Context Menu Cleaner

In order for some functions to be accessed in a couple of seconds, Windows made it possible for third-party applications to integrate entries in your default context menu. Although not all of them can do this, the context menu can easily become a crowded space. This is exactly the purpose why programs like Context Menu Cleaner were created.

The name couldn’t be any more self-explanatory. As such, you find that the core function is to trace context menu entries right to the host registry, show it to you, and let you decide whether or not you want it removed. What’s more, the application doesn’t even have to be installed on your computer, which means you can easily carry it around on an USB flash drive.

When it’s launched, the main window pops up, initially showing just a large empty space. This is the place where results are shown, with several management options. Before you are able to make use of the Search button, you first need to fill in the text field next to it with a word that’s found in the context menu, so that it can be traced.

Note that the application isn’t meant for everyone, because improper management of the system registries can lead to an unstable operating system, or worse. Initiating the search process can keep you waiting for a little while, because the system registry is more crowded than all of your desktops are ever going to be.

Results are shown as encountered in the system registry. You see the whole path, as well as a small selection box next to each, in case there are more entries you want to remove at a time. There’s also a backup function which is best used before anything else.

Unfortunately, the application hasn’t received any updates in quite some time now, and chances are it’s not going to run as expected on newer Windows iterations. Even with compatibility settings enabled, you can still encounter various issues.

Bottom line is that by now your context menu is sure to have more entries than the one Windows provides, and utilities like Context Menu Cleaner are more than welcome. Although it’s not new on the block, it provides an advanced approach on context menu management, which might not appeal to everyone. Sadly, more individuals might look for alternatives, as the old code is not fully compatible with new Windows versions.