The right-click context menu is a handy feature in Windows, offering quick access to various options. However, sometimes it becomes cluttered with unnecessary entries, such as "Restore Previous Versions." This entry, usually associated with system restore points, can be distracting and even cause issues when you're trying to perform other actions on files or folders.
If you're looking to remove Restore Previous Versions from context menu in Windows, this article will guide you through the steps. Let's dive in!
Why Do You Need to Remove "Restore Previous Versions"?
The Restore Previous Versions option allows you to revert files and folders back to their previous states, which can be useful for recovering from accidental changes or data loss. However, it's not always necessary to have this option readily available in the context menu. Here are some reasons why you might want to remove Restore Previous Versions from context menu:
- Clutter: It can make your context menu appear crowded and less efficient.
- Security Concerns: For security purposes, you might want to limit user access to system restore points.
- Performance: The presence of this option might slightly impact the performance of your context menu.
How to Remove "Restore Previous Versions" from Context Menu
There are two main approaches to remove Restore Previous Versions from context menu:
1. Using Registry Editor
The Registry Editor is a powerful tool that allows you to modify system settings, including context menu options. However, it's crucial to exercise caution when editing the Registry, as making incorrect changes can lead to system instability.
Here's how to remove Restore Previous Versions from context menu using Registry Editor:
- Open Registry Editor: Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type regedit and press Enter.
- Navigate to the Key: Go to the following registry key:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\Shell\RestorePreviousVersions - Delete the Key: Right-click on the RestorePreviousVersions key and select Delete.
- Confirm the Deletion: A confirmation dialog will appear. Click Yes to confirm the deletion.
- Close Registry Editor: Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
2. Using Group Policy Editor
The Group Policy Editor is another tool that allows you to manage system settings. This approach is more suitable for users who are running Windows Professional or Enterprise editions.
Here's how to remove Restore Previous Versions from context menu using Group Policy Editor:
- Open Group Policy Editor: Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type gpedit.msc and press Enter.
- Navigate to the Policy: Go to the following path:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > File System - Find the Policy: Locate the policy titled "Remove Previous Versions option from the right-click menu for files and folders".
- Enable the Policy: Double-click the policy and select Enabled.
- Apply the Changes: Click Apply and OK to save the changes.
- Restart the Computer: Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Restoring the "Restore Previous Versions" Option
If you decide to restore the Restore Previous Versions option to the context menu, you can revert the changes you made in the Registry Editor or Group Policy Editor.
1. Reverting Registry Changes:
- Open Registry Editor: Follow the steps mentioned earlier to open Registry Editor.
- Navigate to the Key: Go to the following registry key:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\Shell\ - Create a New Key: Right-click on the Shell key and select New > Key. Name the new key RestorePreviousVersions.
- Add a Value: Right-click on the RestorePreviousVersions key and select New > String Value. Name the string value "MUIVerb".
- Set the Value: Double-click the newly created string value and set its value to "Restore Previous Versions".
- Close Registry Editor: Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
2. Reverting Group Policy Changes:
- Open Group Policy Editor: Follow the steps mentioned earlier to open Group Policy Editor.
- Navigate to the Policy: Go to the following path:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > File System - Find the Policy: Locate the policy titled "Remove Previous Versions option from the right-click menu for files and folders".
- Disable the Policy: Double-click the policy and select Disabled or Not Configured.
- Apply the Changes: Click Apply and OK to save the changes.
- Restart the Computer: Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Conclusion
Removing Restore Previous Versions from context menu can help streamline your Windows experience by reducing clutter and improving performance. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily enable or disable this option according to your preferences. Always remember to back up your system before making any significant changes to the Registry.
