Get Windows 7 Desktop Context Menu in Vista, Add “Display Settings” and “Gadgets” Options

Windows 7 shows 2 extra options in Desktop context menu ( i.e. when you right-click on Desktop). The 2 extra options are:

Display Settings
Gadgets

"Display Settings" shows the graphics card settings page where you can change the monitor and resolution settings.

"Gadgets" opens the Add gadgets window so that you can add new gadgets to your sidebar.

Both options are quite useful and if you want to add them in Windows Vista, then you can follow this simple and easy tutorial.

After following this tutorial, you'll get following desktop context menu in Vista:

So here are the steps:

To Add "Display Settings" Option:

1. Type regedit in RUN or Startmenu Search box and press Enter. It'll open Registry Editor.

2. Now go to following key:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shell

3. Now we'll need to create a new key under "Shell" key. Right-click on "Shell" key and select "New -> Key". Give the new key name of "Display Settings" (without quotes).

4. Now we'll need to create another new key. Right-click on the new key which we created in the last step e.g. Display Settings and select "New -> Key". Give the new key name of command.

5. Now select "command" key and in right-side pane, you'll see "Default" String value. Double-click on it and set its value to as following:

control desk.cpl,,@display

6. That's it.

To Add "Gadgets" Option:

1. Type regedit in RUN or Startmenu Search box and press Enter. It'll open Registry Editor.

2. Now go to following key:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shell

3. Now we'll need to create a new key under "Shell" key. Right-click on "Shell" key and select "New -> Key". Give the new key name of "Gadgets" (without quotes).

4. Now we'll need to create another new key. Right-click on the new key which we created in the last step e.g. Gadgets and select "New -> Key". Give the new key name of command.

5. Now select "command" key and in right-side pane, you'll see "Default" String value. Double-click on it and set its value to as following:

C:\program files\windows sidebar\sidebar.exe /showgadgets

NOTE: If your Windows is installed in any other drive, then change C: to that drive letter.

6. That's it.

PS: If you want a ready-made script to do the task automatically, then download following ZIP file, extract it and then run the extracted REG file. It'll ask for confirmation, accept it:

Download Registry Script

NOTE: You can also add your favorite application shortcuts in Desktop context menu. Visit following tutorials:

Add Your Favorite Application Shortcut in Desktop Context Menu in Windows Vista

How to Add Aero ON / OFF Shortcuts in Desktop and My Computer Context Menu

How to Add Run, Search and Window Switcher aka Flip 3D in Desktop Context Menu in Windows Vista?

Add Device Manager, Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs Options in Desktop Context Menu in Windows Vista

This article was posted in Windows Vista.

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8 Comments

yoo

thx vishal we love you
goldi

Thanks VG. VG i have used ur registry script for iconised taskbar in my vista but i want to make it again as default. how can i do this??????????
VG

^^ The instructions to restore default settings are given in the same topic. You have to delete the newly created value.
nikoPSK

Can you add an icon to it? (in the dropdown menu)
VG

^^ Not possible.
nikoPSK

Aww. Thanks.
Poma

If I want to add "Change Wallpaper", how do I do?
Michael Higham

Thank you, Vishal! You're great!