MenuShowDelay: the default value and the fastest setting that still works

WindowsFreeUndo: YesUpdated View as Markdown

Short answer

Updated

MenuShowDelay is how long Windows waits before it opens a submenu when you hover over it, 400 ms by default. This tweak sets it to 20 ms. In the registry it sets MenuShowDelay to 20 under HKCU\Control Panel\Desktop.

In the app
Remove Menu DelayFREE
Registry

HKCUControl Panel\Desktop

MenuShowDelayYour previous value20

What the switch writes. Your current value may differ.

What it does

MenuShowDelay is how long Windows waits before it opens a submenu when you hover over it, 400 ms by default. This tweak sets it to 20 ms.

In the app the switch is called "Remove Menu Delay", described there as: Cuts the 400 ms wait before menus open to 20 ms (sign out to apply).

When it helps, and when it hurts

When it helps

  • Menus that open as soon as you point at them, which makes the desktop feel quicker.

When it hurts

  • With a very low value, submenus open when you merely pass over them. That is why the tweak uses 20 and not 0.
  • It changes how the desktop feels, not how games run. Sign out once to apply.

What it writes

Exactly what the switch changes, read from the app's source. Switching it off is what the app writes when you turn the tweak off again.

Registry values the switch writes.
Key and valueWith the tweakSwitching it off
HKCUControl Panel\DesktopMenuShowDelay20Your previous valueSaved before the change, or deleted if there was none.Windows default: 400.

From the app's source (pack_extra.hpp), app 2.0.0, checked .

The same change by hand

You do not need the app for this one. These commands make the changes from the table above. Run them in a Command Prompt opened as administrator, and make a restore point first.

Make the change · CMD
reg add "HKCU\Control Panel\Desktop" /v "MenuShowDelay" /t REG_SZ /d "20" /f
Put it back · CMD
reg add "HKCU\Control Panel\Desktop" /v "MenuShowDelay" /t REG_SZ /d "400" /f
See what it is set to now · CMD
reg query "HKCU\Control Panel\Desktop" /v "MenuShowDelay"

How to undo it

In the app: Yes

Switching it off puts back exactly what was there before, value for value.

Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks. The app saved what each value was before the change and writes exactly that back, or removes the value if it did not exist.

Changing several settings at once? The app's Make a restore point button, on every plan, makes a Windows restore point before you start.

Verdict

A harmless feel-good setting.

Questions

What does the "Remove Menu Delay" tweak change in Windows?
In the registry it sets MenuShowDelay to 20 under HKCU\Control Panel\Desktop.
What is the default value of MenuShowDelay?
The Windows default of MenuShowDelay is 400. Frozen Tweaks sets it to 20, and switching the tweak off puts back the value you had before.
Is "Remove Menu Delay" safe to switch on?
A harmless feel-good setting. The main cost: With a very low value, submenus open when you merely pass over them. That is why the tweak uses 20 and not 0.
How do I undo it?
Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks. Switching it off puts back exactly what was there before, value for value.
Does it need a restart?
Yes, the change applies after signing out once.
Is "Remove Menu Delay" free in Frozen Tweaks?
Yes. It is one of the free tweaks, with no time limit.

In the app

Switch
Remove Menu Delay
Category
Windows
Plan
Free
Undo
Yes

See it in the catalog

More tweak explainers

Written by

Founder of Frozen Tweaks, based in Hamburg, Germany. Publishes settings guides for competitive games on his YouTube channel, Frost LIVE.

In the app

Category
Windows
Plan
Free
Undo
Yes

See it in the catalog

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58 tweaks free, each with an undo switch. Never edits game files.

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v2.0.0 · 6.4 MB · Windows 10 and 11, 64-bit · free account, no payment details

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