How to Add or Remove Extract All from context menu for ZIP files in Windows 11

If you have a ZIP file on your Windows 11/10 PC and you right-click on it, you will see the Extract All option to get data from inside a compressed folder, but some users will want to know how to add everything from the context menu for ZIP files in Windows 11.

Here's a consolidated guide on how to add or remove the "Extract All" option from the context menu for ZIP files in Windows 11, combining the strengths of both responses and addressing potential risks:

How to Add or Remove Extract All from context menu for ZIP files in Windows 11
Adding or Removing "Extract All" for ZIP Files in Windows 11

Want to control how ZIP files appear in your right-click context menu? Here's how to add or remove the "Extract All" option:

Removing "Extract All":

Back Up Your Registry (Important): Modifying the registry can affect your system. Before proceeding, it's crucial to create a backup following Microsoft's official guide https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/topic/how-to-back-up-and-restore-the-registry-in-windows-855140ad-e318-2a13-2829-d428a2ab0692.

Open Registry Editor: Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter. Click "Yes" if prompted by User Account Control (UAC).

Navigate to the Key: Locate the following path in the Registry Editor:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CompressedFolder\ShellEx\ContextMenuHandlers

Find the Extract All Key: Look for a subkey named {b8cdcb65-b1bf-4b42-9428-1dfdb7ee92af}. This key controls the "Extract All" option.

Modify the Key (Two Options):

Renaming: Right-click the {b8cdcb65-b1bf-4b42-9428-1dfdb7ee92af} key and select "Rename." Add a few letters or rename it entirely. This disables "Extract All" but allows easy restoration by renaming it back.

Deleting (Caution): Right-click the key and select "Delete." Confirm the deletion. This permanently removes "Extract All." Use this option with caution as accidental deletions can cause system instability.

Restart Your PC: Changes take effect after a system restart.

Adding "Extract All" Back:

If you removed "Extract All" by renaming, simply rename it back to its original name {b8cdcb65-b1bf-4b42-9428-1dfdb7ee92af}.

Alternative Method (Not Recommended):

Some guides suggest creating a new registry key. However, this method carries a higher risk of errors. It's generally safer to use the renaming method described above.

Remember: Always back up your registry before making any modifications. If you're unsure about manual editing, consider using a third-party tool specifically designed for managing context menus (use such tools at your own risk).

Thus we come to the end of our article on How to add everything from the context menu for ZIP files in Windows 11, hoping that it has been of maximum help so that you can achieve your goal.