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How to Implement Custom Verbs for Folders through Desktop.ini

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In Windows 7 and later, you can add verbs to a folder by using Desktop.ini. For more information about Desktop.ini files, see How to Customize Folders with Desktop.ini.

Note

Desktop.ini files should always be marked System + Hidden so they won't be displayed to users.

 

To add custom verbs for folders through a Desktop.ini file, perform the following steps.

Instructions

Step 1:

Create a folder that is marked Read-only or System.

Step 2:

Create a Desktop.ini file that includes a [.ShellClassInfo] DirectoryClass=Folder ProgID.

Step 3:

In the registry, create HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder ProgID with a value of CanUseForDirectory. The CanUseForDirectory value avoids the misuse of ProgIDs that are set not to participate in implementing custom verbs for folders through Desktop.ini.

Step 4:

Add verbs under the Folder ProgID subkey, for example:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
   CustomFolderType
      Shell
         MyVerb
            command
               (Default) = %SystemRoot%\system32\notepad.exe %1\desktop.ini

Remarks

Note

These verbs can be the default verbs, in which case double-clicking the folder activates the verb.