Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Have you ever wondered how you can customize Windows to your liking? One of the easiest ways to do this is to use REG files. These files allow you to intervene deeply in the system and personalize it in a variety of ways - from new context menu entries to extensive system changes.
For detailed instructions and an explanation of all configuration options, I recommend the YouTube video linked below. In this video, every single setting is explained in detail so that you receive comprehensive instructions for the exact setup. You can find any code from the video in this article so that you can use it directly without having to type it in.
Preparations: What are REG files?
REG files are simple text files that contain registry commands. When you execute these files, they are loaded into the Windows registry and can thus customize your system in a variety of ways. They are particularly useful for making changes that are not possible via the graphical user interface.
Many customizations already prefabricated: The ElevenForum REG files
A great resource for pre-built REG files is ElevenForum. On this platform, you'll find countless tutorials and REG files to help you customize Windows quickly and efficiently. Whether you want to extend the context menu, optimize the Windows search or unlock hidden functions - here you will find many solutions that you can easily download and use.
Create your own REG files
However, you can also create REG files yourself to make your Windows even more individual. Maybe you want to add specific programs to the context menu or make hidden functions directly accessible. Creating your own REG files is relatively easy - and even ChatGPT can help you! Just specify what you want to change and you'll get the codes you need to integrate them into a REG file.
Add context menu entries
A particularly practical use of REG files is to add your own entries to the context menu. For example, you can call up shortcuts to programs, folders or even scripts directly by right-clicking on a file or the desktop. Here is a simple example of how you can add your own entry with a REG file:
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shell\MyEntry]
@="My program"
"Icon"="C:\\Pfad\\zu\\Icon.ico"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shell\MyEntry\command]
@="\"C:\\Pfad\\zu\\Programm.exe\""Use this file to add a new "My program" context menu entry that starts a specific program. You can adjust the path to your desired program and the icon file.
Customizations as you need them
Everyone wants their Windows system to be individual. Some people like their taskbar larger and left-aligned, others smaller and centered. You can create REG files and use them directly in combination with your own Windows installation and configure the system the way you need or want it. Read my article on this Create your own Windows installation - Windows the way you want it through.
Example 1: Adding a reboot to the BIOS from the desktop context menu
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell\Firmware]
"Icon"="bootux.dll,-1016"
"MUIVerb"="Boot to UEFI Firmware Settings"
"Position"="Top"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell\Firmware\command]
@="powershell -windowstyle hidden -command \"Start-Process cmd -ArgumentList '/s,/c,shutdown /r /fw' -Verb runAs\""Example 2: Adding switching off the screen in the desktop context menu
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell\TurnOffDisplay]
"Icon"="imageres.dll,-109"
"MUIVerb"="Turn off display"
"Position"="Bottom"
"SubCommands"=""
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell\TurnOffDisplay\shell]
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell\TurnOffDisplay\shell\01menu]
"Icon"="powercpl.dll,-513"
"MUIVerb"="Turn off display"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell\TurnOffDisplay\shell\01menu\command]
@="cmd /c \"powershell.exe -Command \"(Add-Type '[DllImport(\\\"user32.dll\\\")]public static extern int SendMessage(int hWnd,int hMsg,int wParam,int lParam);' -Name a -Pas)::SendMessage(-1,0x0112,0xF170,2)\"\""
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell\TurnOffDisplay\shell\02menu]
"MUIVerb"="Lock computer and Turn off display"
"CommandFlags"=dword:00000020
"Icon"="imageres.dll,-59"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell\TurnOffDisplay\shell\02menu\command]
@="cmd /c \"powershell.exe -Command \"(Add-Type '[DllImport(\\\"user32.dll\\\")]public static extern int SendMessage(int hWnd,int hMsg,int wParam,int lParam);' -Name a -Pas)::SendMessage(-1,0x0112,0xF170,2)\" & rundll32.exe user32.dll, LockWorkStation\""Example 3: Activate this PC icon on desktop (per user)
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\HideDesktopIcons\NewStartPanel]
"{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}"=dword:00000000You can also see all the examples live and in action in my YouTube video linked below.
Further tips for creating REG files
- Take safety precautionsBefore you run REG files on your system, make sure that you make a backup of your registry. REG files change system-critical settings, and it's always good to be on the safe side.
- Undoing changesIf something goes wrong or you no longer need a customization, you can also delete the created REG file or undo the changes with a new file.
- ChatGPT as supportIf you don't know exactly how to implement certain changes, ChatGPT can help you with concrete code examples and explanations. Simply enter your request and you will receive customized answers.
YouTube video implementation
Conclusion
REG files are a powerful way to customize Windows to your liking. While ready-made solutions such as those from ElevenForum can do a lot of work for you, REG files also give you full control to design Windows exactly the way you want it. And if you get stuck, ChatGPT is always a practical help to turn your ideas into functional REG files.
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