Windows' context menu – the one that appears when you right-click on files and folder in Explorer and on the desktop – includes various entries that provide you with easy access to numerous options. But the menu can be made so much more useful with the help of Shell Tools.

This handy free utility lets you add numerous useful shortcuts to the menu so you have access to even more tools and option in just a couple of clicks. When you first launch the program, you'll be given the opportunity to enable it for all users or just the account that you're currently logged into – and then you're ready to get started with customisation.

Shell Tools has a very simple, single screen interface which lets you personalise the context menu with very little effort. Different options are available for different types of file; for instance, in the case of image file, you can option to add an entry to quickly resize the image, while in the case fonts, an install/uninstall option can be added.

There are some options – copy path, copy size and notes – that can be added to the context menu for all files types, while others apply only to folders. To prevent your context menu from becoming too lengthy and wieldy, you can opt to have certain option hidden unless you hold down the Shift key as you right click a files or folder. This is a great way to keep things neat and tidy, while ensuring that you still have access to everything you need.

While the tool is compatible with Windows 7, 8 and 10, there is the option to map folders to Windows Sandbox which is only available in Windows 10.