Windows 11 Mysteriously Removing 'New Text Document' Context Menu

Windows 11 Mysteriously Removing "New Text Document" Context Menu Explorer Option

In the past couple of months, some Windows 11 users have reported an issue where the "New Text Document" context menu option in the File Explorer has disappeared randomly. This article will cover the possible reasons for this issue and provide solutions to restore the missing option.

Context Menu and its Importance

The context menu, also known as the right-click menu, is a crucial part of the Windows operating system. It provides quick access to various options and functions related to the selected item or file. The "New Text Document" option in the File Explorer context menu allows users to create a new text file quickly.

Reasons for the Issue

There are several possible reasons for the "New Text Document" option to disappear from the File Explorer context menu in Windows 11. Some of the common reasons include:

• Registry modification or corruption
• Third-party software interference
• System file corruption
• Windows updates

Solutions to Restore the Option

Here are some solutions to restore the "New Text Document" option in the File Explorer context menu in Windows 11:

Method 1: Modify the Registry

The registry is a database that stores low-level settings for the Windows operating system. Modifying the registry can solve various issues, including the missing "New Text Document" option. However, modifying the registry can be risky, and it is recommended to back up the registry before making any changes.

To modify the registry, follow these steps:

1. Press 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 path:
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell\Notepad

   If the Notepad key does not exist, create it by right-clicking on the shell key, selecting New > Key, and naming it Notepad.

4. Right-click on the Notepad key and select New > Key. Name the new key command.
5. Double-click on the (Default) value in the right pane and set the value data to %SystemRoot%\system32 otepad.exe.
6. Close the Registry Editor and restart the computer.

Method 2: Use a Third-Party Software

There are several third-party software available that can restore the missing "New Text Document" option in the File Explorer context menu. One such software is ShellMenuView by NirSoft.

To use ShellMenuView, follow these steps:

1. Download and install ShellMenuView from the NirSoft website.
2. Launch ShellMenuView and locate the New Text Document option in the list.
3. Right-click on the New Text Document option and select Enable Context Menu Item.
4. Close ShellMenuView and restart the computer.

Method 3: Use the System File Checker

The System File Checker is a built-in tool in Windows that can scan for and restore corrupted system files. To use the System File Checker, follow these steps:

1. Press Windows key + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
3. Wait for the scan to complete and restart the computer.

Method 4: Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot can help identify and solve issues caused by third-party software. To perform a clean boot, follow these steps:

1. Press Windows key + R and type msconfig. Press Enter.
2. Go to the Services tab and check the Hide all Microsoft services option.
3. Click Disable all.
4. Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
5. Disable all startup items in the Task Manager.
6. Close the Task Manager and click OK in the System Configuration window.
7. Restart the computer.

References

• How to restore the 'New Text Document' option in Windows 11 File Explorer context menu
• ShellMenuView
• How to Use the System File Checker to Repair Windows Components
• How to perform a clean boot in Windows