Context-menus or often referred to as the right-click menus are of great significance. They come packed with several useful and specific options. And they are extensible as well. You can add your specific items/entries to it. Follow the steps given below to customize the context-menu to add “Open with Notepad” option for all file-types. This allows you to quickly right-click any file-type and openit up with Notepad. This trick also comes handy for opening unknown file-types with Notepad or any other application of your preference.

1. Type regedit in Start Menu search box.
2. Locate HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT > * > shell.
3. Right-click shell and select New > Key.
4. Rename the key to Open with Notepad.
5. Create a new key below Open with Notepad (Right-click “Open with Notepad” and select New > Key) and call it command.
6. Change the default value of command to notepad.exe %1 (Select “command”, double-click “Default” in right pane and provide the value).
7. Right-click any file to examine the item “Open with Notepad”.

You can add any item to the context-menu in the same way.

If you are extra cautious about making changes to the registry, simply download the Registry Script provided here. The download contains a zip file. Extract the file and double-click it. Click “Yes” to confirm your act and the key will be automatically added to the registry editor.

Click here to download Registry Script

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