Exit the Open-Shell menu to compare behavior with the standard Windows interface. To stop it returning at the next sign-in for your account, change the per-user startup option separately. Exiting a running menu and uninstalling the software are different actions.
What to do
- Save your open work and export the current settings when testing a problem. Note exactly what fails before disabling the menu.
- Open the Open-Shell Start-button context menu and choose Exit. Test the corresponding Windows action again without changing other software.
- For a longer comparison, open General Behavior and disable Start automatically for this user. Sign out and back in to test the result.
- Re-enable the startup option and launch Open-Shell from its installed shortcut when the comparison is complete.
Check the result
Repeat the same action with the menu active and inactive. If the problem persists unchanged, investigate Windows or another installed extension rather than assuming Open-Shell is the cause.
Limits & precautions
Exiting the menu component does not necessarily remove a separately installed Explorer extension from its host process. Test components independently and restart when needed.
Questions & answers
Will Exit uninstall the program?
No. It stops the menu for the session; installation remains.
Why did it return after sign-in?
The per-user automatic-start option may still be enabled.
Sources & scope
Documentation checked October 30, 2026. These instructions are documentation-led, not a claim of hands-on testing on your Windows build.