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Windows Utilities & Tweaks

A comprehensive collection of Windows registry tweaks, scripts, and utilities to enhance productivity and customize your Windows experience. These tools help you automate tasks, customize context menus, and streamline your workflow.

⚠️ Important: Always backup your registry before making modifications. Most tweaks require administrator privileges.


📋 Table of Contents


🚀 Quick Start

  1. Browse the tweaks in the sections below
  2. Navigate to the specific folder for detailed instructions
  3. Read the README in each folder before applying changes
  4. Create a system restore point before making registry modifications
  5. Follow the installation steps carefully

Prerequisites

  • Windows 10 or Windows 11
  • Administrator privileges (for most tweaks)
  • Basic understanding of Windows Registry (recommended)

✨ Features Overview

This repository provides solutions for:

  • Productivity Enhancement - Keyboard shortcuts, quick file creation, taskbar shortcuts
  • Context Menu Customization - Add, remove, or modify right-click menu options
  • Command Line Tools - Quick access to elevated command prompts and PowerShell
  • File Management - Streamlined file creation and path handling
  • System Navigation - Direct access to special Windows folders and settings

📂 Available Tweaks

File Creation & Management

Create new text files instantly with Ctrl + Alt + N in any File Explorer window.

Features:

  • Multiple versions (basic, auto-open, with dialogs)
  • Support for custom file extensions (.md, .js, .py, etc.)
  • Automatic duplicate handling
  • No software installation required

Best for: Developers, writers, and power users who frequently create new files


Add "Create Markdown File" to your right-click context menu.

Features:

  • One-click .md file creation
  • No popup dialogs
  • Automatic duplicate numbering
  • Appears at the top of context menu

Best for: Documentation writers, developers using Markdown


Adds a context menu option to copy file paths without quotes.

Features:

  • Complements Windows' built-in "Copy as path"
  • Saves time by eliminating manual quote removal
  • Customizable menu position

Best for: Command line users, developers, system administrators


Context Menu Customization

Execute Python scripts directly from File Explorer.

Features:

  • One-click script execution
  • Command window stays open to view output
  • Works with Python Launcher (py.exe)
  • Doesn't change default file associations

Best for: Python developers, data scientists


Add "Run with PowerShell (Admin)" to .ps1 file context menu.

Features:

  • Two installation options (machine-wide or per-user)
  • UAC shield icon for visual clarity
  • Uses .NET Registry API for reliable installation
  • Bypasses execution policy restrictions

Best for: System administrators, DevOps engineers, PowerShell users


Comprehensive guide to customizing Windows 11 context menus.

Features:

  • Multiple methods (LegacyDisable, Blocked CLSIDs, rename keys)
  • Complete registry location reference
  • Windows 11 modern vs legacy menu handling
  • Common CLSID list for blocking unwanted items

Best for: Users wanting a cleaner, faster context menu


Command Line Enhancements

Open elevated Command Prompt directly from File Explorer's address bar.

Features:

  • Type acmd in any folder's address bar
  • Opens CMD as Administrator in current directory
  • Also includes PowerShell (aps) and Windows Terminal (atr) variants
  • No more navigating from System32

Best for: Developers, system administrators, power users


System Shortcuts & Navigation

Convert keyboard shortcuts into clickable taskbar icons (PowerToys OCR example).

Features:

  • Works with any keyboard shortcut
  • Silent VBScript + PowerShell execution
  • Includes virtual key code reference
  • Example: PowerToys OCR (Win + Shift + T)

Best for: Users who prefer mouse clicks over keyboard shortcuts


Quick access guide to special Windows folders using shell: commands.

Features:

  • Access hidden system folders instantly
  • Manage startup applications
  • Customize Start Menu and Send To menu
  • Enable "GodMode" for advanced settings

Best for: System customization, troubleshooting, backup tasks


Windows Explorer Customization

Make File Explorer open to your preferred folder by default.

Features:

  • Works with both Win + E and taskbar icon
  • Updated for latest Windows 11 builds
  • Easy customization via .reg file or Registry Editor
  • Based on Shawn Brink's original tweak

Best for: Users who work primarily in specific folders


🛠️ Installation Guide

General Installation Steps

  1. Create a System Restore Point

    • Press Win + R, type sysdm.cpl, press Enter
    • Go to "System Protection" tab → Click "Create"
  2. Choose Your Tweak

    • Navigate to the specific folder in this repository
    • Read the README file thoroughly
  3. Follow Specific Instructions

    • Each tweak has detailed installation steps
    • Some require .reg files, others use scripts or manual registry edits
  4. Restart Windows Explorer (if needed)

    • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc (Task Manager)
    • Find "Windows Explorer" → Right-click → Restart
  5. Test the Changes

    • Verify the tweak works as expected
    • Check for any conflicts with existing software

🔧 Troubleshooting

Changes Not Taking Effect

  1. Restart Windows Explorer

    taskkill /f /im explorer.exe && start explorer.exe
  2. Clear Icon Cache

    • Delete %localappdata%\IconCache.db
    • Restart Windows Explorer
  3. Full System Restart

    • Some changes require a complete reboot

Common Issues

Problem Solution
Registry permission denied Run Registry Editor as Administrator
Script doesn't execute Check file paths and permissions
Context menu item not showing Verify registry entries, restart Explorer
Changes revert after update Reapply the tweak after Windows updates
UAC prompts not appearing Check User Account Control settings

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Custom Windows tweaks, tools and shortcuts and I made for productivity and automation

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