Microsoft Tests a Faster, Customizable Right-Click Menu in Windows 11
Microsoft is testing a new File Explorer context menu for Windows 11 Insiders to address the cluttered and slow right-click experience. The company says the new design should feel faster, cleaner, and easier to change to suit work habits.
The new menu shows fewer options at the top, making it much easier to access commonly used actions. Microsoft says this should make right-clicking feel more responsive and, more importantly, predictable.
A new “Customize menu” option under Settings > Personalization opens a Context menu. From there, users can turn built-in commands like Send to, Create shortcut, Print, Copy as path, and Rotate image on or off individually.
The settings also let users control application extensions. They can keep extensions in the main menu, place them in a submenu, or hide the submenu completely.
Other layout settings can place known options like Cut, Copy, Rename, Share, and Delete directly in the menu. Users can also choose where Properties appears and retain access to Show more options.
Microsoft says Insider feedback will shape the final design. The update currently remains a preview, so its controls, appearance, and availability may change before a wider Windows 11 introduction, though Microsoft hasn’t announced a public release date yet.
The update is rolling out gradually through Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26340.9212 in the Experimental Channel, based on Windows 11 26H2. Some eligible Insiders might not see the changes immediately.
