On Windows 11, you can restrict access to the Registry in at least two ways using the Group Policy Editor and, ironically, with the Registry Editor, and here's how.

Learn how to show or hide file icon overlay on thumbnails in Windows 11/10 using File Explorer Options and Registry Editor.

Permanently enable the classic context menu Using the Registry Editor If you want the classic-style context menu to be the default going forward, you can do this by modifying the Windows registry.

How to restore "Edit with Paint" in Windows 11 The changes above are not permanent, and you can restore the "Edit with Paint" option at any time. Here is how to do it: Open Windows Registry Editor.