Adding Items to the "New" Context Menu

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated October 21, 2019)

If you right-click on an open area of the Desktop, you'll see a Context menu that includes the "New" menu item. By hovering your mouse over "New," a submenu appears, allowing you to create various items (e.g., a Microsoft Word document, a text document, etc.). (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1. The Desktop's 'New' menu before changes.

It's possible to add your own document types to the "New" menu if you don't mind editing the Registry.

As an example, let's say that I have an application that processes PNG files that have a special file extension of ".bdd". I therefore want to be able to right-click the Desktop and create a new .bdd file.

To do this, click the Start button, type "regedit" (without the quotes), and press Enter. This launches the Registry Editor. (See Figure 2.)

Figure 2. The Windows Registry Editor.

In the Registry Editor, navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT and create a new key named .bdd. Set the value of its (Default) to be Bdd.Document. Create a sub-key to .bdd named ShellNew. In ShellNew create two string items named ~NullFile and NullFile. They should be empty.

Navigate again to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT and create a new key named Bdd.Document. Set the value of its (Default) to be JPEG File. Create a sub-key under Bdd.Document named DefaultIcon and set the value of its (Default) to be the file name of the icon you want to appear in the New menu. Exit the Registry Editor.

You may need to reboot or at least restart Explorer, but after you do, you'll have a new item listed in the Desktop's New menu. (See Figure 3.)

Figure 3. The Desktop's 'New' menu after changes.

 This tip (5836) applies to Windows 7, 8, and 10.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 35 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer. He is currently a software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. When not working with Windows or writing Tips, Barry is an amateur writer. His first non-fiction book is titled "A Chronological Commentary of Revelation." ...

MORE FROM BARRY

Using Desktop Themes

Desktop themes allow you to quickly and easily personalize your system so that what you see and hear while working can be ...

Discover More

Using an On-Screen Keyboard

For people who find it difficult to use a mechanical keyboard, the on-screen keyboard may provide an acceptable ...

Discover More

Understanding Windows Aero

Windows Aero, first introduced with Windows Vista, provides a nice visual experience when working on your computer. And ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Turn Off/On Window Snap

Windows allows for a system window to "snap" to certain areas of your screen. You can easily turn this feature on or off.

Discover More

Changing Behavior for Audio CDs

When you place an audio CD in you PC, Windows attempts to play the CD, by default. If you don't want Windows to behave in ...

Discover More

Disable the "Get even more out of Windows" Message

Concerned or bothered by the "Get even more out of Windows" or "Welcome to Windows" full-screen notifications? With a ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is six more than 0?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.