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Fix: Right-Click Print is Missing in Windows 11 File Explorer
Set a compatible program as the default app
6 min. read
Updated onJuly 25, 2024
updated onJuly 25, 2024
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While most of us are used to troubleshooting issues with the connected printer, Windows, too, may sometimes complicate the situation. A few users reported that thePrintoption is missing from the right-click context menu in Windows 11.
The problem was present in the previous iterations as well, but given that Windows 11 is newer and many are still unaware of the intricacies, it affected a larger user base.
Why can’t I see the print option in File Explorer?
How do I add Print to right-click in Windows 11 File Explorer?
Before we start with the slightly complex solutions, try these quick ones first:
If none work, head to the fixes listed next.
1. Check the Show more options menu
Windows 11, in an effort to condense the context menu, has put some actions under theShow more optionssubmenu, includingPrint, which is the reason it’s missing from the right-click menu.
2. Change the file association (default apps)
Here are the default programs you should select to addPrintto the right-click menu in Windows 11 for different file extensions:
3. Disable Windows from automatically managing the default printer
4. Repair the corrupt system files
When thePrintright-click context menu option is missing in Windows 11, it could be thecorrupt system filesto blame. To fix things, you can eitherrun the DISM commandsand the SFC scan or, as a simple solution, use a repair tool to replace all malfunctioning files automatically with new versions.
5. Modify the Registry Editor
6. Uninstall recent Windows updates
7. Perform an in-place upgrade
An in-place upgrade helps when the problem is related to the software aspect. It will set everything back to default and replace the system files without affecting the stored data, both files and installed apps.
How do I get the old right-click context menu on Windows 11?
Since thePrintaction is moved to theShow more optionscontext menu in Windows 11 instead of the regular context menu, as was the case with the previous iterations, you may considerenabling the old right-click context menu.
It can be achieved through quick changes to the Registry and wouldn’t take more than a minute!
While Windows 11 does seem user-friendly, it’s problems like these that forced many toroll back to Windows 10. Microsoft should include thePrintaction in the right-click menu on Windows 11 and not force users to open another one for something this vital.
Before you leave, check how toinstall Print Management in Windows 11to effectively manage printers and print jobs.
For any queries or to share what worked for you, drop a comment below.
More about the topics:Printer,Windows 11
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
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