Microsoft has launched a major overhaul of the Windows 11 context menu, the one that appears when you right-click. After years of complaints about its slowness and the accumulation of unnecessary options, the company has decided to make a radical change. The goal is for this tool, one of the most frequently used on a daily basis, to respond quickly and adapt to each user's preferences.
In addition, File Explorer is also receiving significant improvements. Freezing and delays when renaming files or navigating between folders have been among the most criticized issues. Microsoft has thoroughly analyzed the causes and eliminated dozens of bottlenecks. This is all part of a broader plan to regain user trust, which has suffered due to poor design choices in the past.
A cleaner and more customizable context menu
The main new feature is the addition of the 'Customize menu' option at the bottom of the context menu. Clicking it opens a new section within the Settings app, under Personalization. From there, each user can decide which commands appear and which are hidden. For example, features like 'Send to', 'Create shortcut', or even 'Print'—which wasn't available in the modern menu—can be enabled or disabled. This customization capability has been one of the most requested features since the launch of Windows 11.
Furthermore, the layout of the basic commands has been simplified. Cut, Copy, Paste, Rename, Delete, and Share can now be displayed as a text list instead of a row of icons, as was the case in Windows 10. It's also possible to move the 'Properties' option to the bottom of the menu, bringing the experience closer to that of previous versions. Users nostalgic for the classic design will find this a welcome relief.
Extensions added by third-party applications can also be organized. You can choose whether they appear in the main menu, in a submenu, or are hidden completely. This reduces visual clutter and speeds up menu opening, as the system doesn't have to process as many options. Response time is noticeably improved on computers with a lot of software installed, making it ideal for those looking to perform a thorough bloatware cleanup in Windows 11.
Improvements to File Explorer
File Explorer has also received attention. The freezing issues when renaming files have been fixed, and changes to uppercase or lowercase letters are now reflected instantly. Background syncing no longer interrupts renaming operations. These fixes eliminate the annoying stuttering many users were experiencing.
The address bar now supports paths with quotation marks and double slashes. Additionally, you can open a folder in a new tab by middle-clicking, a feature previously available in web browsers that has now arrived in the file explorer. The Home tab remembers your last view , and file sizes are clearly displayed with their units (KB, MB, GB).
The details panel has been reorganized to make each file's properties easier to find. All of this contributes to a smoother and more predictable experience, something Microsoft knows is crucial for daily work. The company has admitted that small bugs are the ones that are most remembered.
Availability and progressive deployment
These new features are already available in the Windows Insider Program preview builds, specifically in the Dev and Beta channels. Microsoft is gathering user feedback to refine the details before the general release. There is no official release date yet , but it is expected to reach all users in the coming months, possibly with a cumulative update.
The classic Windows 10 context menu will remain available, but it cannot be set as the default. Microsoft wants the new design to be the standard, although it offers the option to revert to the previous layout for those who prefer it. This flexibility is a sign that the company is listening to its community.
With these improvements, Microsoft is demonstrating its willingness to listen to users. Customization and stability are now a priority, and the changes to the context menu and File Explorer are just the beginning. It remains to be seen how the system will evolve in the future, but the direction seems promising.
