party developer on the PC, which will make changes to the Registry Editor. Since it may introduce instability in rare cases if not executed properly, I recommend you create a restore point beforehand.
- Go to GitHub’s official script page, and click the Download ZIP button near the top right.
- Right-click on the download file, select Extract all, then choose a location and wait for the process to complete.
- Once done, open the extracted files and run 7-Zip_Windows11.
- Click Run in the confirmation box, and similarly, give approval in all other prompts.
- After the script is executed, right-click on any file, and you shall find several additional 7-Zip-related entries in the Windows 11 context menu.
If the new Windows 11 context menu entries created for 7-Zip with the script are not what you were looking for, revert the changes using the restore point you created earlier.
That sums up all the ways you can add 7-Zip to the Windows 11 context menu. Except for the methods involving changes to the Registry Editor, the rest are all simple and quick!
In case you were looking for 7-Zip alternatives, discover our top picks for file compression software. You can also try out the portable edition.
Which method worked best for you? Share with our readers in the comments section.
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
Windows 11 brings along numerous changes to the new UI and among these is the new right-click context menu. The context menu has been a long-standing controversial addition of Windows 11, especially during the early days due to the missing ‘Refresh’ option. The option has now been restored, though you are still missing essential options, including compression shortcuts that were available in the traditional context menu. So can you add these options back to the context menu in Windows 11? Let’s find out!
Can you get WinRAR and 7-Zip in the context menu?
Well, you can. Finally! It was about time, anyway. As of October 13, 2021, Winrar Beta v6.10 gives you the ability to access the app right from the context menu was you used to on the good old Windows 10. Not WinRAR, but 7-Zip is also available via the context menu, but things are not that simple here. Another open source software called NanaZip — a fork of the 7-Zip’s code — is now available that gets you 7-Zip in a new form and adds support for the context menu too.
Check out the guides below to get WinRAR and NanaZip (thus, 7-Zip) into the context menu on your Windows 11.
We recommend using NanaZip to get context menu compression shortcuts in Windows 11. NanaZip is a fork of 7-Zip which ensures maximum compatibility and stability when using it on Windows 11. If however, you aren’t happy with NanaZip, you can opt for the latest WinRAR beta instead. The beta version adds context menu compression shortcuts in Windows 11 however it might include some bugs.
How to get 7-Zip in Windows 11 Context Menu (using NanaZip)
Install NanaZip on your Windows 11 PC using the link below.
- Get NanaZip from Microsoft Store
Press Windows + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app instead. Click on ‘Apps’ on your left.
Click on ‘Default Apps’ now.
Scroll down and click on ‘Choose defaults by file type’.
Use the search box at the top and search for ‘zip’.
Click on the listing under .zip.
Select ‘NanaZip’.
Click on ‘Ok’.
Right-click on any random file in the file explorer now and you should now have a listing for NanaZip which can be used to create a zip archive or unzip them.
NanaZip will now be set up and ready to use on your system.
You can also use the latest WinRAR Beta to get context menu compression shortcuts in Windows 11. Use the guide below to get you started.
Download the setup file from the link given below.
- Required version: WinRAR Beta v6.10 | Download Link
Double-click the setup file to run Setup and install WinRAR on your PC.
Once installed, it will give apop-up windows for setting up integrations with the common files types it supports. Be sure to select zip, rar and other file types you want WinRAR to handle on your PC.
Click OK after selecting the file types.
(If you miss the integration part during setup, then you can do so by opening WinRAR app and then heading to Options (in the menu bar at the top) > Settings. In the pop-up, click Integration, and then select the file as shown above.)
Now, right-click on a random file and you should now have WinRAR compression shortcuts in your right-click context menu.
FAQs
Here are some common queries around the new context menu additions that should help you get up to date with the latest information.
Why can’t you add options to the context menu manually?
Windows 11 comes with a new minimalistic frosted glass aesthetic which calls for a minimized context menu. The traditional all option context menu can always be accessed by clicking on ‘Show more options’. The new context menu requires third-party apps to update their upcoming apps accordingly while there seems to be no way to access the native compression utility directly from the current context menu for now.
Can you get the old Windows 10 right-click context menu?
Yes, you can easily restore the old context menu in Windows 11 by following the steps in this guide. You can also use updated versions of third-party utilities like WinAero Tweaker, OpenShell, or more.
What is the ‘Show More Options’ shortcut?
You can use Shift + F10 on your keyboard to directly get the old context menu in Windows 11.
How to install NanaZip without Microsoft Store
Visit the Github download page given below and click and expand ‘Assets for the latest release.
- NanaZip | Download Link
Download the following files by clicking on them. Save both the files in a folder on your desktop to ensure you don’t encounter any bugs when installing the certificate.
- MouriNaruto.cer
- NanaZipPackage_1.0.31.0_x86_x64_arm64.msixbundle
Now open the location where you saved your files, click in the address bar, and copy the address to your clipboard.
Press Windows + S on your keyboard and search for CMD. Click on ‘Run as administrator’ once the app shows up in your search results.
Type in the following command and replace PATH with the path copied to your clipboard.
cd PATH
Now head back to the folder, right-click on ‘MouriNaruto.cer’ and select ‘Copy as path’.
Switch to CMD and execute the following command. Replace PATH with the path for the certificate copied to your clipboard in the last step.
Certutil -addStore Root "PATH"
The certificate will now be installed on your PC. Type in ‘Exit’ to close the command prompt.
Now double click and run the other package file downloaded along with the certificate. Click on ‘Install’.
NanaZip will be be installed on your PC in no time.
We hope you were able to easily get new compression shortcuts in the right-click in context menu using the guide above. If you need help with anything, feel free to drop a comment below.
Related:
- What Is Windows 11 Registry Bypass?
- How to Use Disable TPM and Secure Boot in Rufus
- Will Windows 11 Support More Processors?
- How to Download and Install Official Windows 11 ISO yourself
- How to install Windows 11 with Windows 11 Installation Assistant
Is the 7-Zip option not in the right-click menu? It is pretty easy to fix. Follow these steps to add 7-Zip to right-click menu in Windows 10.
7-Zip is one of the most popular software for compressing files and folders. A few of the main reasons for this popularity are that 7-Zip is pretty fast, can compress better, and has many customization options. For example, you can split archives, password-protect with solid encryption, test archives, and more.
When you first install 7-Zip, it will automatically add relevant options to the right-click context menu. For example, you can create an archive, test an archive, find the SHA5 hash of a file, etc. To put it simply, having the 7-Zip options in the right-click menu is pretty useful.
However, the 7-Zip option might not appear in the right-click menu under certain circumstances. i.e., the 7-Zip is not in the right-click menu. This can happen for many reasons, including accidentally removing the option yourself. You have to manually add 7-Zip to the right-click context menu in those cases. It is pretty easy to do. All you have to do is select a checkbox, and you are done.
Without delay, let me show you how to fix 7-Zip not in right-click menu by adding it.
If the 7-Zip option is not available in the right-click menu, you can add it via the 7-Zip settings window. You have to find the appropriate option and select the relevant checkboxes. Let me show you how to do it.
Important note: The steps shown below will work in Windows 10 and Windows 11.
- Press the Start key on your keyboard.
- Search and open “7-Zip File Manager.”
- Click on the “Tools” option.
- Choose “Options.”
- Go to the “7-Zip” tab.
- Select the “Integrate 7-Zip shell context menu” checkbox.
- Click “Apply.”
- Click the “Ok” button to save changes.
- Close the 7-Zip window.
- With that, the 7-Zip is added to right-click menu.
Same steps with screenshots and a bit more info:
Since we can only add the 7-Zip option to right-click menu from the 7-Zip settings window, we need to open it first. To do that, search for “7-Zip File Manager” in the Start menu and open it.
After opening it, click on the “Tools” option and choose “Options.” This action will open the 7-Zip settings window.
In the settings window, go to the “7-Zip” tab. Here, select the “Integrate 7-Zip shell context menu” checkbox. If you are using a 32-bit PC, also select the “Integrate 7-Zip shell context menu (32-bit)” checkbox.
You can pick and choose which 7-Zip options to appear in the right-click menu if you want to. To remove unnecessary options, uncheck the checkboxes under the “Context menu items” section. For example, I removed options like Compress and Email, Test Archive, etc.
Finally, click the “Apply” and “Ok” buttons to save changes.
That is all. The 7-Zip option is added to the right-click menu. To check it, right-click on any file or folder, and you should see the 7-Zip options. If you are running Windows 11, right-click and then click on “Show more options” to see the 7-Zip options.
I hope this simple and straightforward Windows 11 how-to guide helped you.
If you are stuck or need some help, comment below, and I will try to help as much as possible.
Read more: How to remove 7-Zip CRC SHA in right-click menu
Windows 11 is the latest iteration in the family of Microsoft Windows, allowing users to experience a best-in-class operating system in 2022 that’s a ton of steps up from its popular predecessor. Although the program is a visual overhaul and improves upon Windows 10 in many aspects, there are still some features of the latter that have been unable to make it to Windows 11. In other cases, the new functionality is unwelcome, and users want their previous functions back.
One such case is the context menu, which is more of a hassle and less of an improvement in the newest Windows operating system. In this guide, we will walk you through how to get back the 7-Zip right-click context menu in Windows 11 so you can get back to using your PC the same way. Moreover, the forthcoming guidelines will also work for users with the context menu missing on Windows 10.
What is the right-click context menu in Windows?
Right-click the context menu in Windows 11
When you double-click or right-click anywhere on the screen, you visualize what is known as the context menu. This simple, go-to shortcut section allows you to access many compatible applications quickly. For example, tools, programs, and software like 7-Zip or WinRar are best utilized from the right-click context menu. It’s also what you use to maneuver the Chrome browser, especially when you are not too fond of using keyboard shortcuts.
The original Windows 10 context menu is plain and straightforward, but the developers thought it fit to upgrade the feature to a higher level for Windows 11. To access the proper context menu that grants access to usable tools, you first need to perform a right-click, then hover over “Show more options” and click on it again to get the actual context menu. This may not sit well with a plethora of users, so it’s imminent for individuals to start demanding a change in this respect.
With no further ado, let us get right down to the matter and talk about reverting the context menu to the original one on your Windows 11 PC.
Getting back the 7-Zip right-click context menu in Windows 11/10
The following instructions are going to work for not only Windows 11 but for Windows 10 as well. Although we will write down the steps as plainly as possible to the best of our ability, please try to implement them on your end diligently for the best results.
1. first, open the Windows Start menu and type in “Registry Editor.” Click on the system utility once done. Run the program as an administrator for the best results and unbounded access. You must confirm the User Account Control (UAC) prompt afterward.
Running the Registry Editor with admin privileges
2. Now that you have the Registry Editor application up and running, you must focus on the side panel and click the “HKEY_CURRENT_USER” directory. Doing so will reveal multiple options on the screen for you. Proceed by clicking “Software,” and follow it up by selecting “Classes” next.
Heading to the correct directory
3. You must now click on the “CLSID” directory and right-click there to create a new “Key.” Check out the following screenshot for a visual explanation. Until now therefore, you should follow the address below to complete the process successfully ahead.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER > Software > Classes > CLSID
Creating a new key within the CLSID directory
4. This new key has to be named”{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}.” Please do not make any errors in inputting the name of the key, or the process will not bear fruit otherwise. Now, after renaming the key, you must create another key within this key and name it “InprocServer32.”
Now, click on the “(Default)” file that you see on the right-hand side of the opened window, and you should see the “(Value not set)” remark under the “Data” option. Double-click here and click on “Modify” to move forward.
Modifying the newly created key
5. Completing the previous step successfully should open the “Edit String” window. You’ll do nothing here and click “OK” to leave things as they were. However, if you notice, the “(Value Not Set)” remark won’t be present anymore within the “Data” section. If you’ve done everything correctly up until now, the next step is to restart your PC.
Leaving the window as it is
That’s all there is to the process! After restarting your PC, double-click anywhere on the desktop to return the 7-ZIP context menu on your Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC. It’s time to conclude the article.
Conclusion
Windows 11 might be the next big thing, but there are still some instances where it has left users wanting the functionalities of Windows 10. One buzzing case is the presence of an additional right-click context menu that you’ll need to navigate to get the fully functional menu back. Well, now that you’ve gone past this issue using this guide, you hopefully won’t be running into any like-minded problems again.
Do let us know whether you found the guide helpful for your cause. We would love to read your feedback!
Normally, after 7-Zip is installed, it will appear in the context menu when you right click on one file/folder. However, there are some cases in which some Windows 10 users find that 7-Zip option doesn’t appear in the right click Menu. Then what can be done to get the missing 7-Zip item back? Now, this post will show you three solutions to fix the problem: 7-Zip is missing from right-click menu in Windows 10.
Solution 1: Make sure “Integrate 7-Zip to shell context menu” option is checked
Step 1: Open Windows 10 Start menu. Type 7zip in the search box, and then in the search result, right-click on the 7-Zip File Manager and select Run as administrator. Confirm the UAC dialog if prompted.
Step 2: After the 7-Zip File Manager opens, select the Tools tab and select Options.
Step 3: In the Options dialog, select the 7-Zip tab, tick the checkbox next to “Integrate 7-Zip to shell context menu”, and click Apply and OK. This will add a 7-Zip option to the right-click menu.
If you make sure the “Integrate 7-Zip to shell context menu” option is checked but still the 7-Zip item is missing from the right-click menu, move on to solution 2 below.
Solution 2: Be sure to get the right 7-Zip version for your Windows
7-Zip comes in two versions, one for 32-bit Windows, and one for 64-bit Windows. If 32-bit 7-Zip is installed on 64-bit Windows, the 7-Zip option won’t display in the right-click menu. That is likely to be the reason why 7-Zip is missing from your right-click menu.
Hence, check if your Windows 10 is 64-bit. If it is, uninstall your current 7-Zip version, go to https://www.7-zip.org/ to download the 64-bit 7-Zip and install it on your Windows 10. After installation, 7-Zip will display in the right-click menu.
If you get the right version but still 7-Zip is missing from the right-click menu, move on to solution 3 below.
Solution 3: Run 7-Zip with admin rights
Step 1: Uninstall your current 7-Zip.
Tips: Go to Control Panel, and click the Uninstall a program link. On the Programs and Features page, right click 7-Zip and select Uninstall.
Step 2: Download a fresh 7-Zip version for your Windows and install it, but don’t launch it after installation.
Step 3: Open Windows Start menu. Type 7zip in the search box, right click on the 7-Zip File Manager and select Run as Administrator to run it with admin rights. Confirm the UAC dialog if prompted. This would get the missing 7-Zip option back to the right-click menu.