How to Remove the “Compress to…” Entry from the Windows 11 Modern Context Menu

Are you tired of seeing the “Compress to…” option cluttering your context menu in Windows 11? This feature may be redundant for many users who prefer cleaner options without built-in zipping functionality. Fortunately, removing this entry is quick and straightforward. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to eliminate the “Compress to…” context menu option, enhancing your Windows experience. We’ll explore two methods—using the Registry Editor and the Group Policy Editor. Let’s get started!

Method 1: Remove “Compress to…” Entry Using Registry Editor

Step 1: Open the Windows Registry Editor

Begin by launching the Registry Editor. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog, type regedit, and hit Enter. If prompted by User Account Control, click Yes to proceed.

Step 2: Navigate to the Appropriate Registry Key

In the Registry Editor, expand the folders in the left sidebar to locate the following key:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\

Here, you’ll find the handlers that control various context menu entries across all file types.

Step 3: Identify and Delete the Relevant Subkey

Look for the subkey named {b8cdcb65-b1bf-4b42-9428-1dfdb7ee92af} or the entry labeled “Compressed (zipped) Folder.” This entry governs the compression functionality.

Right-click on the identified key and select Delete. Confirm the action when prompted to eliminate the handler associated with the “Compress to…” context menu option.

Step 4: Finalize Your Changes

Once the key has been deleted, close the Registry Editor. To ensure your changes take effect, restart your computer or sign out and back into your Windows account. The “Compress to…” entry should no longer appear in your context menu.

Caution: Modifying the registry can impact system stability if not executed correctly. Always back up your registry or create a system restore point before making any changes.

Method 2: Disable Built-in Zip Functionality with Group Policy Editor (Windows 11 Pro and Above)

Step 1: Open the Local Group Policy Editor

For users with Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions, open the Local Group Policy Editor by pressing Win + R, typing gpedit.msc, and hitting Enter.

Step 2: Navigate to File Explorer Settings

In the left pane, navigate to:

User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer

Step 3: Modify the Compression Policy

Locate the policy titled Do not allow compression on all NTFS volumes. Double-click on it to access its settings.

Step 4: Enable the Policy

Set the policy to Enabled, then click Apply and OK. This action disables NTFS compression, effectively removing the “Compress to…” entry from the context menu.

Step 5: Apply Changes

To activate the policy, restart your system or sign out and sign back in.

Note: This method is available only for Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. Windows Home users should follow the Registry Editor method outlined above.

Optional: Restore the “Compress to…” Entry

If you change your mind and wish to restore the “Compress to…” option in the context menu, you can easily reverse the changes:

• Restoring via the Registry Method: Recreate the {b8cdcb65-b1bf-4b42-9428-1dfdb7ee92af} key under *HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT*\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers* and set its default value to {b8cdcb65-b1bf-4b42-9428-1dfdb7ee92af}.
• Restoring via the Group Policy Method: Set the policy back to Not Configured or Disabled and restart your system.

Conclusion

Removing the “Compress to…” option from the context menu in Windows 11 is a straightforward process, whether you opt for the Registry Editor or the Group Policy Editor. By following the steps outlined above, you can streamline your file management experience. If you ever want to restore this functionality, simply revert the changes. Embrace a cleaner context menu and optimize your Windows usage today!

With these methods, you’ll enjoy a more efficient interaction with your files without the extra clutter. Happy computing!