Open with Claude Code - Windows Context Menu Extension

This extension adds "Open with Claude Code" to your Windows right-click context menu, allowing you to quickly launch Claude Code in any folder.

Installation

1. Prerequisites: Make sure you have Claude Code installed and the claude command is available in your PATH.

2. Install the context menu:

   • Right-click on add_context_menu.reg
   • Select "Merge" or "Open with Registry Editor"
   • Click "Yes" when prompted to add the entries to the registry

Usage

After installation, you can:

• Right-click on any folder and select "Open with Claude Code"
• Right-click in an empty area of File Explorer and select "Open with Claude Code"

Windows 11 Context Menu Behavior

Important: On Windows 11, the "Open with Claude Code" option appears in the legacy context menu under "Show more options". This is because:

• Windows 11's modern context menu requires proper shell extensions with app identity (like PowerToys uses)
• Our registry-based approach works with the traditional context menu system
• Microsoft prioritizes apps with proper packaging/identity in the modern menu

To access the option on Windows 11:

1. Right-click on a folder
2. Click "Show more options"
3. Select "Open with Claude Code"

Alternatively, use Shift+F10 to directly open the legacy context menu.

Files

• add_context_menu.reg - Registry entries for the context menu with custom Claude icon
• remove_context_menu.reg - Uninstaller script
• claude.ico - Custom Claude icon for the context menu
• open_with_claude.bat - Optional batch script helper

Uninstallation

To remove the context menu entries:

1. Right-click on remove_context_menu.reg
2. Select "Merge" to remove the registry entries

Future Enhancements

• Modern Windows 11 Context Menu: Implement proper IExplorerCommand shell extension for direct integration with Windows 11's modern context menu (requires C++ development and app packaging)

Troubleshooting

• If the menu doesn't appear, try restarting Windows Explorer (Ctrl+Shift+Esc → End Task on Windows Explorer → File → Run new task → explorer.exe)
• Ensure the claude command works in Command Prompt by typing claude --version
• On Windows 11, look under "Show more options" if you don't see the menu item immediately