Windows populates the "New" context menu option with a variety of choices that let you quickly create a brand new file. This is great for convenience and the menu typically includes things like new folders, text editors, Microsoft Office file types, and even archives.

Some programs will add themselves to the New context menu upon installation. But sometimes, things go wrong and you might be missing some of these items. If you’ve noticed that the option to create a new text document has vanished from your list, here’s what you can do.

How to Restore the "Create New Text Document to Windows Context Menu

Before you proceed, know that this involves editing the Windows registry. Be sure you know how to back up your registry before changing anything there, in case things go wrong and you have to retrieve registry information.

If you’re ready to restore the "create new text document" option in the Windows context menu, follow these steps.

  1. Open the Windows registry. You can do this either by clicking on the Windows Start menu and typing “registry” to open the Registry Editor app, or by pressing Win + R and typing “regedit.”
  2. Navigate to and expand the following folder in the registry: 
            HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\New\
    The New key (or folder) holds information for the New context menu.
  3. If this folder doesn’t exist, create it by selecting ContextMenuHandlers, right-clicking in the open space in the right panel, and selecting New > Key.
  4. In the folder/key named New, you should have a String named (Default) with value data as follows: 
            {D969A300-E7FF-11d0-A93B-00A0C90F2719}
  5. Delete the string, then follow the steps below to recreate it. If you don’t have this string or its value data is different, you will have to create the string and enter its value data.
  6. Do this by right-clicking in the blank space on the right panel of the New folder/key and selecting New > String. Name the new string (Default) – with the parenthesis – and edit its value data, copying and pasting the above value data into the field.
  7. Close out of the registry editor.
  8. Restart Windows Explorer.

This should restore your New context menu in File explorer, and the new text document item with it.

Stay Secure When Editing the Registry

A registry gone awry can create a frustrating situation, but there are oftentimes quick and easy solutions to getting your Windows 10 PC running as you want it. As long as you follow certain bearings to keep yourself safe, that is.