Microsoft has announced upcoming changes to the right-click context menus in Windows 11, aiming to deliver a cleaner, faster, and more consistent user experience. The updated design will simplify access to frequently used commands and will also reduce visual clutter.
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Since the initial release of Windows 11, the simplified context menus have drawn criticism from users who found essential options hidden behind the “Show more options” entry. This design causes additional clicks and disrupted established workflows. Moreover, Microsoft made it hard to permanently disable the new menus and enable the legacy but full context menus. There is no GUI option for that.
In response, Microsoft is revising the structure of these menus to restore speed and accessibility without sacrificing modern aesthetics.
The Updated Right-click Menu
The new approach organizes related actions into submenus. For example, photo-editing commands in File Explorer will appear under a dedicated “Photos” submenu rather than occupying space in the primary menu. This nesting reduces the number of visible items at first glance and minimizes interface lag, especially on lower-performance systems.
Developer Support and Availability
These enhanced context menus will become available to developers through the upcoming Windows App SDK 2.0 exp3 release. Adoption by third-party applications will depend on developer implementation, but Microsoft expects the clearer structure to encourage broader use of the new APIs.
Context menus serve as a core element of user interaction in Windows, providing quick access to file operations, system tools, and app integrations. Inconsistent or overloaded menus can slow productivity and erode user confidence in the operating system.
By implementing logical grouping and simplifying menu presentation, Microsoft seeks to create a more predictable and reliable right-click experience across both built-in and third-party applications.
The redesigned context menus are currently available in Windows Insider builds and will roll out to general users in a future Windows 11 update. Microsoft continues active development on the feature, with the goal of delivering a more efficient and cohesive interface that meets the expectations of all user segments.
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