How to Enable the Windows Terminal Right-Click Menu in Windows 11 (Plus Add “Open in Terminal (Admin)” to File Explorer)
How to Enable the Windows Terminal Right-Click Menu in Windows 11 (and Add “Open in Terminal (Admin)” to File Explorer)
Windows Terminal has become the default command-line experience in Windows 11, bringing together PowerShell, Command Prompt, Azure Cloud Shell, and custom shells in one powerful interface. But many users don’t realize that Terminal includes an optional right-click context menu—one that makes everyday tasks much easier.
Enabling it takes only a few seconds, and you can go even further by adding an “Open in Terminal (Admin)” option directly to File Explorer’s right-click menu. This allows you to instantly launch an elevated Terminal session from any folder.
This guide walks you through both improvements step by step.
Why Enable the Right-Click Menu in Windows Terminal?
By default, Terminal doesn’t show a menu when you right-click inside the window. Once enabled, the menu gives you quick access to actions such as:
- Paste
- Copy
- Select All
- Open new tab
- Open new pane
- Switch profiles
- Resize splits
- Close tab
It makes Terminal feel more intuitive, especially if you’re used to the right-click behavior of older command-line tools.
How to Turn On the Right-Click Menu in Windows Terminal
The setting is easy to miss, so here’s a clear walk-through.
1. Open Windows Terminal
You can launch it from the Start menu or by right-clicking the Start button.
Tip: Right-click Windows Terminal and choose Run as administrator for added control.
2. Open the Settings Menu
At the top of Terminal, next to the + (new tab) button, click the small down arrow.
Choose Settings from the dropdown list.
3. Change the Default Profile Settings
On the left sidebar, under Profiles, click Defaults.
This ensures your changes apply across all Terminal shells.
4. Open the Advanced Settings
Scroll down until you see the Advanced section.
Click it to expand additional options.
5. Enable the Right-Click Menu
Find “Display a menu on right-click” and turn the switch ON.
6. Save Your Changes
Click Save in the bottom-right corner.
From now on, right-clicking anywhere inside Windows Terminal will show a full context menu with useful shortcuts.
Add “Open in Terminal (Admin)” to the File Explorer Right-Click Menu
If you frequently work in elevated shells, this improvement is a game changer. Instead of opening Terminal, navigating to the folder, then elevating—one click opens Terminal directly where you are with full admin rights.
This requires a small registry tweak.
Step 1: Download the Registry File
Download a pre-built .REG file from a trusted source like ElevenForum.
These files automate the process of adding the menu entry.
Step 2: Allow the File to Download
Your browser may ask for confirmation—approve it so the file is saved.
Step 3: Run the .REG File
Double-click the file.
Windows will prompt you with warnings.
Step 4: Accept All Prompts
Click Yes or Accept on all confirmation dialogs.
This adds the required entries to the Windows Registry.
There’s nothing else to configure—the menu option appears immediately.
What You’ll See After Applying the Fix
Right-clicking inside a folder or on empty space in File Explorer will now show:
- Open in Terminal
- Open in Terminal (Admin)
- Sometimes profile-specific entries like PowerShell or Command Prompt, depending on the tweak
This is especially useful for:
- IT professionals
- Developers
- System administrators
- Power users
- Anyone who needs elevated access in specific folders
Why These Tweaks Matter
These changes don’t just add convenience—they streamline daily work:
- Faster switching between directories
- Quick access to admin shells
- Easier navigation when working with scripts
- Better workflow when managing files and automation
- A Terminal experience that feels complete instead of limited
Windows Terminal is powerful, but with these two simple tweaks, it becomes far more efficient and user-friendly.
Final Thoughts
Windows Terminal is one of the best command-line upgrades Windows has ever introduced. By enabling its hidden right-click menu and adding administrative options to File Explorer, you unlock features that make it easier to use, faster to navigate, and more practical for real-world IT work.
