If you’ve recently upgraded to Windows 11, you may have noticed a change in the context menu when you right-click on a file or folder. Previously, in Windows 10, the “Open with Code” option was readily available, allowing you to quickly open files in Visual Studio Code. However, in Windows 11, this option has moved to the “Show more options” submenu, adding an extra step to the process. This can be frustrating for coders and developers who rely on quick access to their tools. In this guide, we’ll look into several methods to bring back the “Open with Code” option directly to the main context menu in Windows 11.
Also see: How to Customize Right-Click Menu in Windows 11
Update Visual Studio Code to the latest version
The first and simplest solution is to update Visual Studio Code to the latest version. The developers have addressed this issue in recent updates, and the “Open with Code” option should now appear directly in the main context menu of Windows 11. To ensure this works, follow these steps:
- Open Visual Studio Code, go to the “Help” menu, and select “Check for Updates.” If an update is available, follow the prompts to install it.
- If updating doesn’t work, try uninstalling and then reinstalling Visual Studio Code. You can download the latest version from the official website.
- Also make sure your Windows 11 is up to date. Go to “Settings” > “Windows Update” and check for any available updates. Install them if necessary.
Update: You may need to install the Insider version for this to work. Apparently, the changes seem to be still in a testing phase and are not yet available to the public. Otherwise, try updating both your Windows 11 and Visual Studio Code to the latest versions to see if the option to add “Open with Code” to the main context menu is already available.
Related resource: How to Uninstall VS Code and All Extensions Completely
Use Shift + Right-click instead
If updating Visual Studio Code doesn’t resolve the issue, you can use a simple workaround to access the full context menu without navigating through the “Show more options” submenu. By holding the Shift key while right-clicking on a file or folder, you can bypass the new Windows 11 context menu and bring up the classic full context menu, which includes the “Open with Code” option. Here’s how to do it:
- Open File Explorer and navigate to the file or folder you want to open in Visual Studio Code.
- Press and hold the Shift key on your keyboard, then right-click on the item. This will bring up the full context menu directly.
- Look for the “Open with Code” option in the context menu and click it to open the file or folder in Visual Studio Code.
This method is a quick and easy way to access the “Open with Code” option without any modifications to your system. It’s especially useful if you’re looking for a temporary solution or prefer not to make changes to your Windows settings.
Pro tip: How to Remove Items from Right-Click Menu in Windows 11
Use a third-party context menu editor
For those looking for a more permanent fix without much tech savvy required, consider using a third-party context menu editor. One such tool is the “Custom Context Menu” editor available in the Microsoft Store. It allows you to customize and add entries to your context menu without diving into your system’s registry.
Simply search for “Custom Context Menu” in the Microsoft Store and install it. Open the app and follow its instructions to add the “Open with Code” command to your context menu. This app has a user-friendly interface and clear instructions to guide you through the process.
Alternatively, you can check out its open-source GitHub repository at https://github.com/ikas-mc/ContextMenuForWindows11 for more information about the app. You can also download it from there.
Final thoughts
The absence of the “Open with Code” option in the main context menu of Windows 11 has been a notable inconvenience for many developers and coders. This change has added an extra step to their workflow, impacting their efficiency. However, there’s good news on the horizon. The insider version of Windows 11 suggests that an update is in the works, which could bring this much-needed option back to the main context menu.
While it’s currently in the testing phase and not yet available to the public, it’s a promising sign that Microsoft is listening to user feedback and working on solutions to improve the user experience. For now, users can employ the various workarounds discussed, but it’s worth keeping an eye out for the upcoming update that might streamline the coding process once again.