How to Enable / Disable “New -> Shortcut” Item in Windows Context Menu?

Many system administrators or home users want to restrict a few things from other users for security purposes. Creation of “New Shortcut” is one of them.

Many times we restrict drive access but sometimes it might be accessible using “New -> Shortcut” menu.

So here I’ll tell you a simple method to disable “New -> Shortcut” menu, so that no one will be able to create a new shortcut anywhere in your system.

The method to disable “New -> Shortcut” menu is different for Windows XP and newer Windows versions. So I’ll tell both of them one by one. The method for Windows XP will also work for older Windows versions such as Windows NT, 98, Me, 2000 and 2003. The second method will work for Windows Vista and later OS.

Disable “New -> Shortcut” Menu in Windows XP:

1. Type regedit in RUN dialog box and press Enter. Now go to:

2. In right-side pane, you’ll see a string value “Command“. Double-click on it and delete the complete string from “Value data” box.

3. That’s it. Now whenever a user will try to create “New -> Shortcut”, Windows will show following error message:

And the process will create an empty file “New Shortcut” which you can delete later.

Disable “New -> Shortcut” Menu in Windows Vista and Later:

1. Type regedit in RUN dialog box and press Enter. Now go to:

2. Now delete the “Shellnew” key.

3. That’s it. It’ll completely remove “Shortcut” item from “New” menu:

NOTE: If you want to restore the “New -> Shortcut” menu and its functionality, then download the appropriate ZIP file, extract it and run the extracted .REG file. It’ll revert back to default settings:

Also Check:

• How to Add or Remove Items from “New” Context Menu in Windows?
• How to Restore Missing “New” or “New Folder” Option in Windows Context Menu?