Add New Text Document to Context Menu in Windows

Adding a New Text Document Context Menu Entry in Windows 10

If you're a Windows 10 user and find yourself frequently creating new text documents, you might be interested in adding a new context menu entry to make this process even faster. By default, when you right-click in Windows Explorer, you'll see an option to create a new text document, but it's located under the "New" submenu. With a simple registry hack, you can add a new top-level entry to the context menu, allowing you to create a new text document with a single click.

Registry Hack

To add the new context menu entry, you'll need to modify the Windows registry. Before you begin, it's important to note that editing the registry can have serious consequences if done incorrectly, so proceed with caution. It's also a good idea to back up your registry before making any changes.

To add the new context menu entry, 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 key:
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.txt\shell
4. Right-click on the shell key and select New > Key.
5. Name the new key NewTextDocument.
6. Right-click on the NewTextDocument key and select New > Key.
7. Name the new key command.
8. In the right pane, double-click on the (Default) value and set the Value data to:
   notepad.exe %1

The new context menu entry should now be added to Windows Explorer. To test it, right-click in a folder and you should see the new option to create a new text document.

Removing the Context Menu Entry

If you decide you no longer want the new context menu entry, you can remove it by following these steps:

1. Open the Registry Editor as described above.
2. Navigate to the following key:
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.txt\shell\NewTextDocument
3. Right-click on the NewTextDocument key and select Delete.

The new context menu entry should now be removed from Windows Explorer.

Adding a new context menu entry for creating a new text document in Windows 10 is a simple registry hack that can save you time and make your workflow more efficient. Just remember to proceed with caution and back up your registry before making any changes. And if you ever want to remove the entry, the process is just as simple.

References

• How to Add “Open With” to Explorer’s Right-Click Menu with One Registry Hack
• Add “New Text Document” to context menu in Windows 10
• Pro tip: Add a new text document to the Windows 10 context menu